Cab Kaye

About

English-Ghanaian-Dutch jazz artist who became known for combining African and Ghanaian music with blues, bebop, stride, and scat.

Before Fame

He first played a timpani, which was taught to him by a Canadian soldier.

Trivia

His native land became Ghana on March 6, 1957, after it gained its independence. Kaye fully embraced the new republic and worked with the Ghana High Commission beginning in 1961, earning the nickname "Swinging Diplomat."

Family Life

He was born into a musical family; his father was a musician, band leader, pianist, and percussionist and his grandfather was an organist. Kaye's great-grandfather was an Asafo warrior drummer.

Associated With

His greatest influence was Billie Holiday.