The Cats and the Fiddle was an African American singing group which formed in 1937 in Chicago and lasted until 1951, releasing more than 30 songs in that span of time. Their distinctive instrumentation included a bass, tenor guitar, ukulele and Martin tiple, another ukulele-family instrument. Their signature song "I Miss You So" has been covered by many artists.
Members
Over the course of years the Cats and the Fiddle experienced a large change over in its members. Below is a list of every person who was a member at some point.
The original members consisted of Jimmy Henderson, Ernie Price, Chuck Barksdale, and Austin Powell. They were first discovered in 1939 when they were spotted by Lester Melrose, a representative for Victor Records while performing in Chicago. They were signed to Bluebird Records and released their first single "Nuts To You" b/w "Killin' Jive" in August of that year. They were also featured in the film Going Places, singing the song "Jeepers Creepers" with Louis Armstrong. In 1940, their first real hit came with the song "I Miss You So", a mid-tempo ballad penned by Jimmy Henderson which was later redone by the Orioles at a slower tempo. At this time Jimmy Henderson died from meningitis and was replaced briefly by Herbie Mills in July 1940 until Tiny Grimes replaces him in January 1941. Shortly after, tragedy struck again and Chuck Barksdale died and was replaced by George Stienbeck. "I Miss You So" eventually became their best known song, it has been covered by many artists, like Paul Anka, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Charles Brown, Barry Young, Nat King Cole Trio, Tony Scotti, Earl Grant, Julie London, Connie Francis, Diana Krall, Jermaine Jackson, Kay Starr, Mel Carter, Charlie Rich, Mickey Gilley, Chris Connor, Etta Jones, and The Mills Brothers. In 1942, Grimes left the group and was replaced by Mifflin "Pee Wee" Branford for the spot of First Tenor. Due to the war they did not record anything in 1942 but continued to make appearance for the next two years even after Austin Powell was drafted in 1943. While serving his country he was replaced by Hank Haslett briefly before Herbie Mills returned to the group. The lack of recordings may also be due to the 1942-1944 musicians' union strike. In 1944, the Regis/Manor group of labels signed the Cats and the Fiddle where they re-recorded "I Miss You So" led by Ernie Price. Austin Powell then returned in 1946 to lead the group in "That's My Desire", which was later redone by the Channels in 1957. In 1947, Pee Wee Branford was replaced by Emmitt Slay briefly, until Johnny Davis took over the spot of First Tenor permanently. In 1948, a fifth member, Shirley Moore, was added to the group. Moore recorded four tracks with the group before being replaced by Doris Knighton. In 1950, the Cats And The Fiddle recorded "I'll Never, Never Let You Go" with Gotham Records and "Wine Drinker" with Decca Records. They disbanded in 1951 and Powell formed the Austin Powell Quintet, which consisted of former Cats And The Fiddle members Johnny Davis, Stanley Gaines, Doris Knighton, as well as Beryl Booker, and Dottie Smith. They recorded two singles, "Some Other Spring" b/w "All This Can't Be True" and "Wishing Well" b/w "Please Consider Me" with Decca before disbanding about a year later.
