By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
Camay Calloway Murphy, jazz singer, educator and daughter of the legendary bandleader Cab Calloway, passed away at age 94 on Nov. 12. Known for her unwavering commitment to education, the arts and her community, Murphy was a force of nature in her own right. She dedicated her life to keeping her father’s musical legacy alive while also carving her own path as an advocate for the transformative power of the arts in education. Her impact spans generations and remains deeply woven into the fabric of Baltimore and beyond.
Camay Calloway Murphy beams with pride after taking the hand of John H. Murphy III in holy matrimony on Feb. 17, 1980. The two are pictured here at their reception, held at the Engineers Club on Mt. Vernon Place, after a noon wedding ceremony at St. James Episcopal Church on Arlington Ave. (Photo: AFRO Archives)
“My mom did everything right,” Peter Brooks, son of the late Callaway Murphy, told the AFRO. “All the people that she came in contact with were better people because of her. She gave until her last day and executed her exit plan perfectly.”
Born in 1930, Murphy grew up in the vibrant, jazz-infused world her father inhabited. Cab Calloway, a star of the Harlem Renaissance, was famous for his showmanship and unforgettable performances, including the classic tunes “Minnie the Moocher” and “Hi De Ho.”
From a young age, Murphy was immersed in the sounds and rhythms of jazz, surrounded by the era’s musical greats. Inspired by her father’s passion and artistry, she embraced her own musical gifts, developing a warm, soulful voice and a stage presence that carried echoes of her father’s charisma and energy. She quickly became known for her heartfelt renditions of jazz standards, captivating audiences with a style that was both an homage to her father and uniquely her own.
But Murphy’s talents extended well beyond the stage. She was deeply committed to making arts education accessible and meaningful, particularly for Black communities. As one of the first Black principals in Baltimore’s public schools, Murphy broke down racial barriers and set new standards for arts-focused education. She championed the inclusion of music and cultural history in classrooms, recognizing the arts as a tool for self-expression and cultural pride. Her programs and initiatives introduced countless students to jazz, opening doors for them to explore their heritage and find inspiration through music.
Camay Calloway Murphy, then chairperson of the Eubie Blake Center board, accepts a donation from Mike Hopcraft, of the Baltimore Ravens Foundation board, at the Ravens Stadium on Dec. 11, 1999. The donation went towards banners to identify the future home of the Eubie Blake Center at 847 Howard Street, and programming to link together the arts community, Baltimore City youth and Raven’s football. (Photo: AFRO Archives)
In addition to her contributions in education, Murphy was a dedicated cultural preservationist. She founded the Cab Calloway Jazz Institute and Museum, which became both a tribute to her father and an invaluable educational resource. Through the institute, young people could learn about jazz’s roots in African American history, understand its role in American culture, and appreciate the contributions of Black artists in shaping modern music.
Murphy was also a relentless advocate for preserving Baltimore’s historic landmarks connected to her father and jazz history. She worked to protect Cab Calloway’s childhood home, raising awareness about the significance of these sites as symbols of African American heritage. Her efforts highlighted the importance of safeguarding cultural history so that future generations can continue to connect with the past.
Camay Calloway Murphy’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched—through the students she inspired, the audiences she moved, and the heritage she preserved. She stood at the intersection of music and education, carrying her father’s spirit forward while leaving her own mark on the world.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but her vision, dedication and contributions will continue to resonate for years to come.
