Cats and the Fiddle

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 signature song "I Miss You So" has been covered by many artists.

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 (First Tenor), Ernie Price (Second Tenor), Chuck Barksdale (Bass), and Austin Powell (Lead Singer). 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 (a former member of the Harlem Harmony Hounds along with Austin Powell) 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" (written by Bertha Scott, Jimmy Henderson and Sid Robin) eventually became their best known song, it has been covered by many artists, like Paul Anka (1959 single release), Little Anthony and the Imperials (1965 single release), Charles Brown, Barry Young, Nat King Cole Trio, Tony Scotti, Earl Grant, Julie London (on Love Letters), Connie Francis, Diana Krall (on Love Scenes), Jermaine Jackson, Kay Starr (on Losers, Weepers), Mel Carter, Charlie Rich, Mickey Gilley, Chris Connor, Etta Jones (on Lonely and Blue), and The Mills Brothers.

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