Catlett was born in Evansville, Indiana, United States,[1] and at an early age he was instructed in the rudiments of piano and drums, under the tutelage of a music teacher hired by his mother.

[1] When he and his family relocated to Chicago, Catlett received his first drum kit, and immersed himself in the diverse styles and techniques of Zutty Singleton, Warren "Baby" Dodds, and Jimmy Bertrand, among others.

[2] In 1928, Catlett began playing with violinist and clarinet player Darnell Howard, before joining pianist Sammy Stewart's Orchestra in New York City, and making appearances at the Savoy Ballroom.

[3] Catlett participated in the Gillespie-Charlie Parker segment of a New Jazz Foundation June 1945 concert at New York's Town Hall; a recording surfaced in 2005.

In that same year, he died of a heart attack while visiting friends backstage at a Hot Lips Page benefit concert in Chicago, Illinois.

He implied more than he stated... yet he controlled every performance... His taste was faultless, his time was perfect..., and the sound he got on his drums was handsome, careful, and rich.

"[9] At the same time, Catlett injected a great deal of variety into his accompaniments, altering his accents in unexpected ways, and deriving a wide range of sounds from the drums.

[10] Catlett's solos were known for giving the appearance of being highly structured, involving thematic variation and embellishment, and for the use of sudden, unexpected silences and a wide range of dynamics.

[11] A wide range of drummers, including Louie Bellson,[12] Buddy Rich,[13] Shelly Manne,[14] Han Bennink,[15][16] and Kenny Washington,[17] have acknowledged Catlett's influence.

"[19] Roach paid tribute to Catlett with his tune "For Big Sid," recorded on the album Drums Unlimited.