Bill Robinson

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, a pivotal figure in the evolution of tap dance, was born Luther Robinson on May 25, 1878, in Richmond, Virginia. Orphaned as an infant, he was raised by his grandmother and adopted his brother's name, Bill, when he embarked on a professional career. His brother, who adopted the name Percy, became a notable drummer. Robinson's journey in the performing arts began at the tender age of six, performing in beer gardens before transitioning to traveling companies and vaudeville shows during his teenage years. His innovative shuffle-tap style, characterized by dancing on the balls of his feet, captivated audiences and set him apart from his contemporaries.

Robinson frequently shared the stage with Cab Calloway at New York's legendary Cotton Club, where his distinctive sound, achieved with wooden taps, drew acclaim. He gained fame for his signature "stair dance," which involved intricate choreography on a flight of stairs. Following the decline of vaudeville, he seamlessly moved to Broadway, starring in Lew Leslie's all-black revue "Blackbirds of 1928," which showcased his extraordinary talent alongside other African American performers.

In the 1930s, Robinson made a successful transition to film, often cast in roles as a butler or servant during the Depression. He became a beloved co-star of Shirley Temple, appearing in four of her films, including "The Little Colonel" (1935) where he famously performed his "stair dance" alongside her. Despite battling a chronic heart condition, Robinson continued to showcase his talent, returning to the stage in "The Hot Mikado." He passed away in New York City in 1949 due to heart disease, leaving behind a legacy as a groundbreaking entertainer and a legend of American dance.