Bill Robinson

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (May 25, 1878 ? November 25, 1949) was a pioneer and pre-eminent African-American tap dance performer.

Childhood and early career

Born Luther Robinson in Richmond, Virginia, his parents died when he was still an infant and he was raised by his grandmother. A child prodigy in dance, he was only a boy of nine when he ran away to Washington D.C. where he survived as a street performer. His extraordinary dancing skills eventually brought work in the city's clubs and taverns. Given the nickname "Bojangles," as a young adult he went on to perform at nightclubs and musical comedy venues in New York City before going on to Chicago.

Related Topics:
Richmond, Virginia - Washington D.C. - New York City - Chicago

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