Bill Robinson

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

Other Notable Performances

In 1939 Robinson returned to the New York stage to take on the lead role in "The Hot Mikado", a jazz version of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. The much-loved performer brought his show great publicity when in his sixties, he danced his way backwards down Broadway from Columbus Circle to 44th Street. Robinson had spoken out against being stereotyped by Hollywood and in 1942 he went back there to star opposite Lena Horne and Cab Calloway in the quality film musical, Stormy Weather.

Related Topics:
Gilbert and Sullivan - Broadway - Lena Horne - Cab Calloway - Stormy Weather

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