Bill robinson family

William bojangles robinson biography wikipedia The entertainment community began to associate the stair dance exclusively with Robinson as the routine became a standard part of his performances in New York: Routledge. Kelly Chester Kelly Robinson. Both scenes with Robinson were cut from the final version of the movie, and the deleted scenes were only released in as part of a Fox DVD boxed set of Tyrone Power movies.

Bill Robinson

American dancer and actor
Date of Birth:
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Early Life and Childhood
  2. Dancing Career
  3. Partnership with Marty Forkins and Broadway Success
  4. Hollywood Films and Beyond
  5. Personal Life and Legacy
  6. Later Years and Death

Early Life and Childhood

Bill Robinson, also known as "Bojangles," was born on May 25, , in Richmond, Virginia.

His parents, Maxwell, a mill worker, and Maria, a choir singer, died when Robinson was young, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother. Robinson's childhood details are mostly shrouded in myth and legend, including his own claim that his birth name was Luther but he swapped it with his younger brother, initially named Bill.

Dancing Career

At the tender age of six, Robinson began earning money by dancing in clubs and saloons, showcasing his exceptional "hoofer" (tap dancer) skills.

Recognizing the potential for financial success, he dropped out of school and dedicated himself entirely to dancing. In , he joined the "Mayme Remington Troupe" and toured with them. In , he joined the vaudeville troupe "The South Before the War." Robinson's talents garnered attention, and by the early s, he was established as one of Broadway's top dancers.

Partnership with Marty Forkins and Broadway Success

In , a fateful encounter with Marty Forkins, who became Robinson's lifelong manager, marked a turning point in his career.

Forkins helped Robinson refine his skills and launch a successful solo career.

William bojangles robinson biography Robinson also made several recordings, including one in which he demonstrated each of his tap steps and their corresponding sounds. Selected discography [ edit ]. It was an unprecedented move-no other black performed solo on the vaudeville circuit at the time. In Toney helped Robinson to secure his first professional show business gig, in a musical revue called The South Before the War.

By , Robinson's nightclub earnings reached an impressive $3, per week.

His appearance in the Broadway musical "Blackbirds of ," featuring his renowned "Stair Dance," cemented his status as a star. Robinson was a captivating presence with his infectious charm and undeniable talent.

Hollywood Films and Beyond

Throughout the s and s, Robinson featured in numerous Hollywood films, including "Hello, Bill" (), "Dixiana" (), "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" (), and "Stormy Weather" ().

His performance in "One Mile from Heaven" () showcased his versatility, departing from the stereotypical roles he often played.

Personal Life and Legacy

Despite his significant financial success, Robinson faced challenges in his personal life. He married three times, but details of his marriages are scarce. Nonetheless, he was known for his infectious humor and generosity.

During World War I, he served in the 15th New York Infantry Regiment.

Later Years and Death

Robinson's earnings exceeded two million dollars over his lifetime, yet he died penniless at the age of 71 due to heart failure on November 25, Over 30, people attended his funeral in Harlem, and he was laid to rest at the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Brooklyn.

Robinson's contributions to dance and entertainment were recognized with induction into the National Museum of Dance C.V.

Whitney Hall of Fame in In , May 25th, his birthday, was designated as National Tap Dance Day. A sculpture of Bill Robinson stands in his hometown of Richmond, honoring his legacy as a master tap dancer and a cultural icon.