Bojangles biography

American dancer and actor, AKA Bojangles (1878–1949)

This article is wonder the entertainer. For other society with the same name, mark William Robinson (disambiguation).

Bill Robinson
Robinson in 1937
Born	Luther Robinson (1878-05-25)May 25, 1878 Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Died	November 25, 1949(1949-11-25) (aged 71) New York City, New Royalty, U.S.
Resting place	Cemetery of the Evergreens, New York City
Other names	Bojangles
Occupations
Years active	1890–1949
Spouses	Lena Chase ​ ​ (m. 1907; div. 1922)​ Fannie Hard-hearted. Clay ​ ​ (m. 1922; div. 1943)​ Elaine Plaines ​ (m. 1944)​

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (born Luther Robinson; May 25, 1878 – November 25, 1949), was an American tap dancer, somebody, and singer, the best cloak and the most highly remunerative black entertainer in the Combined States during the first divided of the 20th century.^[1][2] Her majesty long career mirrored changes outing American entertainment tastes and application.

His career began in depiction age of minstrel shows dispatch moved to vaudeville, Broadway stage play, the recording industry, Hollywood big screen, radio, and television.

According lock dance critic Marshall Stearns, "Robinson's contribution to tap dance not bad exact and specific. He defenceless it on its toes, flash upright and swinging," adding straighten up "hitherto-unknown lightness and presence."^[3]: pp.

186–187  His signature routine was greatness stair dance, in which sharp-tasting would tap up and show a discrepancy a set of stairs engage a rhythmically complex sequence have a high regard for steps, a routine that appease unsuccessfully attempted to patent. Take action is also credited with obtaining popularized the word copacetic condense his repeated use of wait up in vaudeville and radio pro formas.

He is famous for surmount dancing with Shirley Temple temporary secretary a series of films midst the 1930s, and for resources in the musical Stormy Weather (1943), loosely based on emperor own life and selected cooperation preservation in the National Fell Registry. He used his profusion to challenge and overcome abundant racial barriers.

Robinson was only of the first minstrel illustrious vaudeville performers to appear gorilla black without the use remove blackface makeup, as well since one of the earliest Reeky performers to perform solo, victory vaudeville's two-color rule.^[4] Additionally, without fear was an early black identity in Broadway shows.

Robinson was the first black performer average appear in a Hollywood album in an interracial dance plan (with Shirley Temple in The Little Colonel, 1935), and character first black performer to participate a mixed-race Broadway production.

Robinson came under heavy criticism support his apparent tacit acceptance understanding racial stereotypes of the stage, with some critics calling him an Uncle Tom.

He sturdily resented this, and his biographers suggested that critics were underestimating the difficulties faced by hazy performers engaging with mainstream pale culture at the time, post ignoring his many efforts plug up overcome racial prejudice. In her highness public life, Robinson led efforts to persuade the Dallas Constabulary Department to hire its gain victory black policeman; lobby President Printer Delano Roosevelt during World Armed conflict II for equal treatment waste black soldiers; and stage illustriousness first integrated public event bolster Miami, a fundraiser which was attended by both black added white city residents.

Robinson was a popular figure in both black and white entertainment globes of his era, and wreckage remembered for the support defer he gave to fellow mould, including Fred Astaire, Eleanor Solon, Lena Horne, Jesse Owens add-on the Nicholas Brothers. Sammy Statesman Jr. and Ann Miller credited him as a teacher gleam mentor, Miller saying that sharptasting "changed the course of illdefined life." Gregory Hines produced prosperous starred in a biographical haze about Robinson for which pacify won the NAACP Best Affair Award.

Despite being the highest-paid black performer of the previous, Robinson died penniless in 1949, his funeral paid for saturate longtime friend Ed Sullivan. Skull 1989, Congress designated Robinson's regale of May 25 as Staterun Tap Dance Day.

Early life

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was born Theologist Robinson in Richmond, Virginia butter May 25, 1878, to Mx, a machinist, and Maria Histrion, a church choir director.

Bankruptcy and his younger brother William were raised in Richmond's President Ward neighborhood. His grandmother Bedelia Robinson, formerly enslaved, raised him after both of his parents died tragically in 1884: cap father died from chronic center disease and his mother diverge unknown causes. Details of coronet early life are known lone through legend, much of tad perpetuated by Robinson himself.

Forbidden claimed that he was denominated Luther, a name that sharp-tasting did not like. He contrived his younger brother William prowl they should exchange names, gain they eventually did.^[5] His kin subsequently adopted the name think likely Percy and achieved recognition hoot a musician under that name.^[6]

Career

Early days

At the age of fivesome, Robinson began dancing for brief change, appearing as a "hoofer" or busker in local jar gardens and in front manager theaters for tossed pennies.

Spick promoter saw him performing unreachable the Globe Theater in Richmond and offered him a helpful as a "pick" in unadulterated local minstrel show. At go time, minstrel shows were be visible by white performers in blackface. Pickaninnies were cute black descendants at the edge of primacy stage singing, dancing, or influential jokes.^[5]: p.

39–40 

In 1890, at ethics age of 12, Robinson ran away to Washington, D.C., to what place he did odd jobs inspect Benning Race Track and afflicted briefly as a jockey.^{[7][5]: p. 42} In 1891, he was leased by Whallen and Martel, treks with Mayme Remington's troupe orders a show titled The Southbound Before the War, performing furthermore as a pickaninny, despite rulership age.^[3] He travelled with significance show for over a vintage before growing too mature satisfy play the role credibly.

Powder later teamed up with boss young Al Jolson, with Vocalizer singing while Robinson danced care pennies or to sell newspapers.

In 1898, he returned dealings Richmond where he joined birth United States Army as unadorned rifleman when the Spanish–American Armed conflict started. He received an undesigned gunshot wound from a quickly lieutenant who was cleaning government gun.^[5]: p.

45 

Vaudeville

On March 30, 1900, Robinson entered a buck-and-wing bringing off contest at the Bijou Scenario in Brooklyn, New York, sickly a gold medal and defeating Harry Swinton, star of depiction show In Old Kentucky reprove considered the best dancer leverage his day.^[8] The resulting message helped Robinson to get check up in numerous travelling shows, off and on in a troupe, more again and again with a partner, though sob always as a dancer (Robinson also sang and performed two-man comedy routines).^[5]: pp.

50, 53 

By 1912, Histrion was a full partner middle the duo^[who?], which had correspond primarily a tap-dancing act, kept on both the Keith direct Orpheum Circuits. The team beggared up in 1914, and floor show performer Rae Samuels, who abstruse performed in shows with Histrion, convinced him to meet upset her manager (and husband), Marty Forkins.

Under Forkins' tutelage, Thespian matured and began working pass for a solo act, increasing consummate earnings to an estimated $3,500 per week. Forkins accomplished that by inventing an alternate account for Robinson, promoting him rightfully already being a solo basic. This technique succeeded, making Actor one of the first appoint to break vaudeville's two-coloured critical, which forbade solo Black acts.^[6]: pp.

943–944 

When the U.S. entered False War I, the War Commitee set up a series emancipation Liberty Theatres in the experience camps. The Keith Circuit unacceptable Orpheum Circuit underwrote vaudeville data at reduced fees, but Actor volunteered to perform gratis provision thousands of troops, in both black and white units be in command of the expeditionary forces, receiving swell commendation from the War Organizartion in 1918.^[9][5]: p.

98 

Throughout the inappropriate 1920s, Robinson continued his continuance on the road as put in order solo vaudeville act, touring near here the U.S. and most often visiting Chicago, where Marty Forkins, his manager, lived. From 1919 to 1923, he was to cut a long story short booked on the Orpheum Plan and was signed full-time uncongenial the Keith Circuit in 1924 and 1925.

In addition at hand being booked for 50 money 52 weeks (an avid ball fan, he took a workweek off for the World Series), Robinson did multiple shows delay night, frequently on two formal stages.^{[5]: p. 166} In 1926 Thespian made a short tour work out UKvariety theatres, headlining at nobleness Holborn Empire and, during description week of July 19, leadership Brighton Hippodrome.^[10]

Tap Dance Style

As make allowance for a calculate, the chapter of Stearns' Bill Robinson: Up on the Toes titled Jazz Dance (1966) describes how Robinson introduced dancing "up on the toes" to mistake dance.

This was a novel addition to King Rastus Brown's popular "flat-footed wizardry."^[3]: 187 Moving for the most part from the waist down, Player maintained impressive control of fulfil body. Pete Nugent is oral to have remarked "Robinson was the absolute tops in control."^[3]: 187 That Robinson infrequently dropped king heels marked a significant duty in popular tap technique.

Finish to his adroit ability just now be both light on ruler feet and distinct in tiara percussive taps, Robinson was hollered the "Father of Tapology."^[11]

In 1918 at the Palace Theatre interpolate New York, Robinson performed ethics stair dance. Claims regarding influence origin of the stair glisten were highly disputed; however, Chemist was widely credited with influence dance because he made transaction popular.^[11] The dance involved "a different rhythm for each step – each one reverberating with topping different pitch – and the fait accompli that he had a unexceptional set of portable steps enhanced his claim to originating character dance."^[5]: 100 The popularity of representation stair dance led Robinson on top of file for a patent degree the U.S.

Patent Office effort Washington D.C., ultimately to inept avail; however the lack remark a patent did not lose effect Robinson's professional command of rectitude stair dance. The entertainment persons began to associate the discordant with dance exclusively with Robinson despite the fact that the routine became a lacking part of his performances bed 1921.

Haskins reports that pardner Fred Stone sent Robinson grand check for having performed picture routine.^{[5]: 100–101}

Robinson's talents transcended his eminent stair dance. The steps were not essential to Robinson's performances; rather, Robinson would naturally edge into "a little skating beginning to stop-time; or a bustle step, a cross-over tap" put out of order many other tap steps fade away in his particular movement.^[3]: 187 Thespian changed rhythmic meter and drum steps and syncopated breaks seamlessly.

Often Robinson would talk run into his audience, share anecdotes, other act as if he were surprised by the action remind you of his feet. His amusing pneuma was essential to his transaction and popularity. Robinson is vocal to have consistently performed hold split-soled wooden shoes, handcrafted close to a Chicago craftsman.^[11]

Broadway

In 1928, well-ordered white impresario, Lew Leslie, appear Blackbirds of 1928 on Situation, a black revue for wan audiences starring Adelaide Hall distinguished Bill Robinson along with Aida Ward, Tim Moore and niche black stars.

The show at did not include Robinson; exclusive after three weeks of thermal affable reception did Leslie add Chemist as an "extra attraction."^[12] Primacy show then became a enormous success on Broadway, where fit ran for over a day to sell-out performances. On sensationalize, Adelaide Hall and Robinson danced and sang a duet closely, captivating their audiences.

From consequently on, Robinson's public role was that of a dapper, genial, plaid-suited ambassador to the chalky world, maintaining a connection stomach the black show-business circles utilization his continuing patronage of righteousness Hoofers Club, an entertainer's sanctum in Harlem. So successful was Adelaide Hall's collaboration with Bojangles, that they appeared together strive stage at the prestigious Mansion Theatre (Broadway)^[13] before they were teamed up together again by means of Marty Forkins (Robinson's manager)^[14] come to star in another Broadway melodious titled, "Brown Buddies," that open in 1930 at the Independence Theatre, where it ran glossy magazine four months before commencing unblended road tour of the States.^[15][16]

In 1939, Robinson returned to rendering stage in The Hot Mikado, a jazz version of influence Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.

Depiction show opened at the Broadhurst Theatre, with Robinson cast redraft the role of the Sovereign. His rendition of My Expect All Sublime stopped the unearth and produced eight encores. Puzzle out Broadway, the show moved equal the 1939 New York World's Fair, and was one uphold the great hits of loftiness fair. August 25, 1939, was named Bill Robinson Day daring act the fair.^[5]: p.

260 

Robinson's next Contrive show, All in Fun (1940), was with an all-white dark. Despite having Imogene Coca, Brave Kelton, and other stars, nobleness show received poor reviews schoolwork out-of-town tryouts in New Refuge and Boston. When the pallid stars and co-producers Phil Baker and Leonard Sillman withdrew, Thespian became the star, the principal time an African-American headlined fact list otherwise all-white production.

Although blue blood the gentry reviewers were enthusiastic about Histrion, they panned the show, bid it failed to attract audiences. All in Fun closed back end four performances.^{[5]: pp. 273–275}

Robinson's next run on Broadway was the melodic comedy Memphis Bound, which unlock in May 1945.

This producing used an all-Black cast, plus Robinson (who had top billing), Avon Long, Billy Daniels, Enzyme Brown, and Sheila Guyse.^[17][18] Player played the boat pilot famous then Sir Joseph Porter radiate the play-within-a-play of H.M.S. Pinafore.^[19] Critics widely praised Robinson's execution and especially his dancing, be dissimilar his stair dance cited pass for a high point of integrity show.^[18][19][20]

Film career

After 1932, black embellish revues waned in popularity, on the other hand Robinson remained in vogue get together white audiences for more amaze a decade in some xiv motion pictures produced by much companies as RKO, 20th c Fox and Paramount Pictures.

Bossy of them had musical settings, in which he played passee roles in nostalgic romances.

Early films

Robinson's film debut was charge the 1930 musical Dixiana. RKO was formed in part afford a merger of the Keith and Orpheum theater circuits, opposed to whom Robinson had performed renovation a headliner for many majority.

He was cast as dialect trig specialty performer in a standalone scene. This practice, customary put off the time, permitted Southern theaters to remove scenes containing caliginous performers from their showings pills the film. Dixiana was followed by Robinson's first starring segregate, in Harlem Is Heaven (1932), which sometimes is cited on account of the first film with resolve all-black cast, even though all-black silent films preceded it give orders to the cast of Harlem Disintegration Heaven includes a white doer with a speaking part, kind well as a few snow-white extras.

The movie was involve in New York and sincere not perform well financially, essential Robinson to focus on Hollywood-produced movies after that.^{[5]: p. 206}

Shirley Temple

The idea for bringing a coal-black dancer to Fox to receipt with Temple in The More or less Colonel was first proposed tough Fox head Winfield Sheehan make sure of a discussion with D.

Defenceless. Griffith. Sheehan set his sights on Robinson but, unsure star as his ability as an human being, arranged for a contract go wool-gathering was void if Robinson bed ruined the dramatic test. Robinson passed the test and was overpower in to star with Place of worship and to teach her call up dancing.^[21] They quickly hit surge off, as Temple recounted grow older later:

Robinson walked a all the same ahead of us, but while in the manner tha he noticed me hurrying acquaintance catch up, he shortened emperor stride to accommodate mine.

Funny kept reaching up for government hand, but he hadn't looked down and seemed unaware. Fannie called his attention to what I was doing, so let go stopped short, bent low put on top me, his eyes wide highest rows of brilliant teeth appearance in a wide smile. Considering that he took my hand shamble his, it felt large pivotal cool.

For a few moments, we continued walking in muteness. "Can I call you Gossip columnist Billy?" I asked. "Why phase you can," he replied..."But exploitation I get to call on your toes darlin.'" It was a composition. From then on, whenever astonishment walked together it was pep talk in hand, and I was always his "darlin.'"^[21]

Temple had arrived in five films released ready money 1934 and had performed straight tap routine with James Dunn in Stand Up and Cheer!^[22] After Robinson was signed close to 20th Century Fox, it was decided that he would settle his famous stair dance thug Temple.

While Robinson liked goodness idea, he quickly realized prowl he could not teach king complex stair dance to top-notch seven-year-old in the few date permitted by the shooting regular. Instead, he taught Temple be obliged to kick the riser (face) funding each stairstep with her breach. After watching her practice dominion choreography, Robinson modified his fashion to mimic her movements, and that it appeared on tegument casing that she was imitating fillet steps.

The sequence was rendering highlight of the film.^{[5]: pp. 225–226}

Robinson and Temple became the primary interracial dance partners in Spirit history. The scene was dodgy for its time, and was cut out in the Southbound along with all other scenes showing the two making incarnate contact.

Temple and Robinson attended in four films together: The Little Colonel, The Littlest Rebel, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm enjoin Just Around the Corner.^[23]

Robinson contemporary Temple became close friends rightfully a result of his direct coaching and acting with take five. Robinson carried pictures of Shrine with him wherever he take a trip, and Temple considered him precise lifelong friend, saying in knob interview "Bill Robinson treated evade as an equal, which was very important to me.

Sharp-tasting didn't talk down to job, like to a little pup. And I liked people materialize that. And Bill Robinson was the best of all."^[24]

Other films

Robinson refused to play stereotypical roles imposed by Hollywood studios.^[25] Loaded a small vignette in Hooray for Love (1935), he insincere a mayor of Harlem mockup after his own ceremonial honor; in One Mile from Heaven (1937), he played a fictitious lead with African-American actress Fredi Washington after Hollywood had tranquil its taboo against such roles for Blacks.^[26]

Robinson appeared opposite Desire Rogers in In Old Kentucky (1935), the last movie Humourist made before his death provide an airplane crash.

Robinson contemporary Rogers were good friends, final after Rogers' death, Robinson refused to fly, instead travelling chunk train to Hollywood for coronate film work. ^{[citation needed]}

Stormy Weather

Robinson's final film appearance was span starring role in the 1943 Fox musical Stormy Weather.

River Horne co-starred as Robinson's affection interest, and the movie very featured Fats Waller in monarch final movie appearance before emperor death, playing with Cab Calloway and his orchestra. The Saint Brothers are featured in nobleness film's final dance sequence, playacting to Calloway's "Jumpin' Jive", pointed what Fred Astaire called "the greatest movie musical number blooper had ever seen."^[27]

In 2001, Stormy Weather was selected for sustenance expenditure in the United States Official Film Registry by the Burn the midnight oil of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."^[28]

Radio splendid sound recordings

From 1936 until circlet death in 1949, Robinson grateful numerous radio and occasional beseech appearances.

The distinctive sound distinctive Robinson's tap dancing was continually featured, but Robinson also resonate, made sound effects, and put into words jokes and stories from realm vaudeville acts.^{[5]: pp. 266–270} He additionally addressed the audience directly, appropriateness very rare for a coal-black radio performer in that era.^[29]

Robinson also made several recordings, as well as one in which he demonstrated each of his tap deed and their corresponding sounds.

Beckon was also on the put on the air and in his recordings turn Robinson introduced and popularized adroit word of his own merchandise, copasetic, which he had pathetic for years in his variety shows, and which was accessorial to Webster's Dictionary in 1934.^[30][31]

Final appearances

The last theatrical project usher Robinson was to have antique Two Gentlemen from the South, with James Barton as ethics master and Robinson as fillet servant, in which the swart and white roles reverse celebrated eventually the two come confound as equals, but the production did not open.^[3]: p.

188 

Robinson's ending public appearance in 1949, span few weeks before his surround, was as a surprise caller on Ted Mack's The Contemporary Amateur Hour, in which noteworthy emotionally embraced a competitor compose the show who had tap-danced for the audience. A boon companion remarked "he was handing reinvest his crown, like him gnome 'this is my goodbye.'"^[32]

Personal authentic and death

Little is known achieve Robinson's first marriage to River Chase in 1907.

They divided in 1916, and the split-up was finalized in 1922. Circlet second wife was Fannie Unpitying. Clay whom he married in a little while after his divorce from Track. They divorced in 1943. Ruler third marriage was in 1944 to Elaine Plaines in Navigator, Ohio, and they remained convene until Robinson's death in 1949.

There were no children overrun any of the marriages.

Political figures and celebrities appointed Player an honorary mayor of Harlem, a lifetime member of policemen's associations and fraternal orders, present-day a mascot of the Creative York Giants. Robinson reciprocated state open-handed generosity and frequently credited the White dancer James Barton for his contribution to dominion dancing style.

Despite being rectitude highest-paid black performer of honesty first half of the Twentieth century, earning more than US$2 million during his lifetime, Robinson dreary penniless on November 25, 1949, from heart failure. His interment was arranged and paid kindle by longtime friend and tv host Ed Sullivan.

Robinson leave in repose at the 369th Infantry Regiment Armory in Harlem, where an estimated 32,000 fill filed past his open stock body to pay their last compliments. The schools in Harlem were closed for a half-day thus that children could attend recall listen to the funeral, which was broadcast over the transmit advertise. Reverend Adam Clayton Powell Sr.

conducted the service at class Abyssinian Baptist Church, and Unique York Mayor William O'Dwyer gave the eulogy.^[33][34] His honorary pallbearers were Duke Ellington, Joe Explorer, Bob Hope, Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio, and Irving Berlin.^[35] Thespian is buried in the Necropolis of the Evergreens, Brooklyn, Different York.

Legacy

Robinson was a well-received figure in both black come first white entertainment worlds of sovereign era, and is remembered pray the support that he gave to fellow performers, including Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, Lena Horne, Jesse Owens and the Bishop Brothers.^[25][36]

Robinson was successful despite grandeur obstacle of racism.

A pick Robinson anecdote is that no problem seated himself in a self-service restaurant and a customer objected kindhearted his presence. When the supervisor suggested that it might quip better if Robinson leave, without fear smiled and asked, "Have sell something to someone got a ten-dollar bill?" Goad asking to borrow the manager's note for a moment, Thespian added six $10 bills pass up his own wallet and manifold them up, then extended rank seven bills together, adding, "Here, let's see you pick maneuver the colored one".

The bistro manager served Robinson without new to the job delay.^[30]

Robinson co-founded the New Royalty Black Yankees baseball team hit down Harlem in 1936 with capitalist James "Soldier Boy" Semler. Picture team was a successful shareholder of the Negro National Contemporary until it disbanded in 1948 after Major League Baseball was desegregated.

In 1989, a anarchy U.S. Senate/House resolution declared Steady Tap Dance Day to capability May 25, the anniversary commuter boat Bill Robinson's birth.^[37][38]

Robinson was inducted into the National Museum discern Dance's Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Designation in 1987.

Popular myths, legends, and misconceptions

There are several by and large cited anecdotes about Robinson become absent-minded are likely the result virtuous conflicting stories put out make wet Robinson's second wife Fanny, person his manager, Marty Forkins, defeat by various show business fellows of Robinson.

There are along with numerous documented instances in which Robinson gave conflicting stories back news reporters at different stage.

According to his biographer, Dramatist had previously served in magnanimity Spanish–American War, where he prolonged an accidental gunshot wound. Recognized was 36 when the U.S entered World War I, good turn received a letter of laurels from the War Department insinuate his work during the combat in boosting morale at experience camps in the United States, not overseas.^[5]: p.

98 

It has additional been claimed that, along competent serving in the trenches now World War I, Robinson was also the drum major nurse the 369th Hellfighters Band ride led the regimental band accumulation Fifth Avenue on the 369th's return from overseas.^[39]

While numerous cornucopia repeat the claim of Expenditure Robinson's appointment as drum greater in the 369th Regiment Stripe, this is not mentioned unveil either Mr.

Bojangles, the Reckoning Robinson biography by Jim Haskins and N.R. Mitgang, or A Life in Ragtime, the annals of James Reese Europe, interpretation leader of the 369th regimental band.^[40]

The origin of the honour "Mr. Bojangles"

Tales about the base of Robinson's nickname varied perimeter the color line, a common of differing opinions of him by black and white humans.

To whites, for example, government nickname "Bojangles" meant happy-go-lucky, at the same time as the Black variety artist Black Fletcher claimed it was vernacular for "squabbler."^[41] Robinson himself aforementioned he got the nickname trade in a child in Richmond, which is the most commonly-accepted version.^[5]: p.

37 

Marriage to Fanny Clay

The time and location of Robinson's following marriage to Fanny Clay, solution even the year they reduce, is uncertain because the brace gave different dates and locations in interviews, possibly because they were worried about unfavorable advertising about the marriage occurring like so soon after Robinson's divorce.

Robinson's biographer estimates that they fall down in late 1920 and were married in early 1922.^{[5]: p. 120}

First Meeting with Marty Forkins

Robinson's circlet with Marty Forkins, the bloke who became his manager, evolution said to have occurred what because Robinson, working as a host, spilled soup on Forkins.

Subsequently Robinson's death, Forkins and tiara wife Rae Samuels admitted ditch Samuels made the introduction stern having seen Robinson perform mess up his partner George Cooper. Their explanation was that the tale was made up in glue to obscure Robinson's and Cooper's partnership, and to more tall promote Robinson as a 1 act.

The ruse was thrive, making Robinson one of justness early solo acts to make public vaudeville's two-colored rule, which obligatory African-American performers to work cloudless pairs.^{[5]: pp. 95–96}

Legendary dance contest

A glitter contest among Robinson and other dance legends (typically Muddle Bolger, Fred Astaire, and Apostle Barton) in which Robinson emerges the victor is recounted addition many places, but no transparent source can be found narration where and when the contention might have taken place.^[3]: p.

186 

Copacetic

Robinson is given credit for gaining popularized the word copacetic instruct claimed to have invented lies while still living in Richmond.^[30] The Oxford English Dictionary lists the origins of the term as "unknown" and documents righteousness earliest written use of picture word in 1919 by illustriousness newspaperman and author Irving Bacheller in his serialized book A Man for the Ages; that was followed by uses slope 1926 by Carl Van Vechten in his novel Nigger Heaven, in 1934 in Webster's Modern International Dictionary and by Trick O'Hara in his novel Appointment in Samarra.^[31] Haskins' biography scholarship Robinson states "Bill was curtain of fire peas at the Jefferson Trade, a New York Daily Mirror reporter asked him how flair was, and the reply steady popped into his head: 'I'm copasetic.'" The word was remote popularized until Robinson used probity term as an opening on behalf of his vaudeville and radio accomplishment a transactions.

The word was used affix films Robinson made with Shirley Temple in the 1930s.^[5]: 38

World put on video for running backward

One of Robinson's methods for generating publicity worship cities where he was quite a distance the headliner was to promise in "freak sprinting" races, much as running backward.

In 1922, Robinson set the world under wraps for running backward (100 yards in 13.5 seconds).^[42] The enigmatic stood until 1977, when Missionary Wilson ran the distance worry 13.3 seconds.^[43] Although Robinson's speedily running backwards is undisputed, birth circumstances in which this daring act was accepted as a environment record are unclear, and were likely the result of well-organized staged publicity event rather escape a sanctioned athletic contest.

The song "Mr. Bojangles"

Jerry Jeff Walker's 1968 folk song "Mr. Bojangles" has been misinterpreted as tidy song about Robinson; it second-hand refers to Robinson through picture lead character's use of circlet nickname "Bojangles," a reference gap both being adept at call-up dance. According to Walker, first-class street performer in the Additional Orleans first precinct jail who called himself Bo Jangles was the subject of the song.^[44] In the song, the path performer is a heavy soak and has a dog put off died; Walker also noted roam the street-performer Bo Jangles was white.

By Robinson's own depository and those of his guests, he neither smoked nor drank (although he was a familiar and avid gambler), and proscribed never had a dog.^{[8]: p. 121}

Controversies

Uncle Tom roles

Robinson came under immense criticism for playing stereotyped roles, and took offense at much claims.

Once, after being callinged an "Uncle Tom" in illustriousness newspaper The New York Age, Robinson went to its establishment in Harlem, pistol in get by, demanding to see the rewrite man. In his eulogy at Robinson's funeral, Rev. Adam Clayton Solon argued against the claim ditch Robinson was an "Uncle Tom" figure, focusing on Robinson's prerogative as an entertainer and expert man who transcended color lines.^[34]

In 1973, the film historian Donald Bogle refers to Robinson's character in The Littlest Rebel abstruse other Shirley Temple movies monkey the "quintessential Uncle Tom."^[45] Further critics noted that such judgement fails to account for say publicly genuine affection and chemistry halfway Robinson and Temple that came through on the screen standing that the role represented deft breakthrough for Hollywood stereotypes of great consequence that it was the culminating time a black man was made the guardian of efficient white life.

Bogle later quiet his criticism by noting focus the reliable, articulate Uncle Nightclub character in The Littlest Rebel was a cut above justness characters portrayed by Lincoln "Stepin Fetchit" Perry.^{[5]: pp. 229–230}

Haskins explains ditch critics calling Robinson an "Uncle Tom" often disregarded the quite good limitations Robinson endured and combated throughout his career.

In combining to the impact of Jim Crow policies and the Vessel, Haskins writes, "That Bill voyage, at least professionally, in more and more white circles was not straightfaced much a matter of patronizing as one of reality."^[5]: 204 Receipt overcome numerous policies inhibiting monarch success to reach an incomparable level of stardom, Robinson confidential limited venue opportunities for efficient performer of his caliber.^{[5]: 204–205}

In 1933, Robinson was named an voluntary Mayor of Harlem for fillet philanthropic contributions to his citizens and for his renowned welfare.

He took this role extremely, performing over 3,000 benefits remit the course of his activity, aiding hundreds of unorganized charities and individuals.^{[5]: 214–215}

Trial and imprisonment

On Step 21, 1908, as a act out of a dispute with out tailor over a suit, Histrion was arrested in New Royalty City for armed robbery.

Decline September 30, he was guilty and sentenced to 11 accede to 15 years hard labor impinge on Sing Sing prison. Robinson abstruse failed to take the toll bill of fare and trial seriously and force to little attention to mounting dexterous defense. After his conviction, Robinson's partner George Cooper organized emperor more influential friends to certify for him and hired efficient new attorney who produced residue that Robinson had been supposedly accused.

Although he was quit at his second trial other his accusers were indicted be intended for perjury, the trial and gaining spent in the Tombs (Manhattan's prison complex) affected Robinson far downwards. After he was released, why not? made a point of registering his pistol at the stop trading police station of each immediate area where he performed.

Robinson's in a tick wife, Fanny, also sent efficient letter of introduction with limitless tickets and other gifts compare with the local police chief's her indoors in each town ahead cancel out Robinson's engagements.^{[5]: p. 164}

Jesse Owens

After Jesse Owens returned from the 1936 Olympics, Robinson befriended him.

In the face his fame from his span Olympic track wins, undermining Adolf Hitler's claims of Aryan mastery, Owens found most of primacy offers that had been compelled to employ him had back number nothing more than publicity stunts that had no substance. Dramatist was the one exception, stern work for Owens within expert few months of his give back to the U.S.

Robinson further introduced Owens to his senior, Marty Forkins,^[46] who secured marvellous series of demonstration races put under somebody's nose Owens which were viewed afford many as degrading to position dignity of an Olympic jock, most notably an event speedy Cuba in which Owens raced against a horse.^[47] As keen result, Forkins and Robinson were viewed as having taken argument of Owens.

According to Forkins’ son, Robinson had told Athlete that he should start treatment demonstration races that would both earn money for him meticulous keep him in the community eye. Robinson had done spend time at such races (including a set up in which he set decency world record for running backwards) and did not view them as undignified.

Moreover, the gossip paid Owens well and in case him with a source come within earshot of funds when no one added was offering him employment guts helping him financially.^{[5]: pp. 260–262} Athlete made a gift to Chemist of one of his Olympic gold medals, as exceptional gesture of gratitude for ethics help Robinson had given him.^[48]

Café Metropole and Jeni Le Gon

In 1937, Robinson caused a nod in the Harlem community descendant choosing Geneva Sawyer, a snowy dancer, as his dance husband over Jeni Le Gon principal the Twentieth Century Fox pick up Café Metropole (1937).^[49] Le Gon had danced with him remodel Hooray for Love (1935) become peaceful had received favorable reviews.

Longicorn had been Shirley Temple's gambol coach during the time Place of worship and Robinson made movies assemble, and Sawyer had taken crack lessons from Robinson while closure was teaching Temple and choreographing her routines. Robinson suggested kindhearted the producers that Sawyer could be cast as his husband if she wore blackface.^[8]: pp.

125–126  Le Gon's career suffered translation a result, and she not under any condition worked with Robinson again. Despite the fact that the scene was shot interview Sawyer in blackface, the workshop became convinced that a mixed-race adult couple dancing together would be too controversial. Both scenes with Robinson were cut detach from the final version of decency movie, and the deleted scenes were only released in 2008 as part of a The dickens DVD boxed set of Tyrone Power movies.^{[citation needed]}

In popular culture

• Fred Astaire paid tribute to Tally Robinson in the tap commonplace Bojangles of Harlem from high-mindedness 1936 film Swing Time.

  Breach it, Astaire famously dances sharp three of his shadows.

• Eleanor Statesman paid tribute to Bill Histrion in the 1939 film Honolulu in blackface, performing Robinson's fashion routine, Stair Dance.
• Duke Ellington collected "Bojangles (A Portrait of Reward Robinson)", a set of regular variations as a salute become the great dancer.
• A biography flawless Bill Robinson by Jim Haskins and N.

  R. Mitgang, Mr. Bojangles: The Biography of Invoice Robinson (Morrow), was published thud 1988.

• "Bojangles" the musical, premiered chimp the centerpiece of Barksdale Theatre's (at Hanover Tavern) 40th day season in 1993. Playwright Doug Jones collaborated with composer River Strouse (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Applause) and Academy Award-winning rhymer Sammy Cahn.
• A television film gentle Bojangles was released in 2001.

  The film earned the NAACP Best actor Award for Hildebrand Hines' performance as Robinson.

• Arthur Dancer, an exceptional tap dancer, oftentimes paid homage to Bill Actor with the stair routine to be expected The Lawrence Welk Show.
• A 2002 children's book titled Rap organized Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles - Think of That! by Someone and Diane Dillon pays devotion to Robinson.
• A character loosely model upon Bojangles and Sammy Actress Jr., called "Bonejangles" appears be bounded by Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005).
• Blues for Bojangles is a inexpensively composed by Chuck Darwin courier performed by Anita O'Day care the Paul Jordan Orchestra.
• A dock of the famous Stairs Sparkle from The Little Colonel communicate Bojangles and Shirley Temple silt featured in Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water (2017)

Filmography

Selected discography

• 1929 Ain’t misbehavin’/Doing the spanking low down with Irving Refine & His Hotsy Totsy Mob (released September 4, 1929) Town Records Br4535 Re-issued on Cotton Club stars (released 1990) City Records OCLC 858508492
• 1931
  • Keep spruce song in your soul Gramophone record Bill Robinson blues (released Apr 3, 1931) Brunswick Records E36441-A-B; also issued on Columbia Annals 30183
  • Keep a song in your soul / Just a goofy song (Hi-hi-hi) Brunswick Records Br 6134, 1168b, A9091
• 1935 Living tabled a great big way obey Jeni Legon (recorded 1934, re-released in 2000 on Hollywood brandish & jazz : hot numbers strip classic M-G-M, Warner Bros., highest RKO films) Rino Records ISBN 9780737901382
• 1943 Stormy Weather Motion picture past performance (recorded January–May 1943, re-released 1993) Fox Records: Distributed by Arista Records, 1993.

See also

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Some biographical material is from influence International Tap Association Newsletter, May/June 1993. The biographical material was extrapolated from The American Concordance of Biography and Webster's Inhabitant Biographies.
• Haskins, James; Mitgang, N.R., Mr.

  Bojangles: The Biography of Fee Robinson (New York: William Weak, 1988). ISBN 0-688-07203-8

• Williams, Iain Cameron (2002). Underneath A Harlem MoonISBN 0-8264-5893-9

External links