Bill "Bojangles" Robinson

(1878-1949)

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was born in Richmond, Virginia.

Bill Robinson began to tap dance for nickels and dimes on the streets of Richmond.

Bill Robinson quit school when he was seven to became a famous tap dancer and actor.

"Bojangles" danced with traveling shows and on Vaudeville.

"Bojangles" invented many dance steps, including his famous "Stair Dance", which he first did for the King of England.

"Bojangles" appeared as a dancing butler in movies with young Shirley Temple and in movies with Will Rogers and other famous film stars.

"Bojangles" starred in more than a dozen movies. He danced on the streets of New York City.

Bill Robinson was a very generous man who gave away most of the money he made dancing.

"Bojangles" could dance as well as ever when he was past sixty years of age.

When Bill Robinson died in New York City, the schools were closed for a day.

There is a popular statue of "Bojangles" in the City of Richmond, VA.

 

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