Bill "Bojangles" Robinson

By e.santillan
  • Born in Richmond, VA

    Born in Richmond, VA

  • At the age of 5, he started to dance for a living

    Performed in local beer gardens as a "hoofer"

  • Both parents pass

    He was raised by his grandmother, Bedilia, who was a former slave

  • Joined Mayme Remington's touring troupe

  • *Marty Forkins becomes his manager

    *Marty Forkins becomes his manager

    He encouraged Robinson to perform solo
  • Period: to

    Served as a rifleman in N.Y.'s 15th Infantry Regiment in World War I

    Along with fighting in the trenches, it was claimed that Robinson was also a drum major who led the 369th Infantry regimental band up Fifth Avenue upon the regiment's return from Europe
  • Starred in Blackbirds 1928

    Starred in Blackbirds 1928

    Blackbirds 1928 was an all-black Broadway musical revue produced by Lew Leslie
  • Period: to

    Starred in 14 Hollywood motion pictures

    Most well known for his role as Shirley Temple's butler
  • Returned to the stage in 1939 to perform in The Hot Mikado

    Returned to the stage in 1939 to perform in The Hot Mikado

    Robinson returned to the stage in 1939 at the age of 61 to perform in The Hot Mikado, a jazz rendition of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta
  • Died of a chronic heart condition

    Died of a chronic heart condition

  • U.S. Congress named his birth date as National Tap Dancing Day (May 25th)

    U.S. Congress named his birth date as National Tap Dancing Day (May 25th)