description Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson Overview
Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson was an African American tap dancer and actor whose career spanned vaudeville, Broadway, and Hollywood. He is celebrated for developing a highly precise, rhythmic tap style that emphasized dancing on the balls of the feet and dancing up and down stairs. Robinson was one of the highest-paid Black entertainers in the first half of the 20th century, though he often faced the racial segregation of the era. He is perhaps best remembered to modern audiences for his film pairings with child star Shirley Temple in the 1930s.
insights Ranking position
Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson ranks #8 of 161 in the Vaudeville ranking, behind Will Rogers, ahead of Josephine Baker.
help Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson FAQ
What is Bill Robinson's famous stair dance?
Robinson is celebrated for his signature "stair dance," a routine in which he performed complex, syncopated rhythms while ascending and descending a staircase. The performance became one of the most iconic tap sequences in American entertainment history.
Did Bill Robinson dance with Shirley Temple in films?
Yes, Robinson appeared in several 1930s films alongside child star Shirley Temple, most famously in "The Little Colonel" (1935), where they performed their celebrated staircase duet. Their on-screen partnership made Robinson one of the few Black performers given prominent billing in mainstream Hollywood films of that era.
Was Bill Robinson in the film "Stormy Weather"?
Yes, Robinson starred in the 1943 musical film "Stormy Weather," which featured a landmark all-Black cast including Lena Horne, Fats Waller, and Cab Calloway. Robinson's stair dance in the film is considered one of the greatest tap performances ever captured on screen.
Why is Bill Robinson called "Bojangles"?
The nickname "Bojangles" was given to Robinson early in his career, though its exact origin is disputed. One popular theory is that it derived from the slang term "jangler," meaning a lively, restless person, reflecting the irrepressible energy that defined his performing style.
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