Bill Robinson

Biography

Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson was an American tap dancer, actor, and singer who revolutionized tap dance with his shuffle-tap style, allowing for more improvisation. Born Luther Robinson in Richmond, Virginia in 1878, he took his brother's name and went on to become a legend in the entertainment industry, headlining with Cab Calloway at the Cotton Club and starring alongside Shirley Temple in several films. He is best known for popularizing the "stair dance" routine and was a pioneer of jazz dance.