Jeni Le Gon

Biography

Jeni LeGon was a pioneering African-American dancer and actress who broke ground in the entertainment industry as one of the first women of color to establish a solo career in tap dance. Born Jennie Ligon on August 14, 1916, she began performing at age 13 with Count Basie's chorus line before traveling to Hollywood to pursue her dreams. She went on to form a successful song-and-dance team with her half-sister Willa Mae Lane.