That's what makes comedians NOT like us; they're not like us. They know esoteric stuff that we mere mortals have to thoroughly research to get on their level!
We were neighbors, living on the peg leg bates rd, in Kerhonkson in the 1980’sHe was kind and generous The big buses would zoom passed the cabin to the resort where the music and good times were had all summer long . Respect and gratitude to this amazing man🕊️
Very inspiring i am a double amputee but it does not define who i am.he had one leg and he is considered one of the gratest tap dancers ever he is proof that regardless of having a disability that anything is possible.thank you so much Mr Clayton Peg Leg Bates.
When my twin and I performed in the 1950s throughout the Midwest, East and South as The Tracey Twins, we met many wonderful musicians performers. One incredible week we sang at a theater in Michigan. The star of the show was Peg Leg Bates.
I met this man when I was 5 in my dance studio.He was performing at the barn theater in my town. it was 1957 I remember my mom had just lost her sight completely and Mr. Bates really liked my mom.I hated tap when I was a kid but thrilled to dance with Mr Bates.God Bless him
Thanks Steve! I had the honor of dancing with Peg Leg in various places in NYC back in the early 90's. He and Carl would come in from Kerhonkson, NY and dance in the NYC Public school system with my dance company, The young Hoofers, who at that time were only 6-8 years old. He also came and taught at my NYU tap class with a video presentation (this clip was one of his favs!)
@@sixteenstringjack (age is in the mind - all the Hoofers danced to the end of their lives.) PEG LEG, at 94, danced on his birthday in his birthplace after they unveiled a 9 foot statue of him. Then, he went to his hotel room and died. His daughter said his agenda book was blank from that day on. He danced with us during the early 90s. We had a jazz trio and my tap teacher, Chuck Green. It was so cool...
@@TraciMann That's brilliant. Dancing obviously keeps you young. I went to a 5 Rhythms class once and there were a few real old timers who seemed to have the energy of 18 year olds. Love it
@jg5244 ahhh now I understand! Yeah I kinda thought you might be saying "but, he's disabled and we shouldn't laugh at that". If that were the reason, I'd understand that too. But, I think it's necessary to take the premise from Eddie when he said the bit about "lemonade", because you take the total of what you're watching, and you see a guy who could've just...I don't know the right words, but ... just not being an entertainer. But, he didn't, and what he's doing is literally phenomenal! You can't help but laugh about what you're watching, you know what I mean? I feel a "laugh" beats a "wow" in this case, because it *is* funny! And I'll bet that Bates felt the same way. Also, that Eddie Murphy interview was great! Really glad I could listen to it, rather than read it. Nice to hear how Eddie's iconic laugh has evolved over time. :)
People need to read the history of this wonderful man. He was a dancer and lost his leg in a cotton gin accident at the age of I think 12 his uncle made his first leg. He went on to be a great performer and owned a resort up state NY in the Catskills from the 50is to the 80is. He should be an inspiration to every American you can overcome anything !!!
I am so sad and angry that I am only learning about him now. He is fantastic tap dancer and should have been recognized by modern society but instead, his talents were hidden from us, swept away behind the curtain. I appreciate the share!
Shaholly Ayars; PBS made a documentary about him in the 1980's, and he was still alive into the late 1990's. apparently, you're the one whose been hiding.
There is a statue of him on Main Street in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. My Brother remembers seeing him dance at our elementary school in his later years.
I had never heard of this talented entertainer before a few minutes ago when his name came up as an answer on a Match Game rerun. Gene Rayburn quickly pointed out that Peg Leg Bates was, indeed, a fine tap dancer. The celebrities kept riffing on the name. I'm glad I followed up on the lead.
was introduced to him in june of 1968 at MY aunt's chitillin' circuit club in sardis/timmonsville,sc, " the po' boy' club. he was on the bill with laura lee and ike & tina turner.
That floor must be very solid, particularly at the end! The weight of an (almost) entire human on that one point jumping up and down. I am amazed that the floor wasn't destroyed. I suppose they knew what to expect though when they were preparing for his performance.
At first it started so simple and i thought oh this is nice, their giving him a chance to show what he can do even if its not much cause of his leg... BUT THEN It kept going and then he kept going and i was like, Oh Dam!!! This is awsome!!!
I remember my mom taking my brother and I to his Resort in Upstate New York back in the early 60s I actually have movie footage of him swimming in his pool
His leg got caught in a cotton mill his first day on the job as a 12 year old. He also lost fingers on one of his hand. He wasn't taken to a hospital because Blacks weren't allowed in hospitals. His leg and fingers were amputated on his kitchen table.
This is the first I have heard of him and only read about him in the book "I Laffed Till I Cried", by Patti Lewis, the first wife of Jerry Lewis, the comedian. She thought highly of him. Jerry Lewis was cruel to his first family and when he died he left nothing to his six sons by Patti and all to his second wife and step daughter.
He would’ve been a hero just for overcoming racism and becoming a legend, he also would’ve been a hero if he had overcome being an amputee, but to do both at this time in history is really remarkable
You're right, people weren't like they are now! Back then people worked with what they had and made it work! I met the man when I was a kid, and he was as cool as "an old guy" could get when I was 10 years old. I still talk about him to this day, and it's funny how many people never heard of him! From what I remember, Mr. Clayton was a very HIP cat!
Who else is here because Eddie Murphy mentioned this video in the New York Times article?
That's what makes comedians NOT like us; they're not like us. They know esoteric stuff that we mere mortals have to thoroughly research to get on their level!
Me!
Didn't really have a choice. The damn link is in the article.
Listening to the NY Times interview now.
Me
We were neighbors, living on the peg leg bates rd, in Kerhonkson in the 1980’sHe was kind and generous The big buses would zoom passed the cabin to the resort where the music and good times were had all summer long . Respect and gratitude to this amazing man🕊️
Very inspiring i am a double amputee but it does not define who i am.he had one leg and he is considered one of the gratest tap dancers ever he is proof that regardless of having a disability that anything is possible.thank you so much Mr Clayton Peg Leg Bates.
Robert Brown right on!!!! ✊🏾❤️
When my twin and I performed in the 1950s throughout the Midwest, East and South as The Tracey Twins, we met many wonderful musicians performers. One incredible week we sang at a theater in Michigan. The star of the show was Peg Leg Bates.
I met this man when I was 5 in my dance studio.He was performing at the barn theater in my town. it was 1957 I remember my mom had just lost her sight completely and Mr. Bates really liked my mom.I hated tap when I was a kid but thrilled to dance with Mr Bates.God Bless him
And he lived to be 91! Good man - good long life. 🙂
Thanks Steve! I had the honor of dancing with Peg Leg in various places in NYC back in the early 90's. He and Carl would come in from Kerhonkson, NY and dance in the NYC Public school system with my dance company, The young Hoofers, who at that time were only 6-8 years old. He also came and taught at my NYU tap class with a video presentation (this clip was one of his favs!)
Nice. he must've been really old then!
@@sixteenstringjack (age is in the mind - all the Hoofers danced to the end of their lives.) PEG LEG, at 94, danced on his birthday in his birthplace after they unveiled a 9 foot statue of him. Then, he went to his hotel room and died. His daughter said his agenda book was blank from that day on.
He danced with us during the early 90s. We had a jazz trio and my tap teacher, Chuck Green. It was so cool...
@@TraciMann That's brilliant. Dancing obviously keeps you young. I went to a 5 Rhythms class once and there were a few real old timers who seemed to have the energy of 18 year olds. Love it
Peg leg told me that his dancing wasn't tap dancing, had another name for it.
@@powell4661 rhythm tap or hoofing?
As a kid I never missed the Ed Sullivan Show. The reason? I was waiting to see this man dance.
Who else is here because of the Eddie Murphy interview where he said to go watch it? 😅
Me unfortunately. I get why his comedic genuis led him here but I still regret watching this 😔
/me raises hand
@@jg5244serious, non-argumentative question:
Do you get why this is funny? Why do you regret it?
@plaslaiko I do. The regret is partially because I find it funny as well. Comedic genius can have you laughing at things that shouldn't be funny.
@jg5244 ahhh now I understand! Yeah I kinda thought you might be saying "but, he's disabled and we shouldn't laugh at that". If that were the reason, I'd understand that too. But, I think it's necessary to take the premise from Eddie when he said the bit about "lemonade", because you take the total of what you're watching, and you see a guy who could've just...I don't know the right words, but ... just not being an entertainer. But, he didn't, and what he's doing is literally phenomenal! You can't help but laugh about what you're watching, you know what I mean? I feel a "laugh" beats a "wow" in this case, because it *is* funny! And I'll bet that Bates felt the same way.
Also, that Eddie Murphy interview was great! Really glad I could listen to it, rather than read it. Nice to hear how Eddie's iconic laugh has evolved over time. :)
People need to read the history of this wonderful man. He was a dancer and lost his leg in a cotton gin accident at the age of I think 12 his uncle made his first leg. He went on to be a great performer and owned a resort up state NY in the Catskills from the 50is to the 80is. He should be an inspiration to every American you can overcome anything !!!
Thanks for the info, Tom!
We need a list of "Things Eddie Murphy searches on UA-cam"
The word in this wonderful video is "never give up"
He's one of my greatest heroes. Talk about OVERCOMER?!?!?!?! And a gracious, humble man. God bless PLB!
I am so sad and angry that I am only learning about him now. He is fantastic tap dancer and should have been recognized by modern society but instead, his talents were hidden from us, swept away behind the curtain. I appreciate the share!
I don't think you know what The Ed Sullivan show was...
For a variety performer, being booked on Sullivan was about as far from being 'swept away behind the curtain' as it has ever been possible to be.
Shaholly Ayars; PBS made a documentary about him in the 1980's, and he was still alive into the late 1990's. apparently, you're the one whose been hiding.
Here because of the NYTimes ‘The Interview’ with Eddie Murphy.
There is a statue of him on Main Street in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. My Brother remembers seeing him dance at our elementary school in his later years.
Absolutely amazing!!!
Great goodness! Mr. Bates is awesome. He inspires me to do more.
I remember seeing this episode of Ed Sullivan on my parents black and white TV when I was a kid. My brother and I were amazed by this mans talent.
God bless him he is talented
Thx for uploading this
One hell of a tapper and an amazing entertainer.
I had never heard of this talented entertainer before a few minutes ago when his name came up as an answer on a Match Game rerun. Gene Rayburn quickly pointed out that Peg Leg Bates was, indeed, a fine tap dancer. The celebrities kept riffing on the name.
I'm glad I followed up on the lead.
I'll take "Things I Can't Do With Two Legs" for $1000
Who’s here because of Match Game ‘77
A really nice man.
So glad to discover this amazing dancer thanks to Eddie Murphy!
was introduced to him in june of 1968 at MY aunt's chitillin' circuit club in sardis/timmonsville,sc, " the po' boy' club. he was on the bill with laura lee and ike & tina turner.
Unbelievable! Genius! Awesome!❤
That floor must be very solid, particularly at the end!
The weight of an (almost) entire human on that one point jumping up and down. I am amazed that the floor wasn't destroyed.
I suppose they knew what to expect though when they were preparing for his performance.
Did he moonwalk before Michael? 01:57
Oh wow that’s amazing ❤️❤️🙌🏽
At first it started so simple and i thought oh this is nice, their giving him a chance to show what he can do even if its not much cause of his leg... BUT THEN It kept going and then he kept going and i was like, Oh Dam!!! This is awsome!!!
Everybody’ Hates Chris brought me here
my dad knew this man...sold him some land that he turned into a resort..kerhonkson NY...Peg Legg Bates Resort...yrs ago..RIP
Thank you Eddie Murphy! Imagine how good he would have been with two peg legs
The one and only!
Dang. What's my excuse?
YIpxQHLYxl PREACH!!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ a highway in NYS is named after him.
he is my cousin he from Fountain Inn South Carolina
There is a statue of him there.
I'm just discovering him and I'm in Greenville
My grandma Mary Elizabeth, knew him and he visited her when we lived in the Government projects.
Show man
Talented
Would rather watch this as opposed to 95% of the vulgar blasphemous trash on T.V.
I remember my mom taking my brother and I to his Resort in Upstate New York back in the early 60s I actually have movie footage of him swimming in his pool
So very cool 😎
If you are wondering, his leg got caught on one of the machines at a factory which he had to amputate it.
LivingTheDream 21 thank you! I was wondering 🙏🏽
His leg got caught in a cotton mill his first day on the job as a 12 year old. He also lost fingers on one of his hand. He wasn't taken to a hospital because Blacks weren't allowed in hospitals. His leg and fingers were amputated on his kitchen table.
@@genigiver9451 yup thats true!!😁
@@genigiver9451 My God - 12 years old....
This guy has a cool name
❤❤❤
I came here cause I searched for Peggy😳
Never heard of m till Eddie mentioned his video on youtubr
grenadier a lassault
Black People Are Dope!!!!
SuperDopeCeo 4 100000% !!!! ❤️🙏🏽
People are dope.
Sgt. Pepper especially BLACK!! I said what the f*ck I said!!
That looks like Mr. Bates looks like a pirate because pirates have peg legs too
This is the first I have heard of him and only read about him in the book "I Laffed Till I Cried", by Patti Lewis, the first wife of Jerry Lewis, the comedian. She thought highly of him. Jerry Lewis was cruel to his first family and when he died he left nothing to his six sons by Patti and all to his second wife and step daughter.
❤
He didn't let his handicap stop him
He would’ve been a hero just for overcoming racism and becoming a legend, he also would’ve been a hero if he had overcome being an amputee, but to do both at this time in history is really remarkable
Notoriety and fame doesn't Exempt you from racism, I'm sure he still had to use the "colored" entrance. This is America.
@@pearliemaestyle Oh, yes. Both notoriety and fame weren't "passports."
Who came here because Kerhonkson, NY city?
Different era....people weren't as judgemental, like they are now...l😡
You're right, people weren't like they are now! Back then people worked with what they had and made it work! I met the man when I was a kid, and he was as cool as "an old guy" could get when I was 10 years old. I still talk about him to this day, and it's funny how many people never heard of him! From what I remember, Mr. Clayton was a very HIP cat!
personaking7 so true 🙏🏽😢
Ryan Hodge You have a point!! 👍🏽
Oh, sweet summer child... People were so much worse back then ..
@@thehighwayman8776 Kinda what I was thinking!
I heard Michael Jackson learnt the moonwalk from him, how true is that?