Bill Bojangles Robinson (1997)
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- Опубліковано 19 сер 2024
- Cable TV biography of the dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Shared for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (May 25, 1877 - November 25, 1949) was an American tap dancer and actor, the best known and most highly paid African-American entertainer in the first half of the twentieth century. His long career mirrored changes in American entertainment tastes and technology. He started in the age of minstrel shows and moved to vaudeville, Broadway, the recording industry, Hollywood, radio, and television. According to dance critic Marshall Stearns, "Robinson's contribution to tap dance is exact and specific. He brought it up on its toes, dancing upright and swinging", giving tap a "…hitherto-unknown lightness and presence."[1]:pp. 186-187 His signature routine was the Stair Dance, in which Robinson would tap up and down a set of stairs in a rhythmically complex sequence of steps, a routine that he unsuccessfully attempted to patent. Robinson is also credited with having introduced a new word, copasetic, into popular culture, via his repeated use of it in vaudeville and radio appearances.
A popular figure in both the black and white entertainment worlds of his era, he is best known today for his dancing with Shirley Temple in a series of films during the 1930s, and for starring in the musical Stormy Weather (1943), loosely based on Robinson's own life, and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. Robinson used his popularity to challenge and overcome numerous racial barriers, including becoming the following:
one of the first minstrel and vaudeville performers to appear without the use of blackface makeup
one of the earliest African-American performers to go solo, overcoming vaudeville's two-colored rule [2]
a headliner in Broadway shows
the first African American to appear in a Hollywood film in an interracial dance team (with Temple in The Little Colonel, 1935)
the first African American to headline a mixed-race Broadway production - wikipedia.
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What a beautiful soul and a beautiful story. I am so grateful to have the chance to see amazing legends like this so easily now because of the internet.
What A MAGNIFICENT Documentary !!!BILL Used THE GIFT That GOD GAVE HIM To CONQUER THE WORLD !!!..
Marvellous. A trailblazer.
One of THE BEST DOCUMENTARIES I've ever seen! MUST WATCH... THROUGH TO THE END!
There will never be another like him. My daughter declared theatre as her major this week and my heart sank. Now that I have seen this, and the movie Bojangles starring the late Gregory Hines, I am proud that she will be a part of this great legacy of entertainment with the way paved in literal blood, sweat, suffering and tears by men and women like him. His contribution to the performing arts will never be forgotten!
True Story. 🗿
Theatre major? How's her job at Starbucks going?
@@thrivin6312 kind of cruel, no?
Thank you for posting - AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!
My aunt, born around 1920 or so, took tap dancing lessons from him in Richmond, Virginia as a child.
His dancing was like other people walking. He did it so naturally! Born to dance! Loved him! He will never be forgotten.
I wasn't born until 1959 but I feel like I know this man I have always known this man because my dad (a wonderful dancer in his own right) and his 3 brothers and my grandfather were all big fans and had seen him perform in NY a few times would talk about him often and it was nothing but good things that they talked about. When I was about 8 years old was the first time I saw him perform in the Little Colonel and since then I just seem to not get enough of his dancing. Bill is and always will be the greatest dancer and I pray he is never forgotten. Thank you, Mr Bojangles, now let's dance. A big thank you to Mr Jerry Jeff Walker for writing the song Mr Bojangles.
What an inspiring documentary of a young black boy who literally had nothing and no one yet grew into such an incredibly talented and loving human being who bridged the racial divide at a time when racism and hatred was at its peek in the United States.
Amazing to watch the dancing of a man born in the 19th century! He lived through the Reconstruction, the Guilded Age, two world wars, and the development of technology. Wild!!
Thank U for this true story, so educational, instill so much pride, THANKS
I love Bojangles, his dancing was incredible, never to be repeated. Great talent and a wonderful human being with a huge heart. RIP with your dancing feet. xx
Bojangles reached his peak in his later years. I don't fell so old at age 55. This man was happy doing what he loved to do.
Excellent Biography.
Lovin being 55
55 a beautiful age
DJ digital...,I feel the same way at age 60yrs young.
Love you Mr. B.J! It breaks my heart what my race did to the black community's. I pray we all can have peace IN this great nation! D.S
@@deborahstoker753 God's Kingdom will fix all. Already in motion...Jw. org
Have always enjoyed Bill Robinsons talent without knowing what a great man he was... As a child there were no African Americans in my town... so his talent was the first I had ever seen with Shirley Temple... I wanted to see more of them and couldnt believe she could dance with him...he was wonderful. this documentary should be required watching in school.
What a beautiful person...what a joyous soul. Rest eternally in the divine arms of Jesus, Mr. Bojangles.
I am from Kenya, I just bumped into reel black and have been watching how our forefathers worked against many hardships just to make it in life. Uncle Bill is Hero to everybody who thinks they are disadvantaged. his zeal to go on and on was magical. Long live his legacy and may more people watch and read about Black History. My soul is dancing at the moment knowing that he lived his life to the fullest.
Peace and joy to you, Yvonne. Yes we are survivors.
He not your forefather.
@@kiasky1empty heart has no peace
This truly was an enjoyable documentary to watch about Mr. Bill Bojangles Robinson.
I love hearing of black history of strong black people. How they endured and thought of ways to get by in hard times. Geniuses they were. I hope this kind of history is saved and be kept. Love this.
Yeah and I love hearing about white history and strong white people
Yes, I love raw natural talent.
Wait.. he was performing like that in his 50s and 60s? Amazing... and he looked marvelous with such a beautiful smile and energy!!!
IKR 😀I was looking for this comment 😄alot of them were 30 looking like they're 60 and Mr Robinson was lookin damn fine at 60😍😎😎😄and looking like his age even at 30😄😄
Clean up the magnetic field trip tomorrow immediately thanks again for all the help
Mr. Bill Bojangles paved the way for us! Thanks for his story, I really learned a lot and enjoyed his story!!!
Amen Bill Bojangles Rest in Peace
I did not know much about Mr. Robinson before watching this. Thank You for sharing.
Wow, what a beautiful human being...Such drive and determination, simply amazing 💜
I’ve heard “everything is copesetic” all my life...never knew it came from Mr Bojangles. I guess I’m telling my age! 😊👵🏻
This was one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. Really well done. Bill was such an amazing person. It's amazing how fleeting life can be at times
Why can’t people dance like him any more? I love tap.
This was a great Bio of a great man. Just started to look at in curiosity, .but couldn't stop watching. Showed me a tremendously great man.
Shirley asked for Uncle Bill be on the movies it depressed her that the ONLY MAN who treated her as a child protected her and loved her like a father was no longer with her. She once said some of her best and favorite childhood memories was with him
Yup Racial America missed the ball on really having a beautiful, united, harmonious country. Things could of been so beautiful for America but they just couldn't let us be.....still cant let us be...
Yeah....cause he wasnt a perv like the rest of those men.... her story was sad
She said "that boy"....(palm face)
Really sure is really sure that truth and you have any questions about the opportunity and trying to figure it out sometime soon
@@tanisharobinson154 rk. He.
OMW this video is unbelievable. There were some killer parts where I just had to play it over and over again. There are no words to thank you for putting this out here for us. Thank your mother for doing a great job. I'm 71yrs young and so impressed by this. You opened my eyes that made me cry happy and sad. I'm going to play Sammy Davis Jr. now. HALLELUYER!
I could watch this man forever worlds greatest hoofer YES deservedly so despite everything he kept smiling the only person on par to him for me is Musician Lois Armstrong or SATCHMO as he became known followed closely by Sammie Davies Junior These 3 more talented than any of today's so called entertainers Thank you for showing this video
Mr. Robinson sir what's an icon And Legend thanks Billy rest in peace in heaven miss you and your movies sending hugs too you from Houston Texas and Pasadena ✝️🌹💎⚓
Yes this has been one of The Greatest for me to view. Such an awesome human being. Thank You Bill Robinson for your gift to the world.
Wow what a lovely man, he was a credit to his people An I am proud to be one of them !🙏🏾👏🏾🙋🏽
Credit to the human race, just happened to be black.
AMEN
@@MrScans1: Here’s the deal, when a Black person shows appreciation for one who broke barriers, it has NOTHING to do with others outside of said race. Our experiences have been different..... CLEARLY! Just sit this one out a second. Your time is still here.
He was the Michael jordan of TAP DANCE.
Wonderful performer. Generous man. And a legend for sure. Thank you, Mr. Robinson. You have made me glad. 🌹
Sadly I have heard this great man's name used in a derogatory way and anyone who uses his name like that should watch this to see and understand his many achievements in life. Wonderful documentary thank you for uploading this ❤
Tanja Dermody It should not be used in a derogatory way. However, to love an European American more than yourself and to sell your soul to play stereotypical roles for white comfort and white entertainment is demeaning. It still goes on today and there is no respect in that. It just makes European Descendants happy for a few thousand bucks.
@@nzurimalkia3181 if he had not made that sacrifice to "demean" himself he may have never been in the position to help so many people in his comunity at that time and to help open the doors for other entertainers and to touch the lives of so many people positively despite the exploitation of showbusiness. If not for him you and I would not even have this conversation.
Tanja Dermody I do not take away his success. However, that is not the only way for People of Melanin Skin Skin to be successful. Unfortunately, these entertainers felt that it was the only way. Reading and writing was illegal for People of Melanin Skin, that it became generational to some and they felt being entertainment to European Descendants was considered success. If they pleaded the Europeans, made them happy and made them laugh that is all that mattered. I studied Black History and still read and research today. Many People of Melanin Skin were successful without being entertainers. They used their brain and their wisdom. Those were the people who were a threat to European Americans because of their intellectual and self-sufficiency. They were scientists, healers, inventors, educators and so forth. Again, I am not taking from his success. More power to him. I am more proud that he helped others. But he did not paved the way for everyone. I do not feel privileged having this conversation with you. I feel that there is a need to educate because these videos need to have equal amount of intelligence of People of Melanin Skin because everyone did not sell their soul to be successful.
@Janet Burrus absolutely!
@Karen B I'm here in Wash. D.C. 202.986.6461.
He was in his mid 60’s in Stormy Weather! Amazing performer!
Despite the circumstances he has achieved so much! Only if Hollywood would be different!
I am in awe of him. Mr. Robinson was someone very special, a marvel. Thank you for telling us about him and his life. I could never forget him now because he has my heart.
I love hearing things about my culture that gives me a powerful sense of PRIDE 🙌🏽🙌🏽 thank you to this amazing channel 🙏🏽🙏🏽 I would have LOVED to be in Harlem at this time of Black Excellence 💯❤️❤️❤️🙌🏽
Ditto!
Ditto
When a beautiful spirit that can and did endure so much adversity from the cradle to throughout his life clearly had a plan that would springboard his career to great heights and rub shoulders with the Elite in show biz . While charity was his way of saying we all deserve to be respected and given a chance. I honor your gifts and your incredible life. The same people who loved you in life there was 10times that amount who loved you in death. Rest in Power sir job well done
Same here
Girl.....My Sentiments Exactly!!!
Always loved to watch his great performances, his beautiful smile... he was very charismatic...
The money was gone , but wasn't forgotten !!! he is still remembered today !!! greatest doesn't come from a bank account !!! It comes from LOVE !!!
This was so well done. Great Man!!! When I first saw Stormy Weather I was hooked. I wish he were my Uncle Bo. ☺
I will always have the greatest respect 4 such a great loving brother. Keep dancing in ur wonderful afterlife. We all love u Bojangles.
This was exceptionally well done, a true tribute to the champ of Tap and a fine human being. Plus, he was ours, he belonged to the USA!
I remember when Fred Astaire said he visited Bill Bojangles Robinson to have him show him some steps. It's wonderful to hear Ossie Davis. RIP Mr.Robinson and Mr. Davis😍
Fred stealing the craft in the guise of friendship.
@@7alley17
We ARE THE CREATORS NEVER THE DUPLICATORS 💃🏃🤗💖💯 #GODSFAVE🙏😇💖💯
ERA OF GENTLEMEN
@Tracy Sharp 💯💯💯
@Tracy Sharp Eye totally agree! Spot on! 🌹🙋🌴.
Hi. No mother and no father, but somebody loved him cause there were 1.5 million people from all over the world bid their farewell. The largest funeral in New York City, as people came to mourn Bill Bojangles Robinson's passing. This man had a beautiful soul. Bless us ALL...
Lovely Lo from Memphis
That Ain't No Secret!! 🤔😳😵😲" Wow 👏🏾 what a wonderful Man "BLACK MAN at that 👏🏾👍🏿💪🏿❤🖤💚 01/20/2021
Thank for the upload. Life experience and a talented teacher. Thank you
I nearly forgot to thank real back for this video made to him and the father bless you too and keep you for bringing these archives to the masses amen 🙏🏾 Hallelujah
Watching Bill Robinson and Shirley Temple dance up and down stairs still makes me want to tap dance! What a great man.
Some of my favorite scenes as a kid. 💯
Beautiful man!! Legendary, gracious and generous!!
As a African Am.woman i am very, very,very proud of my heritage n so proud of Mr. Bill Bojangles Robinson RIP Mr.Bojangles.💐🥰🙏🏾💐
xcellent feature of precious human moments n time...
thankng G.O.D. for sharng mr. bill robinson " bojangles" wth us 2day...
How lovely! I knew his stair routine was familiar; my grandma and I would watch those Shirley Temple films when I was a kid.
Mr. Bill Robinson was truly a class act! It was always a pure delight, to watch his performances. Loved his personality and stage presence. Amazing man. RIP MR. BolJangles. 😌💛💐💐👍🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
That was an exceptional tribute to the World Class entertainer and dancer. Remarkable life story.
I started getting choked up when Gregory Hines appeared...♥️ him, and this channel!!!
Me Too 😕🥺"
This is really interesting. I never knew much about Bojangles, who, from this, was a rags to riches story. Amazing man, great talent.
Sammy Davis singing Mr Bo Jangles has so much meaning when one knows the back story.
@@debbiecraig817 I just watched Sammy Davis, performing and I’m speechless, crying and shook🙄
Maybe not riches in the monetary sense, but he was definitely a rich man where it really matters.
Wow he certainly was in a class of his own , and then the mould was broken , and he was never passed with his typical style and class . Thankyou Mr Bill Bojangles Robinson.
Never be no other like Mr. Bojangles.💖💯
@Janet Burrus AMEN
No it want
Thank you for this wonderfully beautiful biography of Mr. Bill Robinson, Me Bojangles. What A MAN, may God bless his soul and embrace him eternally. “I was hungry and you fed me, homeless and gave me shelter, etc. . . .” are the words of Jesus of those who actually follow His Way. What an Example of what a son of God CAN BE, that was more that he was, that is what he is. Yes, his God given talent and abilities were beyond first class, but he didn’t stand on his success, no, he shared and gave . . . “What you have done for others, you have done for Me” were Jesus summation of His teaching. Amen.
I've recently watched Stormy Weather. Bill Robinson is amazing in this movie. Great musical numbers, totally recommend it for jazz lovers
His presence moved mountains within the human race. Thank you Bill for embracing joy amongst our ancestors.
My hat is off to Bill and all the black performers who had go though the trials of show business and prejudice of their day.
What a Great channel this is !
Wow, thank you for sharing this man's life story. I never knew much about Mr. Bill Robinson. Very touching and inspirational on how to live every moment of your life with love in your heart. Thank you Bill!
I'm glad to learn about this history. Such a great great guy.
Joe DiMaggio and Irvine Berlin as Pallbearers... I'm glad I watched this, fallen in love with "Mr Bojangles" lately and been learning it, watching the late great Sammy Davis Junior...I remember watching Bill and Shirley and that famous stairs scene as I was growing up... amongst other shows. Im glad he got his full acting roles in the end, bless his soul helping all those people throughout the depression... Its a dying age, a long gone era, but thanks to the internet, we can still relish and embrace it. RIP to a wonderful man, Bojangles the dancing legend, thank you for all you've given to us all ❤😢🕺🏿🎩💔
Great video. I learned young about Bill Robinson in the Shirley Temple movies in the early 1970s. I guess people (black and white) may not know as much about them. Probably need another movie with a 50s robinson, very young Sammy Davis, and nicholas brothers - now that would be a SUPERHERO movie. Even an animated version - which would be easier - try to find someone who could tap like any of them - good luck!!
Thank you, I am wowed by Mr Bojangles this man was a living Saint. I was blessed to be old enough to have seen many of the movies mentioned. But it was a joy to see a biography of who he was outside of Hollywood,Grateful to have seen this.
reelblack I’ve been watching your documentaries all day today. Thanks for the videos! I’m learning a lot today. And enjoying them as well.👍🏽🙏🏽
Cool brother he opened doors for our people never forget. Shirley Temple admired him until the day she died uncle Bill she called him.
Open doors so you can dance and eat with master.
Karen B why even watch this documentary if this is how you feel?!?!? What have you done for the black community other than express your dislike for a fellow black, to cause more chaos? There’s other UA-cam channels that love to “Uncle Tom” every other successful black artist/entertainer, go to one of those channels.
@@Ldr11 Truth is not hate.
Karen B Many African-Americans don't hate the real story that Stowe wrote. The Uncle Tom character that she gives us is extraordinarily Christian. The climax of the story really comes when Uncle Tom is asked to reveal where two slave women are hiding, who had been sexually abused by their master. And he refuses. Knowing that he is going to be beaten to death, he refused to say where they are. And African-Americans who have read the novel can appreciate what kind of heroism that took for a black man to sign away his life to save two black women.
You don’t know even the truth that uncle tom was a real slave Josiah Henson and you playing the hate game...if you lived back then you or any of us would be different people.
He was a great man. He was an inspiration to a dear friend of mine (yes I said that) Sammy Davis Jr. Wish these performers were still around. They could teach so many
Brother Bill Bojangles Robinson. One Of The Most Talented,Brilliant Black Elder That Our Babies Must Be Made Aware Of... I Truly Love Him...Rest In Power Baba B.Robinson!
Yes! We must make our babies aware of our great Ancestors 👍🏿and don't forget to check out the "Nicholas Brother's 😵😍😲🤗
Thank you reel black for your shows. They are always so well put together. I love all the stories...
8⁷7⁷uuuu
FANTASTIC ! All Respect and Gratitude
Brilliant Showcase of this Classic Dancer and his life!
I first heard of Bill Robinson through the song Mr Bojangles by Jerry Jeff Walker
Over a million people at your funeral had to be doing something right.....RESPECT
I was just about to say the same thing. He got the greatest respect at his funeral. It was so beautiful seeing this I got chills. So many celebrities there. He was a well loved man.. Rest in PARADISE Mr. Bill Bojangles ✌🙏❤🌹🎵🌲
Not necessarily. There are some people with a lot less class, that will have a million, if not more. I won’t mention any names, but yes Bill Robinson deserved his millions of fans.
@@alfreddreamer9097 Fidel Castro had millions at his funeral. That didn't stop him from being a murderous dictator. Some people had different ways of earning their respect. I have always admired Mr. Bill Bojangles. He deserved a beautiful funeral. My grandmother had a huge funeral. Even though she was over a 100 years old people paid their respects from miles away because she was so charitable.
In communist countries people have to do things they do not want to do. If they did not attend, they were suspected fir being anti communist.
Like when muslim men do not attend mosque, they are suspected for having converted
And meanly 70 years ago
AT 82 I WISH I HAD LEARNED MORE MUCH SOONER...I CAN'T RELATE TO WHAT SOOO GREAT A TALENT HAD TO ENDURE....A NATIONAL SHAME...ONLY ONE OF MANY...SOOO SAAADD
Your comments is the only one that i can relate to right now ....it sounds heartfelt and honest ....not that the rest was not ....i can actually feel these words ....and that's all i ask for ....
Loved learning about him, a great man.
Black History...our History. Thank you Brother!
U shld b proud of yr history
Wowww....the nicholas brothers were MAGICALLY PHENOMENALLY UNBELIEVABLE DANCERS!!!!!!
Wow! “ Everything is Copacetic ”.
We said that expression in the 80’s
I bet when Bill started saying that he couldn’t have imagined it would still be still be repeated by teenagers almost forty years later.
I’ve found many expressions we said came from the older generations. It’s always fun finding out their origin and the real meaning behind them.
Thank you Mr. bojangles!!! R.I.P to a 👑✊🏿💪🏿
Thank you for this wonderful documentary and thank you for the footage that we now get to see! What a wonderful truly genuine talented gift from God. He is truly missed but his legacy will live forever!!!
I have loved Bojangles since I first saw him in the Shirley Temple films, when I was a young child. His beautiful character shone right through. My favourite clip is the stair dance in the little colonel. I watch it often. Thank you for such a lovely documentary about him. I am so glad that he really was a specially lovely person in real life. God Bless you all.
He was a legend. I remember moving to New York walking the Streets of Harlem remembering his style, his dancing and trying to con my way into the Cotton Club thinking I would hear his dancing feet. He was the greatest..
Mr. Bill Robinson paved the way for so many. He will always be loved and remembered.
A-m£n!!!
He must be the Mr. Bojangles talked about in the song! When I was a Kid I Heard the song all the time. But didn't know Who it was about!
According to the song writer he based the song on a man he met in a New Orleans jail who said his name was Mr. Bojangles.
www.wideopencountry.com/mr-bojangles-the-story-behind-the-song/
Wow this was great... and to think he's the reason why black entertainers can perform solo on stage
William Nave YOU MISUNDERSTOOD THAT!
CP3 and Giannis together?
Check out these Chris Paul trade scenarios:
▶️ ua-cam.com/video/12nWYhQsHbE/v-deo.html
Went through lot of Racism..SAD....
AMAZING !!!....
Thank you Mr Robinson❤️
By far the absolute best, as an avid dancer in the club/rave scene, I owe Mr. Bojangles a debt, my moves wouldn't exist without his influence, the great man is surely missed still!
A little error thank you real black for posting this video and he has another amen alleluia to all of you that work tirelessly to bring these videos and your whole team from your black brother in London England
🏆Awesome biography for an Amazing Entertainer! With no Earthly Family of his own, maybe he was an 👼Angel? Long Live Mr. Bojangles.⭐💝⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bill Robinson,
.. inspires so many different people who are deeply inspired by our culture, alone.. I really appreciate seeing each one of us in a positive manner! 🥰❤
Thanks you for sharing this monumental historic documentation of a truly great Man.
Woww what an amazing and unique legendary person..
His life brought me to tears,What a wonderful LIFE....
I’m born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and live right down the road from where he was born. He’s a big deal around here. Big respect!
Didn't knew him but looked him up after a reference of Archie Bunker of "All in the family".
That led me to this documentary. What an amazing man Bojangles Robinson was ❤
Thank you for this fine and extremely well produced video and partial biography of the absolute Icon of American icons, Bill Robinson. From the time I was 7 years old, and I will be 70, in a few days, Lord willing, the scene of him and Shirley Temple dancing up those stairs has been, probably my most indelible memory, from any movie. I always thought his speaking voice had a profound tone of genuineness and kindness about it.
Just goes to show how far good charachter and hard work can take you; no matter what your obstacles are.
Always loved to hear snippets of Bojangles stories so this whole biography was so wonderful to watch.
Beautiful, Beautiful! What a beautiful Spirit. a Beautiful Soul!
He was THE BEST dancer ever!!!
YES!! The World's GREATEST DANCER!!
I just watched sammy Davis perform mr bojangles 🥺.....wow it was nice
I love that song and performance, but I should point out that the song was not written about Bill " Bojangles" Robinson