That dancer is Bobby Banas he just passed away on July 29, 2024. He was an American dancer and actor who worked in films such as West Side Story (1961). He was also a choreographer and dance coach.
Very cool. I heard about this legend last month, on Twitter(X), right around the time of his passing. At the time, I wasn't sure if his story was real or myth, but after hearing you and others corroborate things, I certainly believe it now.. Thanks for filling us in with additional surrounding facts. It sounds like he was a really cool dude. May he RIP.🙏🏽
I watch the 1963 Nitty Gritty video every day, I can't get enough watching the crazy good boy dancer & his very serious female dancer. Both are totally into it & play off of each other's moves. I love the song as well sung by Shirley Ellis. The song has really grown on me. It's so fun & sung with such a good dance beat. This video is truly a joy to watch & listen to.
R.I.P. Bobby Banas. This video is from the Judy Garland Show in 1964, where Bobby took the place of the show’s choreographer, Bobby Gennaro, who was away in New York. Bobby choreographed the dance himself and the rest is history. Bobby danced in the West Side Story, Mary Poppins, as one of the chimney sweeps, and Let’s Make Love, where he shared a kiss with the ever so beautiful Marilyn Monroe. Amber & Jay, one of Shirley Ellis’s other songs is The Name Game, which is a fun song, one that your children can listen to and have fun with just like I did and still do.
Bobby Banas, the "dude up front" dancer and choreographer, is the reason this song is still iconic. He has quite the resume. If you ever get into some classic movies, you see him often as an actor and dancer.
Bobby Banas choreographed this as a last minute segment for The Judy Garland Show! One of the featured guests dropped out and they asked him “Hey, can you and the kids come up with something, quick?” And he did in about 45 minutes
Bobby Banas, such a legend. I was so happy to send him a message on insta that I loved his dancing and he replied with a heart. Then a month later he passed. Love him.
Everyone watches this for him...I watch it for her; his partner. She is unfazed and enjoys herself even with him taking the spotlight. She's having more fun than everyone else. She was Graziela in West Side Story, 1961.
So glad you did Shirley Ellis . My parents had a Shirley Ellis album when I was growing up. C. C. Rider, Stagger Lee, The Name Game all great songs. But the Nitty Gritty was my fav.
Yall REALLY REALLY NEED TO START reacting to the American Bandstand shows and the iconic SOUL TRAIN show!!!! You will trip out!!! 😂❤ on all the diff time periods and dances !! They show case iconic singers and groups/ bands as well!!! 😂
Some of the reasons why I love this channel are: Great songs I haven't heard in YEARS (Like this one), You guys show some much respect and enthusiasm for older music, and CHAIR DANCING! You guys are so much fun to watch! Thank you!
I had never heard of the song Nitty Gritty until three years ago when I came across this clip. I fell in love with the song and the dancer Bobby Banas. I now have it saved to my favorites and revisit this clip often. Thank you for this reaction.
Bobby Banas is that up front Dancer who choreographed this dance. He was also a Chimney Sweep in Mary Poppins and in West Side Story. He also kissed Marilyn Monroe in one of her films. Then became a dance instructor in Los Angeles his later years. Bobby always stood out. So sad he passed recently.
Bobby Banas actually choreographed the dance. He was an excellent dancer. His partner was adorable too. I would love to learn this dance but I could never be as good as he was ❤
I’m delighted that you both are reacting to this. Lot of people think they can’t dance, but actually the dancing is unique and brilliantly choreographed and executed. And they are on point. Happy to see everyone giving Bobby Banas his flowers.
Film adaptation of the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie ( spoof of Elvis’ entering the army) song and dance number A Lot Of Living To Do featuring a teenage Ann Margaret (Grumpy/ier Old Men) from early sixties. Great dance number.
Bobby Banas 1933-2024. American dancer actor choreographer and dance coach.Worked in films like West Side Story,Bye,Bye,Birdie, King and I,Don’t Knock the Rock.
Bobby Banas. He was as dancer and choreographer in many movies and TV shows. He choreographed this performance. He was in West Side Story, he was one of the Chimney Sweeps in Mary Poppins. He just recently passed away on July 29th at age 90. RIP Bobby.
Bobby Banas out in front. He was a great dancer and choreographer and appeared in lots of films. I believe he was in the original West Side Story. His son is a director. He directed one of my commercials. I only knew Bobby passed away because his son announced it on Facebook.
The lead male dancer (in the middle) has made this video go viral. He's the best and makes it look so easy! I've watched this so many times, he owns it and I can't take my eyes off him. I love good dancing! ❤🕺💃
They used to dance like this on 60s talk shows. They recreated one of these dances on the show The marvelous Mrs maisel. You have got to look that up because it is incredible.
This song was covered by rockabilly band ‘Southern Culture on the Skids’ in 1995. Great remake! It brings the house down when played at their live concerts.
Don’t remember this at all, but I did sing along to The Name Game. Billy, Billy, Bo Billy, Banana Fanna Fo Filly,…Billy. That silliness appealed to a little girl.
My comment is probably gonna get buried, but this is my great. Aunt Shirley and I know she would’ve loved to see all the comments that you guys are leaving, and it brings me a lot of joy that people still listen to her music and that I could carry on her legacy by singing
I don't think the Nitty Gritty was an actual dance. It's just how they chose to choreograph a dance for this song on a Judy Garland TV special. Shirley Ellis wasn't on the show. They just wanted to showcase this dance.
It does look like an exaggerated version of the Twist (thanks to Mr. Banas going ham). Also, this song sounds somewhat (but not exactly) like the tune also titled "The Nitty Gritty," released a few years later by Gladys Knight & the Pips.
I can't remember when I found this video, but I have watched it so many times. Thanks for reacting to it. It put me in a good mood and reminded me that I had not seen it for a while.
I love this vid! I watch it several times a year, always wishing I could still dance enough to learn this, not that I was ever on his level. Sad to hear that he's passed.
The Name Game is another song you need to listen to! I was in the 10th grade when we would line up the gym and do this dance. Talk about fun and laughter.
I have two versions of this song. The audio that you just played, and a rare "studio" version where there is no back round crowd sounds, and the vocals are really close mic'd, I got that on 60's compilation in the mid 1980's on CD, when CD's were brand new. I can't find the CD, but have a MP3 of it. This is one of my favorite 60's tunes. So Grrrroovy!
Not dances but female soul singers from the 60s to check out include Barbara lynn (guitar player) - you’ll lose a good thing; Barbara Lewis - baby, I’m your (written by van mccoy who wrote/performed The Hustle); Shirelles - baby it’s you (you're reacted to the Smith cover), dedicated to the one I love, soldier boy, mama said; The ronettes - baby, I love you, (the best part of) breakin’ up (covered in the 80s), walking in the rain; Erma franklin (Aretha's sister) - piece of my heart (you've reacted to Joplin's version); Gloria jones - tainted love (you've reacted to Soft Cell); Irma Thomas (New Orleans royalty) - time is on my side (covered by the Rolling Stones); Doris troy - just one look (covered by Linda Ronstadt).
Great reaction. Also reminds me of Elaine dancing. Jay I was born a year before your Grandfather. I think you have a lot of Seniors enjoying your reactions.
This was great! Got my dishes done in half the time. The lady dancing with Bobby Banas (thanks, posters, for the info about him) reminds me of an Australian comedian called Jane Turner who does hilarious dances as Margaret Bland from the "Fast Forward" comedy shows and Kath (with her boyfriend Kel) from the "Kath and Kim" series. For 60s dances you should watch the scene from the movie "Sweet Charity" i.e. "The Aloof, The Heavyweight, The Big Finish".
As kids we had these songs on the radio and well you reacted to *"Bird Is The Word"* by the Trashmen? 1963. *The Witch Doctor* *The Funny Farm* *Camp Grenada* Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah....here I am at, Camp Granada... *16 Tons* Tennesse Earnie Ford *Battle Of New Orleans* Johnny Horton *North To Alaska* *Sukiaki* *Running Bear* *Itsy Bitsy, Teeny Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini*
The Nitty Gritty appears to still be popular among swing dancers (though not a swing dance). Search RTSF Nitty Gritty (for entertainment not for reaction) and you will find several years where it was performed as an exhibition dance at the festival.
You two always make me smile every day. Ive been sick in bed today and watching fun movies with y'all: E.T., Uncle Buck, and Indiana Jones 1 and 2. Thanks for cheering me up! 🤠 P.S. if I still feel bad tomorrow, its Indy 3&4, The Great Outdoors, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Amd y'all really need to watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind for us and Amber.
Lots of fun!! The late 50s and early '60s songs had their own appeal and energy. In high school, Shirley Ellis's, Name Game, was tons of fun. Maybe react to that one? Thanks and Peace and Love!!
Jay & Amber, you'll love her very fun "The Name Game" !!!! Also her other hit song "The Clapping Song (Clap Pat Clap Slap)". edit - love Jay rockin' the Sister Rosetta Tharpe shirt!!!
That dancer is Bobby Banas he just passed away on July 29, 2024. He was an American dancer and actor who worked in films such as West Side Story (1961). He was also a choreographer and dance coach.
Didn't realize he passed away so recently. I think most people know of him from this particular clip.
Yes! Bobby also choreographed the dance at the spur of the moment ❣
Very cool. I heard about this legend last month, on Twitter(X), right around the time of his passing. At the time, I wasn't sure if his story was real or myth, but after hearing you and others corroborate things, I certainly believe it now.. Thanks for filling us in with additional surrounding facts. It sounds like he was a really cool dude. May he RIP.🙏🏽
Love Bobby Banas.
@@hedgewitchherbarium
"...choreographed it at the spur of the moment", huh??
Yea.
I can believe that.
Nonetheless...very entertaining to watch.
I watch the 1963 Nitty Gritty video every day, I can't get enough watching the crazy good boy dancer & his very serious female dancer. Both are totally into it & play off of each other's moves. I love the song as well sung by Shirley Ellis. The song has really grown on me. It's so fun & sung with such a good dance beat. This video is truly a joy to watch & listen to.
R.I.P. Bobby Banas. This video is from the Judy Garland Show in 1964, where Bobby took the place of the show’s choreographer, Bobby Gennaro, who was away in New York. Bobby choreographed the dance himself and the rest is history. Bobby danced in the West Side Story, Mary Poppins, as one of the chimney sweeps, and Let’s Make Love, where he shared a kiss with the ever so beautiful Marilyn Monroe.
Amber & Jay, one of Shirley Ellis’s other songs is The Name Game, which is a fun song, one that your children can listen to and have fun with just like I did and still do.
He could really dance!
Bobby Banas, the "dude up front" dancer and choreographer, is the reason this song is still iconic. He has quite the resume. If you ever get into some classic movies, you see him often as an actor and dancer.
Lead dancer, Bobby Banes played 'JoyBoy', one of the Jets in West Side Story (1961).
Shirley Ellis "The Name Game"
Let's do Chuck
A must listen 🎶
I prefer the hand clapping song!!
@@spiderdog7599 Let's try our luck with Buck! Of course we used to sing this when I was a kid. If Mom wasn't listening.
@@sourisvoleur4854 We had a friend named Bucky. Guess what we suggested?🤣🤣🤣
YOU HAVE TO LOVE THE GUY IN FRONT, HE'S GETTIN' IT!😊 " The Name Game" by Shirley Ellis was a bigger hit!!! And, " The Clapping song"!
This is the personification of giving it 110%.
When I first saw this video, instantly I couldn't take my eyes off Bobby Banas. His energy was off the chain.😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
Bobby Banas choreographed this as a last minute segment for The Judy Garland Show! One of the featured guests dropped out and they asked him “Hey, can you and the kids come up with something, quick?” And he did in about 45 minutes
Wow! THATS impressive! (When his hair is flying around, he kinda reminds me of a bigger Mickey Rooney)
Bobby Banas was popping and locking before it became a thing. Such an epic dancer. This is one of my favorite dance clips.
This video is from the Judy Garland Show. I think the main male dancing is Robert Banas who was also the choreographer.
Bobby Banas, such a legend. I was so happy to send him a message on insta that I loved his dancing and he replied with a heart. Then a month later he passed. Love him.
Everyone watches this for him...I watch it for her; his partner. She is unfazed and enjoys herself even with him taking the spotlight. She's having more fun than everyone else. She was Graziela in West Side Story, 1961.
So glad you did Shirley Ellis . My parents had a Shirley Ellis album when I was growing up. C. C. Rider, Stagger Lee, The Name Game all great songs. But the Nitty Gritty was my fav.
RIP, Bobby Banas. Your dancing was a joy to behold!!!!!
So fun. The guy you can’t take your eyes off of is Bobby Banas. He choreographed the dance.
Amber was hilarious 😊 “You wouldn’t have kept me off the dance floor…these my people…this is how I move” 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🔥🔥
He was a Jet in "West Side Story," a chimney sweep in "Mary Poppins" and once kissed Marilyn Monroe!
Yall REALLY REALLY NEED TO START reacting to the American Bandstand shows and the iconic SOUL TRAIN show!!!! You will trip out!!! 😂❤ on all the diff time periods and dances !! They show case iconic singers and groups/ bands as well!!! 😂
Some of the reasons why I love this channel are: Great songs I haven't heard in YEARS (Like this one), You guys show some much respect and enthusiasm for older music, and CHAIR DANCING! You guys are so much fun to watch! Thank you!
I had never heard of the song Nitty Gritty until three years ago when I came across this clip. I fell in love with the song and the dancer Bobby Banas. I now have it saved to my favorites and revisit this clip often. Thank you for this reaction.
Amber, your chair dancing is everything! 😂
Bobby was a phenomenal dancer, entertainer..RIP
DAMN he just died 2 weeks ago - and NO press?????????
Unbelievable.
That is sad because this is mesmerizing. RIP
I'm exhausted just watching them😅😅😅😅😅
This is more coordinated than anything Elaine was capable of lol
I’m the same age as you Grandfather. A dance that I liked back then, was the Mashed Potato.
Dude up front like "Hold my beer!". 😂
Bobby Banas is that up front Dancer who choreographed this dance. He was also a Chimney Sweep in Mary Poppins and in West Side Story. He also kissed Marilyn Monroe in one of her films.
Then became a dance instructor in Los Angeles his later years. Bobby always stood out. So sad he passed recently.
Bobby Banas actually choreographed the dance. He was an excellent dancer. His partner was adorable too. I would love to learn this dance but I could never be as good as he was ❤
That's the great dancer and choreographer Bobby Banas - still alive and in his 80's.
Then he kissed me.v
Unfortunately he passed away a week or so ago.
He was in some famous plays and movies. just passed 2 weeks ago at age 90, RIP
@@surlechapeau Dancers tend to live pretty long lives.
@@jeffmorse645 Oh no. I didn't realize. Rest In Peace.
I’m delighted that you both are reacting to this. Lot of people think they can’t dance, but actually the dancing is unique and brilliantly choreographed and executed. And they are on point. Happy to see everyone giving Bobby Banas his flowers.
Film adaptation of the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie ( spoof of Elvis’ entering the army) song and dance number A Lot Of Living To Do featuring a teenage Ann Margaret (Grumpy/ier Old Men) from early sixties. Great dance number.
Bobby Banas rocks!! Love this, and love that you found this!!
What makes the dancing so Funny is watching them Absolutely Get Down while wearing 1960s Suits and Dressed!!
why is it funny? That's what we wore to dances back then, I should know, I was 16 in 1963
Bobby Banas 1933-2024. American dancer actor choreographer and dance coach.Worked in films like West Side Story,Bye,Bye,Birdie, King and I,Don’t Knock the Rock.
Bobby Banas. He was as dancer and choreographer in many movies and TV shows. He choreographed this performance. He was in West Side Story, he was one of the Chimney Sweeps in Mary Poppins. He just recently passed away on July 29th at age 90. RIP Bobby.
My favorite '60s dance is the Jerk ❤
I saw a clip of a group of young ladies doing it on a 1964 episode of American Bandit
Bobby Banas out in front. He was a great dancer and choreographer and appeared in lots of films. I believe he was in the original West Side Story. His son is a director. He directed one of my commercials. I only knew Bobby passed away because his son announced it on Facebook.
What a great way to start Monday Shirley Ellis this was huge and I was in high school!
The lead male dancer (in the middle) has made this video go viral. He's the best and makes it look so easy! I've watched this so many times, he owns it and I can't take my eyes off him. I love good dancing! ❤🕺💃
They used to dance like this on 60s talk shows. They recreated one of these dances on the show The marvelous Mrs maisel. You have got to look that up because it is incredible.
Always fun and entertaining to hear your take on songs and singers.
The mans name is Bobby Banas. He was a professional choreographer. in Hollywood. He did work in some Elvis Presley movies.
I love this so much! That guy is getting it ❣
This song was covered by rockabilly band ‘Southern Culture on the Skids’ in 1995. Great remake! It brings the house down when played at their live concerts.
As a little crumb snatcher I remember her song "The Name Game" Seems like she had a lot of super fun and goofy songs.
The 60's were really something else. I ought to know. I was there.
This is actually from the Judy Garland show.
Shirley Ellis was a great singer for these songs. Her Clapping Song is good, too.
Wow. Banas would have been about 30 years old in this video (born 1933). I'm amazed he didn't throw his back out.
Don’t remember this at all, but I did sing along to The Name Game. Billy, Billy, Bo Billy, Banana Fanna Fo Filly,…Billy. That silliness appealed to a little girl.
I loved theName Game as a kid
My comment is probably gonna get buried, but this is my great. Aunt Shirley and I know she would’ve loved to see all the comments that you guys are leaving, and it brings me a lot of joy that people still listen to her music and that I could carry on her legacy by singing
I was 9 in 1963....FOLLOWING YEAR THE BEATLES EXPLODED ONTO THE U.S. I HAD THEIR FIRST ALBUM!!! WARPED IT!!!!❤❤❤❤
I don't think the Nitty Gritty was an actual dance. It's just how they chose to choreograph a dance for this song on a Judy Garland TV special. Shirley Ellis wasn't on the show. They just wanted to showcase this dance.
It does look like an exaggerated version of the Twist (thanks to Mr. Banas going ham). Also, this song sounds somewhat (but not exactly) like the tune also titled "The Nitty Gritty," released a few years later by Gladys Knight & the Pips.
@@jdw5678 You mean the Gladys Knight song sounds somewhat like this one...
@@1calvinfunny1 Yeah, I wasn't meaning to imply Knight's song was first.
It’s like the music is making him move like that!
So fun.
I can't remember when I found this video, but I have watched it so many times. Thanks for reacting to it. It put me in a good mood and reminded me that I had not seen it for a while.
Looking at this all I can think of is these people have to be in excellent shape to do such an incredible and challenging cardio workout.
Ohh, that was fabulous. I was smiling from ear to ear to whole way through that. 🕺💃
Great Hit that I remember, but Forgot About! Lots of fun to hear again You Guys; Thx! :)
Love this song and love this guys dancing!
I love this vid! I watch it several times a year, always wishing I could still dance enough to learn this, not that I was ever on his level. Sad to hear that he's passed.
The Name Game is another song you need to listen to! I was in the 10th grade when we would line up the gym and do this dance. Talk about fun and laughter.
I have two versions of this song. The audio that you just played, and a rare "studio" version where there is no back round crowd sounds, and the vocals are really close mic'd, I got that on 60's compilation in the mid 1980's on CD, when CD's were brand new. I can't find the CD, but have a MP3 of it. This is one of my favorite 60's tunes. So Grrrroovy!
Not dances but female soul singers from the 60s to check out include Barbara lynn (guitar player) - you’ll lose a good thing; Barbara Lewis - baby, I’m your (written by van mccoy who wrote/performed The Hustle); Shirelles - baby it’s you (you're reacted to the Smith cover), dedicated to the one I love, soldier boy, mama said; The ronettes - baby, I love you, (the best part of) breakin’ up (covered in the 80s), walking in the rain; Erma franklin (Aretha's sister) - piece of my heart (you've reacted to Joplin's version); Gloria jones - tainted love (you've reacted to Soft Cell); Irma Thomas (New Orleans royalty) - time is on my side (covered by the Rolling Stones); Doris troy - just one look (covered by Linda Ronstadt).
yes, The Shirelles - Dedicated To The One I Love and "Soldier Boy"
Yes, Barbara Lynn definitely. She looks and plays guitar like Jimi Hendrix' twin sister.
"You'll Lose A Good Thing" by Barbara Lynn is part of my 'favorites' playlist. Love the song!
Great reaction. Also reminds me of Elaine dancing.
Jay I was born a year before your Grandfather. I think you have a lot of Seniors enjoying your reactions.
There were so many dance songs - the Twist, the Bird, the Monkey... The more of them you knew, the cooler you were. 😂
I remember as a kid doing The Freddy dance to “I’m Telling You Now” by Freddie and the Dreamers. I believe they had it on the back of the album cover.
We had some great songs growing up. Have we outgrown great songs?
This was great! Got my dishes done in half the time. The lady dancing with Bobby Banas (thanks, posters, for the info about him) reminds me of an Australian comedian called Jane Turner who does hilarious dances as Margaret Bland from the "Fast Forward" comedy shows and Kath (with her boyfriend Kel) from the "Kath and Kim" series. For 60s dances you should watch the scene from the movie "Sweet Charity" i.e. "The Aloof, The Heavyweight, The Big Finish".
He was dancer in "West Side Story"
I LOVE IT!!!!!
As kids we had these songs on the radio and well you reacted to *"Bird Is The Word"* by the Trashmen? 1963.
*The Witch Doctor*
*The Funny Farm*
*Camp Grenada* Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah....here I am at, Camp Granada...
*16 Tons* Tennesse Earnie Ford
*Battle Of New Orleans* Johnny Horton
*North To Alaska*
*Sukiaki*
*Running Bear*
*Itsy Bitsy, Teeny Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini*
Amazing! First time listening Shirley Ellis 🤙
Banas was about 30 years old in this video. Born in 1933. Would have been 91 on September 22.
I was wondering where I got that dance from couple of years back I seen the video and laughed that's where I got it from
The Nitty Gritty appears to still be popular among swing dancers (though not a swing dance). Search RTSF Nitty Gritty (for entertainment not for reaction) and you will find several years where it was performed as an exhibition dance at the festival.
That's what radio sounded like just before the Beatles exploded , knocking out sox off. Amber will be pleased to hear 'Dear Jill' by Blodwyn Pig
RIP Bobby Banas
"Sweet Fancy Moses"
George Costanza speaks ! ✌️😉
Fun video, great song! RIP, Bobby Banas...
NAME GAME!
NAME GAME!
NAME GAME!
Love watching J just bust a gut. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Rilo Kiley "The Frug" has a real "Land of a 1,000 dances" feel.
love your reaction to this, there is lots more to see on your channel yet.
Shirley! Shirley Shirley bo- ber -ley bo-na-na fanna fo firley fe fi mo- mir-ley Shirley!
Lol i was little girl obsessed with the song.
@@MOS650 great 👍 school bus song
You have to hear “The Madison Time” with its own dance, i.e. was used in the movie Hairspray
OMG this was totally new to me and I Absolutely LOVED IT
You two always make me smile every day. Ive been sick in bed today and watching fun movies with y'all: E.T., Uncle Buck, and Indiana Jones 1 and 2. Thanks for cheering me up! 🤠
P.S. if I still feel bad tomorrow, its Indy 3&4, The Great Outdoors, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
Amd y'all really need to watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind for us and Amber.
Shirley Ellis Soultime!!!
Grrat dannce!
Next to Gene Kelley, Bobby Banas and Patrick Swayze are my favorite dancers to watch
Lots of fun!! The late 50s and early '60s songs had their own appeal and energy. In high school, Shirley Ellis's, Name Game, was tons of fun. Maybe react to that one? Thanks and Peace and Love!!
I have watched recent videos of couple still dancing like this
I never saw this one before. And all those girls were doing that in dresses and spike heels 👗👠 🤠
She also did "The Clapping Song".
The lead dancer guy gets all the attention and for good reason, but also check out the guy in the back on the right; he's pretty good too.
As another person suggested, you have to react to and play her biggest hit, “The Name Game”. It is very addictive!
Jay & Amber, you'll love her very fun "The Name Game" !!!! Also her other hit song "The Clapping Song (Clap Pat Clap Slap)".
edit - love Jay rockin' the Sister Rosetta Tharpe shirt!!!
Yeah right