4a Bill "Mr. BoJangles" Robinson's Violin Lesson at The Romantic School of Music and his Photo Album

"The Greatest Tap Dancer Who Ever Lived" teaches us (violin students) one of the greatest lessons of show business. When I was fist told about this lesson (one of the favorites at the school), I was at first surprised, then thrilled because my father loved Mr. BoJangles so much, and it became one of my favorite lessons also.
Sadly, I have been unable to find the shoes (there are so few of his still around) and the short film reel (about 2 minutes long) showing Mr. BoJangles (Bill Robinson) walking on the sidewalk in tattered clothing looking solemn and depressed. A moment later, he looks you right in the eyes and begins dancing as a large grin spreads across his face. It truly was magic!
If anyone, anywhere has this short film, or a copy of it, please let me know.

For those who believe that the song "Mr. BoJangles" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has nothing to do with Bill Robinson, and that it dishonors his memory; the short movie clip that I'm talking about could possibly change your mind. His shoes "looked" worn out (at least on the top), his clothes were tattered and yes, he jumped before gracefully coming down into his feathered stance without missing a beat. But, just to keep the record straight, in this short film clip he was acting. Bill was famous for being a clean and neat "freak," one of the highest paid performers in the world, and above all else, a "class act."

In 1989, Congress designated Bill Robinson's birthday, May 25, as National Tap Dance Day.

Note: The dancer's (actress's) name I couldn't remember is Velma Middleton = Thanks NathanThePrezPretlow.

If you only have a couple minutes:
The Little Colonel (Dancing up the stairs with Shirley Temple)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtHvetGnOdM

Or a bit more diverse video is: Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson Tap Dancing Compilation 1935-1938 (Especially nice for Shirley Temple fans. Note: Other than the first few seconds (which are wonderful) the first few minutes of this video repeat the last video.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFd4WfnPzdY

Bill Robinson loved Shirley Temple dearly, and he would display as many as 19 photographs of her in his dressing room.

And for a "pure" tap dancing routine: "King for a Day"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NusZgfCQ634

Documentary (A&E Biography)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWtImcRU_ug

And yet another great quote for violinists:
"You are there to entertain the audience, not yourself." The Nicholas Brothers.
This video will make you smile: It's from the movie, "Stormy Weather" and it highlights "The Nicolas Brothers:" the greatest tap dancing "Duo" who have ever lived:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orhf_Xv6HCA
Two Videos of Henny Youngman (Not the greatest violinist that The Romantic School of Music has ever produced, but hey, he's definitely entertaining!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdJoUcqwYXE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lhxg7ClZ2Y
One last (sad) note: Although Bill Robinson always wanted a Hollywood movie made about his life, the movie "BoJangles" starring Gregory Hines (2001) is literally junk. It dishonors Bill's memory, and has almost nothing to do with the "real" Bill BoJangles Robinson. For now, I would stick with the A&E documentary.

Видео 4a Bill "Mr. BoJangles" Robinson's Violin Lesson at The Romantic School of Music and his Photo Album канала kevinleeluthier