In 1938, at the Cotton Club there was a face-off dance competition between the Nicholas Brothers and the Berry Brothers. How badly I wish that face-off was recorded.
More proof that tappers have been challenging each other and stealing each other's steps for decades!! But the Nicholas brothers had to have been first with that sliding split move because they started so young. Anyway, hard not to LOVE tap. Can't wait for it to fully regain its popularity! 🎟️🎭
I like the Nicholas brothers, and now the Berry brothers too. That opening part with the shadows, the music playing and the two guys running on was especially great. People back then knew how to entertain.
I literally said to myself as I watched this, "How did I never see this before!?" I knew of them, had seen clips...but never this one. Just a magnificent, unbelievable number.
DAMN !!!!!!, Just when i thought the NICHOLOUS BROTHERS were the craziest TAP DANCERS i ever witnessed , now these BERRY BROTHERS make me wanna change my opinion
1965 in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica...I was a Stage and Acrobatic Dancer... (Thanks for posting this video.) I was just watching the Movie, "Lady Be Good" on Turner Classic Movie...Saw The Berry Brothers.!♫♪♫♫ 02/14/17
Wow. It’s amazing how they did all of this wearing suits. When you see athleticism like this, the entertainers are usually wearing shorts or something. Same with The Nicholas Brothers.
It's a shame that groups like this and the Nicholas Brothers are virtually forgotten nowadays. These guys were legitimate performers and they did it in tudexos as well which couldn't have been easy.
Legitimate, is an under statement! They were legends in their own right. Folks now and days are to busy trying to be trending. Instead exploring our real music and art.
I put the Berry Brothers and the Nicholas Brothers on the greatest dancers/tappers/ entertainers list! The Nicholas Brothers have a slight edge because they also sing!
Berry Brothers, dancers: Ananias "Nyas" Berry (18 Aug. 1913-5 Oct. 1951) and James Berry (c. 1915-28 Jan. 1969), both born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Warren Berry (25 Dec. 1922-10 Aug. 1996), born in Denver, Colorado. More information: www.anb.org/articles/18/18-03672.html
The Vaudeville circuits were across America. Dancers, Singers, Comedians, Live shows. Orchestras. No TV. Radio was it, so folks everywhere learned to Dance, Sing & entertain themselves. Talent was Everywhere.
A great example on how Black people had to be 3 times better as White performers, just to have a small part in movie musical. And unfortunately they would cut these Black performers clips out of the movie , when shown in theaters down South. I guess most of the White racist , didn't want to see this kinda great talent , especially in the 1940s.
Your frustration seems to be that Black performers were marginalized in White productions. That's true but pales in light of a far greater historical fact: There was another Hollywood that thrived once upon a time. From the 1910s to the 1950s, an independent Black American film industry - owned, operated, and financed by Black Americans - catered to its own segregated audience, had its own African American directors, stars and studios. The movies they produced, the first alternative American “indie” cinema, are known as “race movies”. Of more than 500 motion pictures made, nearly all have been destroyed or damaged and are now considered to be lost films. As crazy at it sounds today, There was a time when Americans of African ancestry had no need to be "appreciated" by the dominant culture. They were self-sufficient for the most part, didn't need much of anything from any other group (other than to be left alone). They had true dignity and pride. Now their descendants beg the dominate culture to accept them, they pander for dignity from the dominant culture. Today they have been brainwashed so completely that all they can do is brand the dominant culture they so desperately want to want to please as racist - in an attempt to shame the dominant culture into loving them. Black people then were true and endured the worst - and _Still_ earned their own dignity. The only reason the Black film industry died was because "modern Blacks" stopped supporting it as now they were able to "integrate". Black people today - in America - are pathetic.
So you wanna blame Black people for racism ? I'm taking about racism in America not the freakung , chittling circuit. I will never believe in segregation. Segregation in the year of 2021?
They are awesome! Love this routine, so fun & entertaining.... They packed so much into a short few minutes.... and was that the first breakdancing move on stage?
Absolutely love this, but have never heard of them. I wonder how many other talented entertainers of that day just didnt get the chance and recognition they deserved because of skin color. Sad. I just loved the way entertainers dressed back then, very elegant.
These guys were before the Nicholas brothers which makes me believe the Nicholas brothers followed they style... Probably the only ones out there that could
I believe people rarely heard about these talented gentlemen because colorism was very popular especially when it involved the “cotton club” The lighter skin brothers (AKA) Nicholas brothers versus the darker skin brothers. Regardless All these Gentlemen, had a wonderful gift for dancing 💃
somebody said Nicholas brothers WHO? The Berry Brothers could out dance the Nicholas brothers Fred astaire and Gene Kelly put together. I have never in my life seen a better dance rotine than this one. this is better than the Nicholas brothers on stormy weather. please rolling with canes hitting flips and splits altogether. just mind blowing.
For all these people who think that the Nicholas Brothers were the shit. I got one question to ask you? If you were the Nicholas Brother's at the Apollo in Harlem, would you want to be the following act coming right behind The Berry Brother's????????? I thought not.
The two are incomparable. The Nicholas Brothers were more formidable tap dancers with a unique style (note how they use their hands) while the Berry Brothers were more acrobatic and had the canes. Both were great and one takes nothing from the other. BTW: Wonder if they were ever on the same bill? I would say unlikely.
@@imagine07018 To answer your question yes they were on the same billing at the Cotton Club in Harlem. of course the Nicholas Brothers got top billing but when it came to dancing the Nicholas brothers had their hands full. They even had a dance off at the Cotton Club but nobody filmed it. They say the Berry Brothers won the contest but there is no film of the contest. Black people get no recognition for nothing they do even today. Then these white clowns talk about how great Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were. neither of those two could carry the Berry Brothers canes or give them a glass of water. But as usual Black people are written out of history. So what's new.
@@planeman55 Thanks for your response. Which is why we should not rely on them to get it right. That's our job, though it is often difficult given our circumstances. Which makes your response even more valuable. With regards to the 'who won" thing, there are no winners or losers in art. Hell, I'd take either one of them right now.
August 2020 and only discovering the Berry Brothers now. But I have known the song Fascinatin’ Rhythm for many years. (Sorry, the comment was supposed to be posted for another clip! Never mind. But go check out the Berry Brothers anyway.)
I am just discovering the Berry Brothers. Now this is a sin and a shame. They were talented. They were doing dance moves before they call it the James Browns split There dance moves is like something I would see on Soul Trian.
In 1938, at the Cotton Club there was a face-off dance competition between the Nicholas Brothers and the Berry Brothers.
How badly I wish that face-off was recorded.
More proof that tappers have been challenging each other and stealing each other's steps for decades!! But the Nicholas brothers had to have been first with that sliding split move because they started so young. Anyway, hard not to LOVE tap. Can't wait for it to fully regain its popularity! 🎟️🎭
I like the Nicholas brothers, and now the Berry brothers too. That opening part with the shadows, the music playing and the two guys running on was especially great. People back then knew how to entertain.
How did I never hear about these guys before? They're great.
I just "met them" this morning about 9AM! I was visiting a neighbor and the history of hip-hop was on the telly.
I literally said to myself as I watched this, "How did I never see this before!?" I knew of them, had seen clips...but never this one. Just a magnificent, unbelievable number.
Probably because the Nicholas Brothers became the rage,and rightfully so!
I agree! I knew about the Nicholas Brothers, but these three are also incredible dancers. They just don't make 'em like this anymore, unfortunately!
DAMN !!!!!!, Just when i thought the NICHOLOUS BROTHERS were the craziest TAP DANCERS i ever witnessed , now these BERRY BROTHERS make me wanna change my opinion
This was African American talent reigning supreme. Nobody could touch them today!!!!
BLACK AMERICANS
What the hell, where has this been all my life?
This brothers were brilliant they inspired so many artists in the likes of James Brown etc.
And the Gold Medal goes to...the Berry Brothers! Holy cow.
What about the Nicholas brothers?
these dudes were no joke!
1965 in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica...I was a Stage and Acrobatic Dancer... (Thanks for posting this video.) I was just watching the Movie, "Lady Be Good" on Turner Classic Movie...Saw The Berry Brothers.!♫♪♫♫ 02/14/17
Wow. It’s amazing how they did all of this wearing suits. When you see athleticism like this, the entertainers are usually wearing shorts or something. Same with The Nicholas Brothers.
Are you SERIOUS! Absolutely FanTASTIC!!!
It's a shame that groups like this and the Nicholas Brothers are virtually forgotten nowadays.
These guys were legitimate performers and they did it in tudexos as well which couldn't have been easy.
Legitimate, is an under statement! They were legends in their own right. Folks now and days are to busy trying to be trending. Instead exploring our real music and art.
@@feb121988 well said. Trending in the most vulgar way
Legendary! Ken Burns should do a doc on the history of tap.
Bigger shame how they dated white women and how one of the Nicholas Brothers treated Dorothy Dandridge and his special needs daughter
And not tuxedos. White tie and tails - real formal wear.
Now we see where break dancing started, between these guys & the Nicholas Brothers. I put them both on my "Great Dancers All Styles" playlist.
I put the Berry Brothers and the Nicholas Brothers on the greatest dancers/tappers/ entertainers list! The Nicholas Brothers have a slight edge because they also sing!
Berry Brothers, dancers: Ananias "Nyas" Berry (18 Aug. 1913-5 Oct. 1951) and James Berry (c. 1915-28 Jan. 1969), both born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Warren Berry (25 Dec. 1922-10 Aug. 1996), born in Denver, Colorado. More information: www.anb.org/articles/18/18-03672.html
The greatest dancers I never heard of. Came here from a Nicholas Brothers video. Wow just wow! No one is that good today! Teresa S.
So that's where break dancing came from........
no or yes
Solomon said it best. "There is nothing NEW under the sun."
WHAT DID I JUST WITNESS!!??
A real talent.
three Griots from God
mj4lyfe101 GREATNESS
Tall, chocolate magic, hello!
all I can say is WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!
from the movie:
Lady Be Good: MGM musical film released in 1941.
Thanks. 😊
Ummm ! What! The. Athleticism is astounding
Fred Astaire probably knew in his heart, these guys were the actual Truth!
Of course!! He was one of the best and these were his peers who were equally great! 🫡🙌
Wow, they're talented.
Why? Why have I never heard of these men!!? Just fantastic!
The Vaudeville circuits were across America. Dancers, Singers, Comedians, Live shows. Orchestras.
No TV. Radio was it, so folks everywhere learned to Dance, Sing & entertain themselves. Talent was Everywhere.
A great example on how Black people had to be 3 times better as White performers, just to have a small part in movie musical. And unfortunately they would cut these Black performers
clips out of the movie , when shown in theaters down South.
I guess most of the White racist , didn't want to see this kinda great talent , especially in the 1940s.
Your frustration seems to be that Black performers were marginalized in White productions. That's true but pales in light of a far greater historical fact:
There was another Hollywood that thrived once upon a time. From the 1910s to the 1950s, an independent Black American film industry - owned, operated, and financed by Black Americans - catered to its own segregated audience, had its own African American directors, stars and studios. The movies they produced, the first alternative American “indie” cinema, are known as “race movies”. Of more than 500 motion pictures made, nearly all have been destroyed or damaged and are now considered to be lost films.
As crazy at it sounds today, There was a time when Americans of African ancestry had no need to be "appreciated" by the dominant culture. They were self-sufficient for the most part, didn't need much of anything from any other group (other than to be left alone). They had true dignity and pride. Now their descendants beg the dominate culture to accept them, they pander for dignity from the dominant culture. Today they have been brainwashed so completely that all they can do is brand the dominant culture they so desperately want to want to please as racist - in an attempt to shame the dominant culture into loving them.
Black people then were true and endured the worst - and _Still_ earned their own dignity. The only reason the Black film industry died was because "modern Blacks" stopped supporting it as now they were able to "integrate".
Black people today - in America - are pathetic.
So you wanna blame Black people for racism ? I'm taking about racism in America not the freakung , chittling circuit. I will never believe in segregation. Segregation in the year of 2021?
They wasnt racism in the south. There was just competition for jobs. Employers hired the cheapest workers.
All I can see is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
If you didn't know the era you would swear this was AI-generated content. The Berry and Nicholas brothers set a high bar that's unlikely to be topped.
So exciting to watch them tear it up!
This is the first time that I've heard of them. I've heard of the Nickolas brothers, but not them. Wow, they are fantastic! Thanks for sharing. 💞x10
this video should have multiple millions of views, not the trash people worship today
Style, skill, stamina, superb !!!
No fucking way some of those moves were beyond incredible!!!!!!
These guys were so cool!
They had to be better than good because there was lotta competition about. This is why America is a great country.
Add to that, and being Black, they had to be better than good.
We the best at everything 😮😊
Thanks for uploading this
Berry Bro...my coolest dancers!
How awesome they were!!!
Stellar!! Any other solar accolades to describe these men!!
Never heard about these guys! Oh wow! Amazing!!!
Awesome
Thank you for sharing this wonderful clip!!!
Insanely talented!
Incredible
That's more exercise than I do in a month!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it!!!
Wow! Imagine how rich and famous they would have been if...you know the rest. Hate ruins everything.
They are awesome! Love this routine, so fun & entertaining.... They packed so much into a short few minutes.... and was that the first breakdancing move on stage?
Absolutely love this, but have never heard of them. I wonder how many other talented entertainers of that day just didnt get the chance and recognition they deserved because of skin color. Sad. I just loved the way entertainers dressed back then, very elegant.
Dem bones be loose.
hors norme !! NICHOLAS et BERRY BROTHER hors du temps !!
Way ahead of there time , absolutely brilliant.
Rogan and Dave brought me here -amazing
Spectacular
Can’t we just GO BACK!?
❤ wow. Haven’t seen this one 😊
These guys were before the Nicholas brothers which makes me believe the Nicholas brothers followed they style... Probably the only ones out there that could
Fantastisch. Luv it
Queen Neferterria
Princess Lavengra
what an act wow
Awesome!
So smooth
I believe people rarely heard about these talented gentlemen because colorism was very popular especially when it involved the “cotton club” The lighter skin brothers (AKA) Nicholas brothers versus the darker skin brothers.
Regardless All these Gentlemen, had a wonderful gift for dancing 💃
They do all this wearing suits, SUITS.
Thumbs up if Joe Rogan brought you here....
Joe Rogan? What does he know about these guys?
@@thebeatnumber He talked about them in a podcast.
@@BuckandOden I'm impressed. Would have figured Joe to be a metal head.
It was from the his Rogan podcast but it was his genius guest Eric Weinstein that knew about these guys Xx love Rogan too though Xx
more acrobats than dancers. cool
How cool is this👌🏻
Yes yes yes
It never was enough that they were talented, they had to break their asses, skin and grin, and maybe not be showcased again.
....... i mean,..... wow.
All men were NOT created equal !!
@ 1:19 yo did he just hit dude with a hurricanrana 😳 incredible!!
Increíble extraordinario
Diamond Dave brought me here, via Joe Rogan.
Jaime put it up
Now I know where Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple got his guitar riff for "Burn" ;)
You want to know what's true about the Berry Brothers? If you've never seen them and you've never heard them then you don't know!
They didnt have tap shoes on that time
Eat your heart out Beyonce...
Stop.
@@LUX_8 Beyonce still sucks.
Dope!!!
É muito talento meu Deus 🍇🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🙏
somebody said Nicholas brothers WHO? The Berry Brothers could out dance the Nicholas brothers Fred astaire and Gene Kelly put together. I have never in my life seen a better dance rotine than this one. this is better than the Nicholas brothers on stormy weather. please rolling with canes hitting flips and splits altogether. just mind blowing.
Troll...
Oh yeah, Fantastic Rhythm. I forgot to mention that. Silly me.
wonderful time is in superb these are artist wonderful (the wife)
For all these people who think that the Nicholas Brothers were the shit. I got one question to ask you? If you were the Nicholas Brother's at the Apollo in Harlem, would you want to be the following act coming right behind The Berry Brother's????????? I thought not.
The two are incomparable. The Nicholas Brothers were more formidable tap dancers with a unique style (note how they use their hands) while the Berry Brothers were more acrobatic and had the canes. Both were great and one takes nothing from the other. BTW: Wonder if they were ever on the same bill? I would say unlikely.
They actually battled them and beat the berry brothers
@@imagine07018 To answer your question yes they were on the same billing at the Cotton Club in Harlem. of course the Nicholas Brothers got top billing but when it came to dancing the Nicholas brothers had their hands full. They even had a dance off at the Cotton Club but nobody filmed it. They say the Berry Brothers won the contest but there is no film of the contest. Black people get no recognition for nothing they do even today. Then these white clowns talk about how great Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were. neither of those two could carry the Berry Brothers canes or give them a glass of water. But as usual Black people are written out of history. So what's new.
@@planeman55 Thanks for your response. Which is why we should not rely on them to get it right. That's our job, though it is often difficult given our circumstances.
Which makes your response even more valuable.
With regards to the 'who won" thing, there are no winners or losers in art. Hell, I'd take either one of them right now.
Have a goodnight from production ideas 😀
Break Dancing, :18
Believe it or not this is where David Lee Roth got a lot of his act
August 2020 and only discovering the Berry Brothers now. But I have known the song Fascinatin’ Rhythm for many years. (Sorry, the comment was supposed to be posted for another clip! Never mind. But go check out the Berry Brothers anyway.)
To the 12 people who didn’t like this - you have no taste or conception of good entertainment
No taps on their shoes.
Eric Weinstein brought me here
thanks to joe rogan experience
I am just discovering the Berry Brothers. Now this is a sin and a shame.
They were talented. They were doing dance moves before they call it the James Browns split
There dance moves is like something I would see on Soul Trian.
Never heard of these guys. Really good moves bit there is some precision that is missing. Also they aren't as charismatic as the nicholas brothers.
The dancing is good but the music is ill suited for it, much to dainty.
Who is here because of Eric weinstein?
We have no discipline. Only comments.
I'm sure white guys could do this just as easily--------JOKE!
Not to brag if you like them you.should see me and 3 bros. We studies them and others