4a Bill "Mr. BoJangles" Robinson's Violin Lesson at The Romantic School of Music and his Photo Album
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- Опубликовано: 9 янв 2021
- "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)
• Little Colonel Bojangl...
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.)
• Bill 'Bojangles' Robin...
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"
• Bill Bojangles Robinso...
Documentary (A&E Biography)
• Bill Bojangles Robinso...
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:
• Cab Calloway Bill Ro...
Two Videos of Henny Youngman (Not the greatest violinist that The Romantic School of Music has ever produced, but hey, he's definitely entertaining!)
• Video
• Henny Youngman Comedy ...
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.
This guy relaxes the hell out of me
What a great video! Thank you. I remember him, but never knew all the things you shared with us. What an amazing man.
Wow,, what a fabulous lesson. I really enjoyed it , , , ,
You covered an awful lot of ground there.
Solid Gold! I love it! Any passionate violinist can play because they love the sound they create, but the true master of Romantic Music can play because they love when the audience loves the music.
Your words and You are kindred spirits. Thank you so much for this comment.
Many life lessons and deep inspirations to be discovered from a life well lived, such as the one of Mr, BoJangles. He was a house hold name where I grew-up in Canada, but until now never really knew why. Thanks so much Kevin for the insights, delivered with your usual dramatic flare.
Thank you! Even though I acquired a love and appreciation for Mr. BoJangles from my father when I was very young (6 years old), this violin lesson at the school took me by surprise and then made me love him even more.
The Lady singing is not Freddie Washington and the lady who doing a split is Velma Middleton who later sung and dance with Louis Amstrong's band.and that's not Cab Calloway but Duke Ellington greeting Bill Robinson on stage. But thanks for sharing this rare picture of Bill Robinson.
Thank you so much for Valma Middleton's name! I just added it to the description. Also, I know that she looks a lot different singing with her mouth wide open, but the reporter says that it is Freddie Washington and I have other pictures of her that match perfectly, as well as Cab Calloway's. = probably just the lighting in the hall that night. Thanks again!
Nice presentation! Thank you!
Thank you so much for your comment! I enjoyed going through the photographs after all this time. I didn't realize that there were so many!
Love the photos, thank you for sharing! Hope you get better soon!
Thank you so much!
I really am a patient person, yet 3 months in a neck brace, unable to carve or play the violin is about all I can take. Yet, if the x-rays look good in a few days, I'll be free!
@@kevinleeluthier I have a thumb injury and was told not to play violin for 2 weeks and it's driving me crazy, so I can only imagine how hard it has been for you! I'm not even sure it's getting better, but my fingers are crossed. Sending you healing thoughts! Make sure you post the good news if the x-ray looks good!
Any update on your x-ray results? How's your neck?
I hope he is doing fine.