Barrier-Breaking Facts About Bill Robinson, The Tap-Dancing Trailblazer
Bill Robinson was his generation’s highest-paid Black entertainer. He earned millions—but it wasn’t until he died that his heartbreaking truth came out.
1. He Was A Contradiction
Bill Robinson was the number one tap dancer and eventually the highest-paid Black entertainer of his generation. But his nickname was quite puzzling. To some, "Bojangles" means happy-go-lucky, while to others it means someone who argues a lot. While this seems like a complete contradiction, these facts prove that Robinson satisfied both definitions of the word.
He had to. How else would he face the non-stop prejudice the world threw his way?
2. He Had A Tragic Beginning
Bill Robinson was born on May 25, 1878, in Richmond, Virginia. His father was a machinist and his mother led the church choir. Robinson and his brother William had very little time to get to know their parents.
When Robinson was just six years old, they both unexpectedly passed—his father from heart disease and his mother from “unknown causes”.
With no parents, Robinson had to hit the streets. His survival depended on it.
3. They Tossed Pennies
Robinson’s grandmother took over the task of raising the boys, and Robinson started earning pocket money. He danced for the folks waiting in line at the theater, or while drinking in outdoor pubs. Back then they called him a “hoofer,"
and the pay was just a few pennies tossed his way.
Against all odds, a promoter saw what Robinson could do and made him an offer.
4. He Was Hooked
Because minstrel shows made fun of Black Americans, white performers played the Black characters wearing dark makeup on their faces. For some reason they also had groups of authentically Black children who sang and danced at the edge of the stage. This was Robinson’s first real job—and, in spite of the prejudice, it got him hooked on show business.
At a very young age, Robinson figured out that if he wanted to get anywhere in show business, he’d need to take a huge risk.
