Robinson, Bill (1878-1949), was a popular black American tap-dancer. He was affectionately known as “Bojangles.” Robinson became especially famous for a routine in which he tap-danced up and down a staircase.
Robinson performed in nightclubs, vaudeville, motion pictures, and on Broadway. He is probably best remembered for his appearances with the child star Shirley Temple in four movie musicals–The Little Colonel (1935), The Littlest Rebel (1935), Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938), and Just Around the Corner (1938). Robinson also starred in the Broadway musicals Blackbirds of 1928 (1928), Brown Buddies (1930), Blackbirds of 1933 (1933), The Hot Mikado (1939), All in Fun (1940), and Memphis Bound (1945).
Robinson was born on May 25, 1878, in Richmond, Virginia. His given name was Luther, but he later changed it to Bill. He began dancing for tips at an early age in the streets and taverns of Richmond. He died on Nov. 25, 1949.
