Hines, Gregory (1946-2003), was a popular African American actor, dancer, singer, and choreographer (creator of dances). He began his career dancing as a child in nightclubs and theaters. He became a star of Broadway musicals in the late 1970’s and started a successful motion-picture career in the 1980’s.
Gregory Oliver Hines was born on Feb. 14, 1946, in New York City. He and his brother Maurice, Jr., formed a child song-and-dance act called the Hines Kids, performing from 1949 to 1955. The act was called the Hines Brothers from 1955 to 1963, when their father, Maurice, Sr., joined them. They then performed as Hines, Hines, and Dad from 1963 to 1973. Gregory led a jazz-rock band called Severance from 1974 to 1977.
Hines got his big stage break when he appeared in the Broadway revue Eubie! (1978), based on the music of composer Eubie Blake . He also starred in the revue Sophisticated Ladies (1981), based on the music of Duke Ellington . Hines earned a Tony Award for his performance as jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton in Jelly’s Last Jam (1992). Hines recorded the duet “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” (1987) with the American singer Luther Vandross. Hines also released a self-titled album in 1987.
Hines made his movie debut in The History of the World: Part I (1981). He starred in the dramatic musical The Cotton Club (1984). His other films include The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), White Nights (1985), Running Scared (1986), Tap (1989), Rage in Harlem (1991), and Waiting to Exhale (1995). Hines also appeared in a number of television movies and programs. He died on Aug. 9, 2003.
