Bill Bojangles Robinson Last Public Appearance (1949)

[ClickTheTurtle]

"It's not what you doing on the stage, it's what you do off." Those are words to live by.

[luvinhp89]

@ClickTheTurtle too bad so many of todays performers wont live that way

[RegisPhilbinFan]

i just found my new favourite video on youtube. i've got tears in my eyes and a big ol' goofy smile on my face. Mr Robinson, RIP.

[salawa03]

Bojangles was a Great talent, and a GREAT MAN !

[sofiatuable]

even though i just found out who Bill Bojangles was today, from this video u can see what kind of great person he was and the great advice he gave to people :D may his soul rest in perfect peace

[fairfax17]

Mr. Bojangles.........Please dance......rip

[WeeEnglishTeacup1991]

Bill is the reason i dance

[irish89055]

There is a statue here in Richmond of him dancing on steps.... he paid for a traffic signal out of his own pocket at that site too back in the day.. Yes, a beautiful man.. I'm sure he still rolling in his grave over the vulgar rappers et al...

[546mh]

Whatever happened to Wee Willie Smith?

[mustard101]

"Just remember one thing, manners and behaivour can take you where money cant take you, regardless what colour you are"

[valdancer52]

What's the name of the young dancer?

[Khaliqdialectic]

Touching



[Magic9053]

Bill Robinson is PURE CLASS !

[AuntThebe]

Wow. Just awed by Mr. Bojangles talk.

[hailmichigan2]

man that kid is crapping his pants

[fastborzoi]

a beautiful person and a fabulous entertainer

71 yrs old in 1949

not what you do on the stage, it's what you do after you leave the stage,

so true

All these decades later, thank you Mr. Robinson

& thanks for posting

[hihosilverlining2]

wow...Mr Robinson certainly grew up in a time when black people were taught to be respectful even when being treated badly...and what he says here is amazing considering neither of them could have stayed in most places they would have performed in!!!

Mixed emotions....

So sad, but I just pray that today when we have better treatment, we don't go backwards by putting out videos that make black people look like thugs and "ho"s.

Thank you so much for posting this :-)

[TomHendricksMusea]

This is a wonderful salute to a great dancer.

[gmonkey808]

Mr Bojangles. One of the true greats.

[ELLEAQUAWATCH]

he was of the same class as Louis Armstrong even in his last days he still smiled for everyone

[thundernotes]

"manners and behavior can take you where money can't take you, regarldless of what color you are, in America."

[Holloway6151975]

@thundernotes

i think he said that as a message to america because he knew he was going to die soon.

[nuclearnavymom]

The man was a class act.

[chequemated]

Fascinating... I do 'mr. Bojangles' every time I cabaret... I shall certainly give it a little more respect now I know it's origin

[randycornhole]

What a great bloke...

[drummerlead]

Its too bad there aren't a lot of others in the world that can think like he did and behave like he did and set the bar for everything. I'm sure Bojangles could have taught you more on how to be an outstanding person than anything else he could teach you tap dancing wise.

[HOMEnHIGH]

big suprise eh.....look around him...do u see anymore black people....

[Dakdizzy]

WoW. Some people no when their time on Earth is up. I think he knew.

[Blackjesus3]

wow this is rare

[babybelle32]

Incredible.

[143AC]

Mr.Bill("Bojangles")Robinson also made a guest appearance on

"The Texaco Star Theater"TV Show with Mr.Jackie Robinson,Mr.Bela Lugosi,Messers:John Olson and Hal Johnson and Mr.Milton Berle in 1949.

[mroneoftheguys]

What a gift this man had....He knew he was very ill but still wanted to give this young man good advice and share his love for America...What a wonderful thing to do...RIP BBR

[TheViewFromSugarHill]

Midfi is an idiot. Are you really so stupid that you can't see the difference between the KKK and Unions? You are typical of the idiots in the "Tea Party" movement who thin Sarah Palin is a wise woman and call President Obama a NAZI and a Communist without even realizing that the two ideologies are diametrically opposed! Go read a book fool!!!

[Adem242]

You know, I have seen your posting on other youtube videos. You need to shut your mouth. This isn't about race. BTW Communism starts from socialism which Adolph Hitler embraced and used. You can tell me about all the books you want. But have you actually read Hitler's book, or Marx Communist Manifesto. Also, the Tea Party movement is filled with many influencial people, I as part of it. As an English/Theatre major at my college, I get both sides of the argument. Stop stirring up hate!

[kchaney56]

@TheViewFromSugarHill Your village called and they want their idiot back, bye!

[drtwolf]

He was the best there was or ever will be! Racism is not more prevalent. I grew up in the 60's & saw the Jim Crow laws first hand (this little white girl thought they made no sense). We've come a long way-Bojangles could now walk in the front door and stay at any hotel he liked but we still have a ways to go. Laws and government programs address behaviors and practices, but don't/can't change attitudes or beliefs. They take a LOT longer. We're getting there, though.

[doctorparadigmshift]

wow, what a nice way to encourage that young man! Wow, he was truly kind hearted!

[bostonchip2006]

One of the All time greats(Mr. Bill Robinson) from one of my Home's back in the day Maggie Walker Avenue!!!

[ozzdubar]

Great post!

[kellyjustus]

I loved the young man's shocked look. Man Bill sure made his day. You could have knocked him down with a feather.

[kellyjustus]

I think if our skin was all the same color; man would find some thing else to discriminate like eye color or hair color.

[kanakaken]

I DON'T BELIEVE IN RACISM, IT DOESN'T EXIST. WHAT THERE IS THOUGH IS,,,,, BIGOTRY,, IGNORANCE,, & STUPIDITY !! Bill Robinson's roots were in Africa, as are everyone else's, we all originated in Africa and there is only ONE race. The man had a beautiful mind, heart and exquisite rhythm. He was also an ambassador extraordinaire for his brown skinned brothers and sisters. I think he was a gift to humanity..... Ya suficiente !

[cheshirelizzy]

However, I agree with you that there is only one race: human. I also agree that he had a beautiful mind and face.

Well, it still remains to be proven that people originated in Africa.

As a Christian, I believe what the Bible teaches -- that we began in Asia and that Adam and Eve had all characteristics for all appearances we have right now (which occurrences can be proven simply by looking at mixed children and their offspring). They were probably a medium brown colour.

[shaevatho]

it shouldnt matter what color their skin was.

[Brightstarblog7]

@shaevatho

Yes, I agree, what counts is the character if you have a heart for God and Jesus , there is no such thing as partiality with God and Jesus. I grew up seeing Bonjangles he is great and the best he never was racist, he loved people the same regardless of their culture or religion. See my videos is you like

Jesus shows no discrimination.

[kellyjustus]

I live near Mexico. Around here it seems that boys look like their Mothers and girls look like their Fathers. My daughter is white and my son-in-law is Latino. The girl is a little lighter brown then her Father. The Boy is white with light hair. Both have brown eyes. My cousin married a black man. Their little boy is white though not as white as his Mother. He has curly brown hair.

We all descendants of Adam and Eve. Noah and his family survived the flood.

[lander4545]

If racism doesn't exist anymore as you say; does this mean that the United States can get rid of Affirmative Action and hiring quotas?

[kanakaken]

The term, 'racism' is actually a misnomer. What is meant is discrimination on ethnic grounds. There is an abundance of difference in the ethnicity of the world but there is only one race on this planet, the human race. It has been shown that everyone is related and everyone's ancestry can be traced back to Africa.

The last time there was another race of people on this planet was about 35000 yrs ago and they were called Homo Sapien Neanderthalensis.

[kanakaken]

Since it was adopted in 1776 Americans have revered the Declaration of Independence as the holiest of holies and rightly so, as it is a most beautifully written document. Especially the second sentence; 'We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'. That's all you need, but it seems that some sections in the States will never agree.

[lander4545]

It's sad but since President Obama has taken the oath of office racism is more prevelent now in the United States than I have ever detected before. Many government programs such as Affirmative Action,Housing Revitilizing act,Hiring quotas and so on have been very devisive for years! We even use the term "minority" which automaticaly qualifies you for those government programs. There is alot of anger and I do not believe it will ever end!

[midfi101]

I agree, and take the KKK, NAACP, and the unions with them.

[gabrieldix64]

Pure class. Breaks my heart to watch it.

Thanks for posting this.

[egocrusher]

it's black folks like this that made America what it is today. Even when they didn't make no money and had it fucking hard they still loved America. There wouldn't be a Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Elvis Presly if it wasn't for them. And then after stealing their talents they treat them like animals. White people are the animals cuz they started all this hatred but maybe its finally changing a little bit since we got Obama.

[ayebatonyeseigha]

oh my goodness, i have never read such a text on youtube that makes so much sense to me. you should run for political office, no joke. u think and think and thin again before u write. wonderful. u are right those black dudes in those days made it because they had fun and not for the money and the truely did if for america. that is patriotism

[rodneydanger1980]

who is wee willie smith

[MIKESOWELL]

NateInDC you just HAD to find a negative in a positive video clip didn't you? Geez...

[brianparran1]

not negative its a positive my generation talks about bill robinson like he sold out when he really gave a under toned message to this young men this video is very important it showed how he was able to function in the 1949 during so much racism and tell this young man in front of white white folks the the truth "even if you can entertain these whites you still have to live as a black man and conduct yourself with integrity

[keybobrob]

yes sir brianparran...YES SIR!!!...THANK YOU!!!...UR DEAD ON!!!...THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT MR. ROBINSON WAS DOING!

[kimosabi6180]

"...its not what you do on the stage, its what you do after you leave the stage"

95% of today's celebrities would do well to live by that statement.

[brianparran1]

its not what u do on stage its what u do when leave the stage so many brothers need this speech

[NateInDC]

Wow, did you see how quick that white dude jumped in at the 2:20 mark when the COLORED man was trying to speak. Oh may gosh, can't let a brother who isn't articulate speak on television. How sad was this country back then.

[ValarioVasquez]

"only in America"....."only in America"

poor guy...he was so brainwashed he actually believed they were doing him a favor by treating him like a human being.

Back then not only did many Whites believe Blacks were inferior but many Blacks were brainwashed to believe that as well.

Sadly, this mindset is still prevalent today...i met a white person the other day who was bragging about the fact that they are "not racist" as if they deserved praise for treating Blacks like human beings

[Westyrulz]

You prick you miss the whole point don't you.Bill Robinson was a complete Gentleman and we would all do well (regardless of Race) to take heed of his words.

[ValarioVasquez]

@Westyrulz

nah you missed my whole point faggot....yes, he was a gentleman and what does that have to do with my point?

Maybe if you took your head out of your ass and took heed to the point you claim to have gotten from Mr. Robinson, you would respect my analysis and at least attempt to understand my point of view...IF your going to comment, or if not shut the fuck up...that would be the "gentleman" thing to do

[keybobrob]

Westy,.Wow!!..why did u call Valario a "prick" and then say "WE WOULD ALL DO WELL TO TAKE HEED OF HIS WORDS"? In all do respect, i think so often we are so quick 2 be "disagreeable" and throw insults around so freely 2 strangers just because we may not agree with what they say. In fact, I would add 2Valario comment that this so called "brainwashing" that he mentioned started LONG LONG before Bill Robinson's time and continues...in very real ways today. But there is much TRUTH to ur words as well

[delamitri100]

For example, not calling someone else a prick?

[marque235]

jsjunot - by chance do you know who the young man is? or have the footage of hius performance?

Rap A Tap Tap - Bojangles!

[marque235]

jsjunot - Oh nevermind, I caught it at the beginning - Wee Wille Smith.

Thanks for posting.

[harpouston]

the great bojangles

[kara1464]

If people were half as good and enlightened as Bill Robinson we'd all be living in peace.

[Doomsaibot]

he looks younger then 70

[MuskateerGripWeed]

Mr Bojangles had more class and self respect than all of the racist pigs of his time .

Rest in Peace Mr Bojangles , we can hear your talent in heaven  every time it thunders.

[ConservativeInk]

@MuskateerGripWeed Did you, by any chance, notice that the audience that showed so much love and respect for Mr. Bojangles were all white? Idiots, like you, make comments that do nothing but fuel rascism. Personally, I would rather focus on the good in this whole episode and the remarkable infulence that he had on his chosen talent...God bless his memory.

[BlacknesUnforgivable]

@ConservativeInk Its because it was segregated dummy

and just because they are clapping for him dosent mean that they arent racist. He had many "fans" that were racist. Nat king cole had many "fans" that were racist

[ConservativeInk]

@BlacknesUnforgivable You're about as intellectually dull as MuskateerGripWeed...

[MuskateerGripWeed]

@ConservativeInk shut up conserveyaink, I fuel nothing I am Greek and white and appreciate talent, some of which you have none , you are a dummy and should get a job standing in a store window display. They were racist at the time cos it was what it was ..... 1940s

[ReddzVoice]

Classic moment!

[LkOutMtnMan]

I think it's sad that we sometimes don't start to really learn until we get to our 40's if we're still alive by then. And by the time we figure things out we don't have but a few years to put those principles into action. I think Bill learned more in his lifetime than some us would ever learn in 3 of them!

[mrspivvy]

I've just read a biography on Bill Robinson, he was a great man who did well against unbelievable odds. can you believe initially that coloured people on the stage STILL had to black up with burnt cork?

[phenumonia]

A sad postscript on this is that Ed Sullivan had to pay for Bojangles funeral.

[smogasbog]

I wonder who that kid is and where he is now. Also, what he remembers about this moment.

[drummerlead]

Poor kid is so flustered...

[CaptchaU]

Mr Robinson was a very special human being and above all a good person.

[mslindiwe]

Thanks, jsjunot, for posting this.

[lethepigeonsloose]

Mr. Robinson's advice seems more appropriate today than then, when you see so many young celebrities with no morals, no respect, and addicted to drugs and booze.

[dehro]

a remarkable man in many many ways

[dehro]

and I just love the expression of the kid when he was told who was in the audience... he must have crapped his pants, for sure...

[MaddyMill]

I Agree with most of Bill's comments EXCEPT for America being the greatest country in the world and Blacks couldn't obtain success anywhere but in America! PURE RUBBISH!!! This was 1949 he knew damn well he wouldn't be allowed to sit next to Caucasians in most of America's states. Some parts of his speech appeared to be scripted as does his seating arrangements.

[elcamino7887]

Segregation was still the law in the south, but considering that in 1949 Europe was still in shambles and under the threat of the USSR, and America was the world's center of entertainment, you can understand his view.

[BlackNGoldBuff13]

Wrong, racial segregation occurred in a small chain of southern states. In reality the vast majority of American states had no Jim Crow laws. The states that did possess these laws were southern states that had a racist tradition that had developed over centuries of slavery, and bitterness about the freeing of the slaves after their defeat in the American Civil War.

[MaddyMill]

Before I proceed, please allow me to reiterate my aforementioned comment:

"This was 1949 he knew damn well he wouldn't be allowed to sit next to Caucasians in 'most' of America's states. "

Surely you jest??? In 1949 there were only 15 American states that had NO segregation laws in effect-- and those were mainly northern states. Now if you consider 15 a majority, I apologise and stand corrected.

[rockinewok]

I find it interesting that he gives this very emotional speech and you have to focus on one part of it that you believe isn't correct. That man's character warrants mercy.

[MaddyMill]

Perhaps you're capable of swallowing BS with ease and imagining that it taste like fillet mignon as it goes down--I'm NOT...

[mslindiwe]

It's an extremely complicated moment. Robinson was near the end of his life. It *is* hard to hear him say that stuff about how "great" America was, considering the kinds of sh*t he went through during his life. But it's also easy to imagine that he might actually have believed it, if he thought that his individual success was actually possible for most people (which of course it wasn't/isn't). I too was surprised to see him sitting out in that audience in "general seating."

[turbonetics5]

what year dieds Bill Bojangles

[footscraysteve]

When you remove all the layers of racist crap and watch these guys for the pure genius that they had makes you wonder about the world today

[dejongf]

I have be born much, muucchhhh to late!

That was a better time to life..

[stargate121]

Hulk Hogan should take Mr. Robinson's words to heart.

[elcamino7887]

So should every other performer today, especially those like Lindsay Lohan, Amy Winehouse, Kanye West etc etc etc

[proveIt2menowOK]

A great dancer and a fine and gentle man, a fine human being - and really that is the definition of a gentleman. Bless him.

[busbyii]

One of America's greatest performers and a very fine human being.

[hoofer1]

Class. Act. :)

[bencrazyo2]

so sad about bill robinson

[menace9160]

He was trina lay some knowlegde on the young one

[user192021]

Man, that was intense.

[hetgroenegif]

WOW!

[thealater]

Thank you! I loved how Robinson controlled the moment and didn't let anyone interrupt him.

[SpIcKaLiCiOuS]

loved it!

[SpIcKaLiCiOuS]

awwwww that was sooo memorable..thanx for the upload!!!

[criminy]

I would have been as speechless as that young dancer. I would have LOVED to meet Bojangles!

[cltdocmd]

Amazing! Thank you so much for posting this!