June Taylor - Archive Interview Part 1 of 7

In her 7-part oral history interview, dancer / choreographer June Taylor (1917-2004) talks about her start as a dancer in the 1930s on the nightclub circuit. To access all segments, visit http://emmytvlegends.org
She details her TV debut, in the late 30s in London, dancing on her own program. She describes her start in choreography, which became her profession after she was diagnosed with TB. Her comeback as a choreographer was solidified when her "June Taylor Dancers" became a regular attraction on Ed Sullivan's "The Toast of the Town" from 1948-49. Ms. Taylor then relates her long association with Jackie Gleason which began with her "June Taylor Dancers" as regulars on his Dumont variety show "Cavalcade of Stars" (1950-52), highlighted by the introduction of the famous Christmas song "Sleigh Ride" with an ice-skating musical number. She describes her work with Gleason on "The Jackie Gleason Show", discussing such highlights as her choreography of Gleason's original ballet "Tawny." She talks about her later work with Gleason on "The American Scene Magazine" (1962-66), which led her to Tampa, Florida where the show would eventually originate, and finally "The Jackie Gleason Show" (1966-70), which would include color musical "Honeymooners" shows.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• archive
• american
• television
• interview
• emmy
• tv
• legends
• history

[2c4u22]

I wonder if she knows what an inspiration the June Taylor dancers were to the WONDERFUL Joel Hall....(it's in today's Chicago Tribune)

And I loved them, too!

[mceldowneyc2]

so glad i found this! my great grandma is her aunt and its so interesting to find this kind of stuff out about my family.

[267n100w]

Before the days of the wicked empire, GENERIC FOODS.

[ThePaddyjoejr1]

She was so Hot & Sexy! She is also very Pretty!