Pete Hawkes the best version of Mr Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles (Bill Robinson), 1878 - 1949, has been a popular song covered by many well known artists, the best version ever is by Pete Hawkes, which is the music to this clip about the
life of the man who inspired a great song.

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson Was Born May 25, 1878 in Richmond, Virginia, Robinson invented a new way to tap, transforming it from a flat-footed dance to a style that pushed the performer to his toes. Many of Robinson's steps, including the famous "stair dance," are commonly used today. Where did Mr. Bojangles get his feet moving?

Orphaned as a baby, Robinson began performing in local beer gardens at age six. Within two years, this young "hoofer," or song-and-dance man, was entertaining audiences far from home. He performed on stage in "vaudeville," shows featuring numbers by dancers, singers, comedians, and actors. By the time he was a young adult, he earned top dollar dancing on the vaudeville circuit and in nightclubs. You may have seen him in old movies, dancing alongside a little dimpled girl with golden curls named Shirley Temple.

Shirley Temple dancing with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in The Little Colonel

When motion pictures and radio took over vaudeville's popularity in the 1930s, Robinson danced right into the scene. He appeared in 14 films, most frequently opposite Shirley Temple. He also appeared with Lena Hornein Stormy Weather(1943), an African American production, rare at the time.

Bill Robinson continued to wow audiences with his moves on stage and in film, even late into his life. On his 61st birthday, he danced down the street of Broadway in New York City. Performers and fans of dance still pay tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, a man of professional genius and personal generosity. He made and lost a fortune in his lifetime.

Hawkes version of this song is available on itunes on the 'secrets vows and lies' album highly recommended

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Pete Hawkes
• Mr Bojangles
• music
• phil Emmanuel
• Andy McKee
• Sammy Davis junior

[mermaidsman]

great version however regardless!

[clucaspik]

Common mistake, but I don't see why. - bill "bo jangles" Robinson's funeral was arranged by Ed Sullivan and 32,000 people attended in Harlem. the song is about a down and out character who spent his life in and out of jails in the south, nick-named 'Bojangles' probably because of his similar dancing style to Bill Robinson.

[HarlQuiner]

This song is not about Bill Robinson.

[iiiSean]

So glad I stumbled upon this! What an amazing song, nothing like the other versions! Thanks for posting.