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Bill Robinson

- Born in Luther Robinson, Richmond Virginia in the spring of 1878

- Started off as a Vaudeville performer, then grew a passion for musicals

- He filmed in Rebecca of Sunnybrook farm, The little colonel, Stormy weather, and lastly Cab Calloway

-His formation consisted of shifting from a flat

footed style to a light, swinging style that focused on elegant footwork

- Robinson was best known in the Harlem Renaissance for his eye catching tap dance routines that amazed audiences

-.Started dancing for a living at a very young age joining "Mayme Remington touring troupe" and joined a traveling company

- Took a brake from his career to serve in world war 1 as a rifleman

-Robinson met his manager in 1908 who believed he would be noticed in nightclubs

-Along performing in musicals and films, Robinson also played the drums and led the regimental band up fifth avenue

- Known for his Broadway musical "Blackbirds of 1928" He gained popularity for his highly known "stair dance."

- "Blackbirds of 1928" only featured black performers intended for the white folks

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--Bill Robinson focused primarily on Jazz music during the Harlem Renaissance

- He was born (187801949) living a long life until passing away at the age of 71