Today in History: Bill “Bojangles” Robinson & Tap Dancing

Portrait of Bill Robinson

Today in History–May 25–the Library of Congress features Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, born on this date in 1878. Orphaned in early childhood, Robinson started dancing at a young age and went on to become a legendary jazz tap dancer. Learn more about this mesmerizing entertainer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for primary sources related to Robinson and tap dancing.

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Was Born from America’s Library

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson images

Bojangles historical newspaper coverage

Tap dancing historical newspaper coverage

Tap dancing images

Tap Dance in America: A Twentieth-Century Chronology of Tap Performance on Stage, Film, and Media (collection overview)

Fayard Nicholas Collection Veterans History Project

Legislation: National Tap Dance Day

Tap Dance in America: A Short History

Debbi Dee: Passing on the Art of Tap Dancing