Bill Robinson, born Luther Robinson in Richmond, Virginia, on May 25, 1878, revolutionized tap dancing with his innovative shuffle-tap style. He appears in Stormy Weather (1943), where his remarkable talent shines alongside other jazz legends. Known for his famous 'stair dance,' Robinson captivated audiences in both black and white venues, becoming a celebrated figure in the world of musical theater. His work in Stormy Weather not only highlights his dance prowess but also solidifies his legacy as a pioneer of American performance art.
Stormy Weather
Dancing great Bill Williamson sees his face on the cover of Theatre World magazine and reminisces: Just back from World War I, he meets lovely singer Selina Rogers at a soldiers' ball and promises to come back to her when he "gets to be somebody." Years go by, and Bill and Selina's rising careers intersect only briefly, since Selina is unwilling to settle down. Will she ever change her mind? Concludes with a big all-star show hosted by Cab Calloway.