Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 19, 1902 in Louisville, KY

Death

:

May 18, 1986 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Opera

 

John W. Bubbles was a renowned American tap dancer, singer, and actor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 19, 1902, in Louisville, Kentucky, Bubbles was the son of a vaudeville performer and grew up in a family of entertainers. He began his career in show business at a young age, performing in local theaters and clubs. Bubbles' talent for tap dancing was evident from an early age, and he quickly became known for his unique style and rhythm. He was heavily influenced by the great tap dancers of the time, including Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Honi Coles. Bubbles' style was characterized by his use of syncopated rhythms and his ability to improvise complex footwork. In the 1920s, Bubbles moved to New York City to pursue his career in show business. He quickly became a fixture in the city's vibrant nightlife scene, performing in clubs and theaters throughout the city. In 1925, he made his Broadway debut in the musical "Shuffle Along," which was a groundbreaking production that featured an all-black cast. Bubbles' performance in the show was widely praised, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after performers in the city. Over the next few years, Bubbles continued to perform in a variety of Broadway productions, including "Blackbirds of 1928" and "Harlem Cavalcade." He also began to make a name for himself as a singer, performing in nightclubs and recording several popular songs. In 1930, he teamed up with the legendary jazz pianist Eubie Blake to create the musical "Bubbling Brown Sugar," which was a huge success and ran for over a year on Broadway. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Bubbles continued to perform in a variety of productions, both on Broadway and in Hollywood films. He appeared in several films, including "Cabin in the Sky" and "A Song is Born," and continued to tour the country as a performer. In 1949, he was awarded a special Tony Award for his contributions to the world of theater. In the 1950s, Bubbles began to focus more on his music career, recording several albums and performing in nightclubs and concert halls throughout the country. He also continued to perform in Broadway productions, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Bye Bye Birdie." In 1957, he was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame for his contributions to the world of entertainment. Bubbles' career continued to flourish throughout the 1960s and 1970s, as he continued to perform and record music. He also became involved in several charitable organizations, including the NAACP and the United Negro College Fund. In 1978, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Jimmy Carter for his contributions to the arts. Bubbles continued to perform well into his 80s, and his legacy as one of the greatest tap dancers of all time continues to live on today. He passed away on May 18, 1986, at the age of 84, but his contributions to the world of classical music and entertainment will never be forgotten.

More....