Mr. Bojangles: The Biography of Bill Robinson

If you don't know that the Mr. Bojangles from the song is NOT Bill Robinson, you need to read this book. Robinson was to the world of entertainment what his friend Jackie Robinson was to sports. His talent, hard work, diligence and inner strength helped him succeed and endure the many trials and tribulations that African Americans in the early part of the 20th century were subjected to. But he overcame and conquered. He had weaknesses, like an obvious addition to gambling. But his dancing skills, charm, enthusiasm and electric personality helped make him America's favorite tap dancer.The book is well written with lots of interesting details. It sets the era and does not shrink from addressing the racist indignities that Mr. Robinson faced. But it is clear that the author understands and admires the man, accepting his frailties and lauding his achievements.

You know I respect Mr. Robinson, he went thru a great deal during his lifetime. The book was a page turner, but Mr. Robinson had some vices that only a patient. person could deal with. I wonder if this is why he married, dated etc. younger ladies. I know that older females couldn't and or wouldn't put up with his antics. Realizing that he grew up in rough times, I wonder why Mr. Robinson never learned how to read.There were many typos such as comer for the word corner in the book, this was very aggravating to say the least.

A must read for every American. The heck with the boxer Muhammad Ali who wrongly called many progressive Blacks "Uncle Toms" when in fact they were not. Ali criticized Cassius Marcellus Clay, a great abolitionist. Ali hypocritcally adopted the name of a man who had many many slaves. Bojangles is no hypocrite. This work sets the record straight of his life and times. A great man.

The Mr. Bojangles Bill Robinson biography was a delicious read . I really enjoyed reading about such a fascinating man ! He broke major barriers and I'll never forget him or his contribution to dance and American History .

Not worth the read nor your money. Most of the book reads like your date listing for a tour. Only mentioning where Bojangles performed with a few details about his life sprinkled in between.

Good Book for understanding African-Americans' civil rights struggles, and their fight to desegregate show business in particular.

"Mr. Bojangles: The Biography of Bill Robinson" not only serves as a crucial historical document, but also as a vivid portrait of a truly special man. An original in every sense of the word, Bill Robinson created a unique style of tap dancing, along with breaking the racist barriers of his time. This book superbly chronicles (with the help of first-hand source materials and interviews with people who knew him) the life of this incredible artist, entertainer, and humanitarian. You will not only learn what the world was like when Mr. Robinson struggled in his craft, but you will discover the values and convictions that drove him forward. You will be moved by the benevolence of this man's spirit--a spirit that could coin a phrase such as "Everything's Copasetic!" This is a touching and informative biography that informs the evolution of tap AND the human experience.

There isn't really a lot more to say - this is an intensely readable and highly detailed book about the life of Bill Robinson, otherwise known as (and immortalised in song as) 'Mr Bojangles'.The book starts with the day of his funeral when New York was almost brought to a standstill. Virtually every well known celebrity of the age was there, together with tens of thousands of ordinary people. From that emotional beginning, the book goes back to chart Bojangles' life through all its hardships and successes.If you have any interest in dance, the truth behind the song, or the life of this remarkable man, then this book is one to read.