Required fields are marked *. LaMar, Lawrence F. "FAR WESTERN SOCIETY." Venus is graceful, charming, sensual and social. pos: 'right_rail_3', Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. [2] It especially helped that he was featured weekly as a regular. As . Arthur Chester Duncan (September 25, 1925 January 4, 2023) was an American tap dancer, also called an "Entertainer's Entertainer,"[1] known for his stint as a performer on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982. For a while he was the only one keeping tap in the public eye, said the dancer Gregory Hines. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', Along the way, Duncan ultimately became an important bridge to generations of tappers, including through master classes, after it had looked as though serious tap might cease to exist, said respected Chicago-based tapper and teacher Reggio The Hoofer McLaughlin. They seldom rely on other people in daily life, which can make them impatient when dealing with others. The 1930s were called the Great Depression (1929-1939). [30], In 2018, Duncan made an appearance on The Talk as part of a surprise for co-host Sheryl Underwood, who performed a tap dance routine with Savion Glover as part of the show's New Year's Evolution. Though he tapped alone for the most part, he danced with both Bobby Burgess and Jack Imel on the show. Actor: Tap. [19], In the 1980s, Duncan danced at multiple venues alongside other famous tap dancers. When Arthur Duncan Parsons Sr was born on 18 November 1893, in St. John's, Newfoundland, his father, Jasper Parsons, was 45 and his mother, Clara M. Wheeler, was 38. I was on the show, and they had some letters out of Mississippi and elsewhere that some of the stations would not carry the show if I was permitted to stay on there, Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2018 ahead of a surprise TV reunion with White. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Introduced by Welk, the dancer was said to be "a credit to his race and to the entertainment profession. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Duncan elected to overlook racial slights. Sign up here for exclusive access to all your favorite celebrities and Stage Appearances by Arthur Duncan, 1992: Diagnosis Murder with Dick Van Dyke. In 2019, he married his longtime friend and companion Carole Carbone. subcat: '', | In partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment. Arthur Duncans income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. He married Mary Margaret Clougherty on 5 November 1921, in Hanover, Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States. Once he got back into the atmosphere of what we do, he was back in his zone, Mr. McLaughlin said by phone. About He is a member of famous Soundtrack with the age 90 years old group. He was a 13-year-old student when he joined the dance quartet at McKinley Junior High School and began studying under renowned choreographer Nick Castle. Upon his death, it was revealed that Duncan was in fact born in 1925. After fighting for his country in WWII, Duncan danced all across Europe. You could go to restaurants or go to a nightclub and youd see a full show, with dancing girls, a comic, a singer and speciality acts. Last update: 2021-08-26 23:00:04, If you are a model, tiktoker, instagram Influencer or brand marketer, who is looking for Collaborations, then you can join our Facebook Group named "Influencers Meet Brands - in4fp.com". cat: 'entertainment', He took lessons with Nick Castle, an esteemed Hollywood tap dancer and choreographer, and began traveling abroad, dancing on stages in Australia, London, Paris and Cairo, among other locations. And he always focused on the next gig. People of this zodiac sign like harmony, gentleness, sharing with others, the outdoors, and dislike violence, injustice, loudmouths, conformity. He was really not just a mentor but an idol for us in the tap community.. aid: '769722', However, Albert was very active in the film world and soon chose to leave the show to film the classicRoman Holiday. He performed with Betty White on the reality seriesLittle Big Shots: Forever Young. Arthur lived in 1935, at address, Texas. Duncan claimed that Castle had a bigger influence on him and his musicality. Duncan died Jan. 4 at a care center near his home in Moreno Valley. You never know whos out there that can help you., Mr. Duncan performed long enough to be part of a tap dance boomlet in the 1980s and 90s inspired in part by Mr. Hiness performances in the Broadway musicals Sophisticated Ladies and Jellys Last Jam, which also featured Mr. Glover, who later choreographed and starred in the Broadway dance musical Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk.. Radio was the main source of entertainment, information, and political propaganda, and jazz, blues, gospel, and folk music, became immensely popular. Brigit Katz ), Decades of failures leave L.A. County facing up to $3 billion in sex abuse claims, Lakers vs. Warriors: What scouts expect in playoff series, The Great Big Highly Specific Guide to Disneyland, Three killed in small plane crash near Big Bear airport, authorities say, 2 students stabbed near Los Angeles High; LAPD investigating, Bass budget proposal for Animal Services is far less than what department requested. He didnt have the speed he once had, but he could still carry a step., Arthur Duncan, Barrier-Breaking Tap Dancer, Is Dead at 97, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/19/arts/dance/arthur-duncan-dead.html. On film, Duncan kicked off the famous challenge scene in the Gregory Hines movie Tap (1989), in which the old greats showed their stuff. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. Duncan was ultimately offered a full-time spot, making him the shows only regular Black performer. [34], In 2008, he was presented with an honorary Doctor of Performing Arts in American Dance degree also from Oklahoma City University. "[26] In fact, Duncan was the first Black person to be a regular on a variety show. But you dont get that anymore., Still, he encouraged young dancers to remain committed to the art. For a while, working in a drugstore motivated him to study to be a pharmacist at Pasadena City College, but he eventually left the school for show business. Despite these early challenges, Duncan remained on the series from 1964 to 1982. He did not begin dancing until he was in the eighth grade, when friends persuaded. Most biographies during his lifetime had used the birth year of 1933, a mistake which he never corrected, owing to the fact that "he never wanted to discuss anything personal," according to his wife. Advertising Notice } Arthur Duncans mothers name is unknown at this time and his fathers name is under review. This page is not available in other languages. [5] He later entered Pasadena City College to study pharmacy,[6] but left to pursue a career in show business. Life Path Number 5 are travelers and seekers of a higher truth, whatever that means for them. Cookie Policy Duncan's longest gig was appearing on over 200 episodes of "The Lawrence Welk Show," from 1962-1982, on which he was the only Black dancer. Terms of Use Oakland Post (1968-1981), Apr 24 1979, p. 14. Arthur Duncan, who kept tap dancing visible and relevant across the country on television when most had relegated it to the past and who also broke ground as a Black entertainer, has died at 97. He earned money selling newspapers at a street corner hed get extra change by doing a few steps. Despite the Great Depression, Hollywood and popular film production flourished. Your Privacy Rights He teaches tap dancing and has two superior daughters. On May 13, 1982, he appeared with the Hoofers Club on the show "Two on the Town. Declared a "tap dancer's summit," the event's jazz tap performance included Steve Condos, Howard Sandman Sims, Savion Glover, Bunny Briggs, Jimmy Slyde, and Gregory Hines. Arthur Duncan was born in Pasadena, United States. As young adults during the McCarthy Era, many members of this generation felt it was dangerous to speak out. Birthplace Pasadena , CA. William Arthur Duncan family tree Family tree Explore more family trees. When censors in the South objected to a series with an African-American regular, White's legendary reply was: "He stays. In one number, Duncan borrowed the idea of dancing atop a piano, something hed seen performed by the acrobatic Nicholas Brothers and rhythm pioneer John Bubbles. Duncan's death was. pos: 'right_rail_1', Born Aug. 5, 1924, in Castlewood, Lawrence County, he was the son of William L.. [25], A year later, in 2004, he won the Flo-Bert Lifetime Achievement Award at the New York City Tap Extravaganza. Go home and count the two dollars I had in my pocket, he recalled. Until we meet again, rest in peace, my precious friend.". Duncan's unique position as the only African-American performer on the show created (to the modern 21st Century eye), somewhat awkward moments. "DANCE: THIS WEEK; All the Tap Dancers in New York", https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/01/16/tap-dancer-arthur-duncan-dead/}}, "Arthur Duncan, dancer on Welk show, will be here", "First Negro Joins Bob Hope GI Cheering Troupe", "Betty White Steals the Show With a Big Surprise on 'Little Big Shots: Forever Young' (VIDEO)", "The Talk - Sheryl Underwood Tap Dances with Famed Performer Savion Glover; Meets Idol Arthur Duncan", "Arthur Duncan, pioneering Black tap dancer, dies at 97", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arthur_Duncan&oldid=1149637222, This page was last edited on 13 April 2023, at 13:37. The Greatest Tap Dance Stars And Their Stories 1900-1955. These were the days before digital recorders, streaming TV and YouTube, so if you wanted to see tap dancing, you had to sit in front of that television at the specific airing time., Author and dance critic Brian Seibert wrote that when Welk introduced Duncan as the young man who is keeping tap dancing alive, the epithet was based in fact.. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. [23] A year later, Duncan performed at San Francisco's Kimball's East, alongside Robert L. Reed. Arthur Duncan has 3 siblings in His family: Mike Duncan, John David Duncan, Sal Duncan Gordon. }); EVENTS Live with it.. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 88 years old? Dancer. Tap dancer Arthur Duncan early in his career. Build your family tree online ; Share photos and videos ; Smart Matching technology ; Free! It was the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world. Arthur Duncan is part of the Silent Generation, which followed after the G.I. So everything worked out fine, but nothing happened overnight.. JUMP TO: Arthur Duncans biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos, net worth, and popularity. "[27] Unfortunately, this confined him and his dance moves, not allowing him to experiment, which is a key element of tap dancing. Gordon. Lum Junior Duncan 1931 - 1989. For other people named Arthur Duncan, see. Arthur Duncan was buried at Le Grand Beaumart British Cemetery Steenwerck in France. Duncan, who was born September 25, 1925, in Pasadena, California, was a professional dancer from his teen years. More information on Arthur Duncan can be found here. page_type: 'article', After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was "discovered" by Lawrence Welk's personal manager, Sam Lutz. Women of Power Summit She first appeared as a healer wife of an influential man, a procurator fiscal by occupation, Arthur Duncan. [7] While Duncan could be counted on for a consistent solid rhythm and big finish, he rarely repeated himself and "was not a relaxed dancer. Duncan always went where the work was: I went to Australia on a 10-day job. Duncan honed his skills as big bands which often hired tappers made way for rock bands, and jazz players who often made their rhythmic inventions alongside hoofers moved to smaller venues and more experimental musical forms for which tap dancers need not apply. Lawrence Welk offered Duncan a permanent spot as a member of his "musical family." On the weekly Welk show, Arthur Duncan usually had one solo tap dancing performance, accompanied by the Lawrence Welk Orchestra. Career and Life Highlights of Arthur Duncan. env: 'prod', Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? In the later 1970s and early 1980s, when racial taboos had eased, Duncan did perform choral dance numbers with Mary Lou Metzger and Anacani. He stood tall. According to numerology, Arthur Duncan's Life Path Number is 5. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=289be4dd-5b1f-48bc-990f-ec567999e080'; cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "289be4dd-5b1f-48bc-990f-ec567999e080" }).render("8791f6495fab447280f16fc61516a837"); }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Spouse(s) Vennia L Duncan 1917 - Unknown. His many heirs (he had 14 children) command several fortunes, from Hunt Oil and Petro-Hunt to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. He continued to dance in the festival every year until 2008.[25]. Arthur Seymour Duncan was born c. 1894, and died at age 23 years old on April 9, 1918. America's favorite song and | READ MORE. Hed use the newspaper gig to get into fine restaurants, where the patrons included performers from the Pasadena Playhouse. These celebs weren't afraid to show some PDA. There were audience members who were not thrilled to have a Black person on the show, which also toured around the country, said Ralna English, a dancer and longtime leading singer for the Welk troupe. The expandable sections provided below outline his siblings, descendants and ancestors as best understood at this time of writing and indeed perhaps goes part way to . [15] The tour entertained U.S. troops during the Cold War and Vietnam War, providing a moment of relief for those on the battlefront. By the post-war years, tap dancing had become a fixture of both the large and small screen, with stars like Shirley Temple, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire championing the artform. Duncan credits White for starting his career. Arthur Duncan is a Libra and his 90th birthday is in, The 89-year-old American was born in the Silent Generation and the Year of the Rooster. Duncan was born on Sept. 25, 1925, in Pasadena, the sixth of 13 children to Corabel LaMar and James Alfred Ernest Duncan, who worked as a merchant seaman before settling in Southern California,. ABOUT Tap dancer who is known for performing on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982. [22], Duncan even starred in a musical on top of his many performances. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Arthur Seymour Duncan. He initially resisted, but they insisted he give it a try. page_type: 'article', People born under this sign are honest, observant and hardworking. tours with Bob Hope and appeared on television. Tap dancer who is known for performing on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982. Mr. Duncan and the actress Georgia Engel at a 2018 panel discussion about the documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television. Mr. Duncan got his first big break in the 1950s on Ms. Whites daytime variety shows. How old is Arthur Duncan: 89 years old Male. His battles with the church arent over, How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! There were more renowned tap dancers during his long career Bill Robinson, Sammy Davis Jr. and Gregory Hines among them but only Mr. Duncan had a regular national television showcase like the one he had on Saturday nights on the popular if square Welk show, from 1964 to 1982. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS As a youth, Duncan also delivered prescriptions and took some pharmacy classes at Pasadena City College, but his heart wasnt in it.