Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson Bill Robinson was known as the pioneer of tap dancing. He paved the way so others might follow in his footsteps. Robinson changed the course of tapping forever, simply by listening to the music in his soul. Some viewed him as a hero and a leader. Others viewed him as a great entertainer. But there were those who knew him as Mr. Bojangles, a man who would dance and smile. "He talked …showed first 75 words of 1466 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1466 total…Henry, who instead of driving steal, laid down iron taps."(Kathleen). Robinson is accredited with bringing tap to the balls of the foot, as apposed to the flat-footed, "buck and wing" approach that was taken on by early hoofers. He was also famous for him high rhythmic, percussive sounds that were made by the souls of his wooden shoes (Dejoir). Mr. "Bojangles" certainly touched the hearts of many and the life of tap dancing forever.