The Dayton Ohio Daily Bulletin

April 09, 1946

‘Bojangles’ Dance in Street
to Aid Cancer Drive

NEW YORK, Apr. 9 – Bill (Bojangles) Robinson did his famous time step in Times Square, and with the magic of rhythm turned the area into a giant collection box for the $12,000,000 campaign to fight cancer. The celebrated Robinson feet were doing their part for the drive and toward dedication of the 40 foot red, white and blue pylon which will serve as contribution center in the square all during April, cancer control month.

Robinson, 67, appeared first on the platform halfway up the pylon and announced he would dance around the square if the throngs watching would “rain money down in the streets.” He said, “I feel like dancing, but you must throw me plenty of money.”

As coins jingled down to the pavement, Robinson, dressed in a dazzling gold costume, topped with a matching hat wreathed with ostrich plumes, tapped his way from 43rd to 44th street and back again. A trio, directed by Claude Hopkins, played the musical accompaniment while professional models gathered the money hats.

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‘Bojangles’ Dance in Street to Aid Cancer Drive, The Dayton Ohio Daily Bulletin, April 09, 1946.