The New York Times

November 27, 1949

The Passing of Bojangles

The unique place that Bill Robinson occupied in the hearts of his contemporaries was not merely the result of his art, magnificent as that was. For while Bojangles the dancer elicited the highest commendation, it was Bill Robinson the man who won such uniform affection and esteem. His death takes from us not only a great performer who entertained us but a great human being who made our lives richer and happier.

His generosity was fabulous, but it was not merely the easy-handedness of the “soft touch.” It was also the outpouring of person who gave himself as freely as he gave his substance. His whole life consisted of doing the thing that he loved to do for the enjoyment and benefit of others. His enormous gusto readily communicated and it seemed inexhaustible. How many multiplied thousands of persons there must be who have experienced that “lift” that they got from just watching Bojangles in action. All of them will feel that in his passing they have lost personal friend, and he would have wanted them to feel just that.