The Sad Sound of Silence

Having just learned this news, I presently am stunned. Legendary Gregory Hines, the actor, dancer, and musician best known for the tap-dancing revival of the '80s and '90s, died Saturday of cancer in Los Angeles. He was 57.

Hines was one of my all-time favorite performers. I've seen all of his films — my favorites, White Nights, The Cotton Club, and especially Tap — and swooned seeing him star in his Tony-winning Jelly's Last Jam and watching him bring Bill "Bojangles" Robinson to life on TV. Man, that guy could dance. He was a solid and versatile actor too — capable of showing the desperation of a dancer down on his luck but striving to do what's right in the aforementioned Tap, laughing it up with Billy Crystal in the action-comedy Running Scared, and most recently, hanging with Will and Grace in the hit NBC-TV sitcom.

Hines was also a veritable repository of African-American showbiz history, passing on what real tap dancing was to a public that only knew the milquetoast variety. Knowledge and respect for the past were important to him; and he made a point of sharing those things with the public. (One fine example, his Emmy-nominated and fascinating 1989 PBS special, "Gregory Hines: Tap Dance in America." If you can find it on video, get it, get it now — I am striking out big-time in my search for it.)

One of the greatest thrills of my life was getting the chance to meet and talk with him — and show him a few of my steps; I've been dancing since childhood — in New York in the '80s, during his run in Sophisticated Ladies. He was so graceful and gracious, so willing to talk about his idols and about the things he has learned. He was a true gentleman, and I'll never forget the 90 minutes we spent together. Another thrill was that my daughter got the chance to see him and experience his singular magic when he performed in Baltimore in the mid-90s. She was enthralled, and I thank Mr. Hines for that.

Gregory Hines had amazing feet, impeccable ears and timing, and a keen sense of responsibility. He was aware that he was part of the continuum of history stretching from the Nicholas Brothers, Bojangles, "Buster" Brown, and "Sandman" Sims to Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr., Jimmy Slyde, and Gene Kelly to Savion Glover and the hip-hop-influenced tappers of today. And Hines wanted everyone to know that history, so he went out and shared it — with schoolkids, with newbie dancers and fans, with anyone who would listen. He even spent time publicly extolling the virtues of chiropractic healing. The man was a generous soul and had a huge, loving heart.

Article Author: Natalie Davis

Natalie Davis is an award-winning journalist, progressive- and GLBT-issues activist, musician and broadcaster. Davis' All Facts and Opinions - The Armchair Activist has existed since 1996. She is general manager and program/music director of Grateful …

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