The Legacy of Gregory Hines: A Tap Dance Icon and Multifaceted Performer.

Gregory Hines was a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his extraordinary tap dancing, musical talent, and acting prowess.

From his early days as a child performer to his rise as a legendary figure in show business, Hines’s journey was marked by both triumphs and challenges.

His life story, recently highlighted in a documentary by his brother Maurice Hines, reveals the complexities of navigating fame, personal struggles, and the harsh realities of the entertainment world.

Early Life and Introduction to Dance

Born on February 14, 1946, in New York City, Gregory Hines grew up in the vibrant Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem. He was the youngest of four children in a family deeply rooted in music and performance.

Hines and his brother Maurice were practically born with tap shoes on their feet, thanks to their mother, who encouraged their artistic pursuits from a young age.

By the tender age of five, Gregory was already performing on stage at the iconic Apollo Theater, showcasing his undeniable talent and charisma.

Hines quickly gained a reputation for his unique style of tap dancing, characterized by smooth staccato rhythms and impeccable timing. He had an uncanny ability to express emotions through his feet, captivating audiences and earning respect from fellow performers.

However, life in the 1960s was not without its challenges. Gregory faced racial discrimination and violence, including a traumatic incident in which he nearly lost his right eye in a racially motivated attack. These experiences would shape his outlook on life and his determination to succeed in the face of adversity.

Rise to Fame

Despite the obstacles he encountered, Gregory Hines remained undeterred in his pursuit of excellence in tap dancing. He was mentored by the legendary Sammy Davis Jr., who recognized Hines’s potential and helped him hone his craft.

Alongside his brother Maurice, they formed the dynamic Hines Brothers Trio, captivating audiences with their blend of rhythm, dance, and charisma. Their performances earned them international acclaim, landing them tours around the world and coveted appearances on television shows.

As the popularity of rock and roll began to overshadow tap dancing, Hines and his family adapted by infusing comedy into their acts.

They enlisted the talents of Johnny Brown to join their troupe, further enhancing their performances. However, internal tensions within the Hines Brothers act eventually led to its dissolution after a successful decade-long run.

Personal Struggles and Resilience

Following the breakup of the act, Gregory faced personal demons, including substance abuse and the fallout from a tumultuous divorce in 1973. Seeking solace and renewal, he moved to Venice, California, immersing himself in the vibrant counterculture of the era.

Despite grappling with his inner turmoil, he clung to his love for tap dancing, which provided him with stability amid the chaos.

During this time, Gregory explored new artistic avenues, venturing into music by forming a jazz-rock group called Severance.

Although he faced setbacks, including rejection from Warner Brothers Records, he refused to be deterred. Gregory took on odd jobs to support himself and his estranged daughter while striving to maintain his passion for the arts.

In 1978, Hines made a pivotal decision to return to his roots by relocating to New York City in search of fresh opportunities.

This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, allowing him to reconnect with his daughter and reignite his career in tap dancing.

A Triumphant Return

Returning to New York proved to be a transformative moment for Hines. He reunited with his brother Maurice and was cast in the musical *The Last Minstrel Show*, showcasing his unparalleled tap dancing and drumming skills.

This performance marked a triumphant return to the tap scene after an eight-year hiatus and reignited his passion for the art form.

As his career gained momentum, Hines secured roles in prestigious Broadway productions such as *Eubie!* and *Sophisticated Ladies*, earning critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

With each performance, his reputation as a masterful tap dancer continued to grow, propelling him further into the spotlight.

In 1984, Hines landed a career-defining role in *The Cotton Club*, where he showcased his exceptional talents alongside his brother Maurice.

However, the film’s focus on white gangsters overshadowed the vibrant culture of Harlem’s jazz scene, leaving the African-American cast feeling marginalized. Despite these challenges, Gregory and Maurice delivered standout performances that left audiences in awe.

Continued Success and Recognition

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gregory Hines achieved remarkable success, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted talent.

His achievements included winning a Tony Award for his electrifying performance in *Jelly’s Last Jam* and a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.

He also received prestigious honors from organizations such as the NAACP and was commemorated with stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Apollo Theater Walk of Fame.

Despite his flourishing career, Hines faced challenges in establishing himself as an actor. However, his breakthrough came with a role in the horror film *Wolfen*, which ignited his passion for acting.

This opportunity allowed him to showcase his talent beyond tap dancing, leading to subsequent roles in films such as *History of the World, Part I* and *Deal of the Century*.

Hines continued to captivate audiences with his remarkable talent, earning acclaim for his versatility as an actor. His performances in movies like *White Nights* and *Running Scared* further solidified his reputation as a consummate entertainer.

Legacy and Impact

Gregory Hines was not just a master of tap dancing; he was a true Renaissance man who showcased his versatility across various artistic mediums.

He collaborated with legendary artists like Luther Vandross, lending his smooth vocals to the duet “There’s Nothing Better Than Love,” which became a chart-topping hit.

In 1990, tragedy struck with the passing of his idol, Sammy Davis Jr., from throat cancer. Davis’s death deeply affected Hines, who remembered their poignant farewell during their last encounter.

Despite the loss, Hines persevered, earning accolades for his portrayal of Jelly Roll Morton in 1992.

In 1994, Hines made his directorial debut with *White Man’s Burden*, showcasing his multifaceted talents. He later secured a starring role in *The Gregory Hines Show*, a family sitcom that aimed to appeal to a diverse audience.

Despite its high ratings, the show struggled to gain a foothold and was ultimately canceled after 15 episodes.

Gregory Hines passed away on August 1, 2003, at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of performers.

In honor of his contributions to the arts, the United States Postal Service released a postage stamp featuring Hines as part of its Black Heritage Series in 2019.

Conclusion

Gregory Hines’s journey through the world of entertainment is a testament to his resilience, talent, and determination to break barriers. From his early days as a tap dancer to his success as an actor and musician, Hines’s legacy remains profound.

He inspired countless performers to follow in his footsteps, leaving an indelible mark on the world of tap dancing and the entertainment industry as a whole.

Though he is gone, the spirit of Gregory Hines lives on through his remarkable contributions to the arts, reminding us of the power of talent and perseverance in the face of adversity.