What nickname was tap-dancer Bill Robinson also known by?

Bill Robinson, byname Bojangles, original name Luther Robinson, (born May 25, 1878, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.—died November 25, 1949, New York, New York), American dancer of Broadway and Hollywood, best known for his dancing roles with Shirley Temple in films of the 1930s.

Orphaned as a child, raised by his grandmother, and very little schooling, he began dancing for pennies at the age of eight, when he had also begun to work as a stableboy. He eventually made a swing of a vaudeville circuit.

Robinson went on to become a star of black musical comedies, later a top vaudeville star, and finally a star of motion pictures, appearing in 14 films, notably 'The Little Colonel' (1935), 'The Littlest Rebel' (1935), 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' (1938), and 'Just Around the Corner' (1938). He also appeared in the wartime all-black musical film 'Stormy Weather' (1943).

In addition to his ingenuity in creating new steps like his famous "stair dance", he also was famed for a unique ability to run backward—almost as fast as other men could run forward; he once ran 75 yards backward in 8.2 seconds.

Despite his $6,600/week earnings, he died in relative poverty, chiefly because of his spendthrift generosity and habits of gambling. On his death, he received tributes from royalty, the White House, and members of the U.S. president’s cabinet.

He has been immortalized in song by Jerry Jeff Walker, 'Mr. Bojangles' as recorded and performed by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.