Gregory Hines, renowned for his tap dancing, acting, and choreography, remains a significant yet underrecognized figure in Hollywood. Born in 1946, Hines, alongside his older brother Maurice, began tap lessons with Henry LeTang at a young age.

Their act, initially known as The Hines Kids and later Hines, Hines, and Dad, with their father joining as a drummer, gained widespread acclaim in the United States and Europe. However, tensions and a declining interest in tap dancing led Gregory to leave the act in 1973, moving to California and forming the jazz-rock band Severance. Despite their initial success, the band disbanded in the late 1970s, prompting Hines to return to New York and resume his dancing career.

In 1978, Hines starred with his brother in “Eubie!,” a tribute to ragtime pianist Eubie Blake, which reignited public interest in tap dancing and earned Hines a Tony Award nomination. He continued to receive acclaim for his performances in “Comin’ Uptown” and “Sophisticated Ladies” in the early 1980s. Transitioning to television and film, Hines showcased his versatility as an actor in notable movies such as “The Cotton Club,” “White Nights,” and “Tap,” where he performed alongside legends like Sammy Davis Jr.

Hines’ contributions to tap were further recognized when he won an Emmy Award for his television special “Gregory Hines: Tap Dance in America” in 1989. He continued to make significant strides on Broadway, co-starring with Savion Glover in “Jelly’s Last Jam” and winning his first Tony Award. His portrayal of dancer Bill Robinson in the television film “Bojangles” and the release of his 1988 album showcased his multifaceted talents.

Despite his achievements, Hines battled liver cancer privately for over a year before his death in 2003. His brother, Maurice, also a legendary tap dancer, passed away in January 2024. Maurice’s career spanned seven decades, during which he received a Tony Award nomination and directed several productions. The Hines brothers’ relationship was complex, marked by a ten-year estrangement that ended before Gregory’s death.

Gregory Hines’ impact on tap dance and black Hollywood is profound. Tap dance, originating in the 19th century from African and Irish American dance forms, evolved through vaudeville and Broadway, where black performers often faced segregation. Hines and his contemporaries, like the Nicholas Brothers and Master Juba, navigated these challenges, contributing to the rich legacy of tap dance. The modern tap shoe, featuring metal plates for a distinct sound, became standard, and tap’s popularity surged through Broadway shows and Hollywood films.

Although tap’s prominence declined in the latter half of the 20th century, figures like Hines revitalized the art form. His performances in the 1980s and beyond brought tap dance back into the spotlight, blending traditional techniques with modern elements. Hines’ legacy continues to inspire new generations of dancers, ensuring that tap dance remains a vibrant part of American cultural history.

Gregory Hines’ life and career encapsulate the perseverance and innovation of black performers in Hollywood, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of bringing tap dance to mainstream audiences. His contributions laid the groundwork for future artists, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in the revitalization of tap dance.