The Clark Brothers

The Clark Brothers in a 1944 advertisement

The Clark Brothers, consisting of Steve (1924 – February 2017) and James ("Jimmy") (23 July 1922 – 30 October 2009),[1] were thought to be the last of the "brothers" acts of tap-dancing's golden age.

Biography

The gospel-singing Clark Family grew up in poverty in Philadelphia. By the age of 12 Steve, the youngest, was a seasoned soloist, singing and dancing. The two brothers' first engagement was at the Cotton Club in Harlem - when they were 15 and 17. Frank Sinatra told them to move to Britain after the war, which probably saved their careers.

The Clark Brothers gave their first British performance for King George VI and became favourites in working men's clubs. They wrote hits for Max Bygraves and appeared at the London Palladium; and they opened a "University of Showbusiness" in London, where Cliff Richard and Bonnie Langford were among their pupils.

Jimmy died on 30 October 2009 at the age of 87. He and his brother Steve lived together in Dunstable.[2] Jimmy's funeral took place on 17 November at St Peter's Priory Dunstable.[3] Steve died in February 2017 at the age of 93.[4] Steve and Jimmy were both members of the Grand Order of Water Rats until their deaths.

Film/TV appearances

See also

References

  1. ↑ Jimmy Clark obituary
  2. ↑ Shuffling off the bad times, Daily Telegraph, 4 June 2002
  3. ↑ VIDEO: Showbiz legend Jimmy Clark dies
  4. ↑ Twinkle-toed Steve Clark is dead
  5. ↑ IMDB page, accessed 17 June 2009
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