Bill Robinson

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Bill Robinson, a colored entertainer from local cafes, worked next to closing, though billed earlier. Robinson used little or no make-up, but he used plenty of ego, too frequently prolonging his bits with “My impression of” and “My idea of” and “If you will pay strict attention,” etc. He addressed remarksto the audienceand tothe spotlight man that were ad lib and not in the best of discretion. He caved in nothing, merely singing and dancing and getting applause when he hoofed violently. A dash of diffidence would have helped the impression, as the audience gave him no reception warranting his free-and-easy intimacy with it.

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