WHEW!!!!! PURE GENIUSES , INNOVATORS N PROFESSIONALS!!!! Many tried to copy them later on. HOWEVER, They' were, "THE REAL' MCCOYS"!! Search engine that term please: " The REAL' McCoys".😊👍🏿
I have been in awe of how great of performers the Nicholas Brothers and Cab Calloway were. Blacks always were trend setters in entertainment. Whites would come to Black clubs to watch Blacks dance and listen to their music and put it in their films such as swing dance and music.
As a 40yr old white guy, and a lifelong fan of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, I can easily say NOBODY tops the Nicholas Brothers. That is hands down one of the greatest dance routines ever filmed. Glad you enjoyed it 👌
@@Terry-te1ij that's a fair question, and one I've often asked of others. I guess it's my way of fighting the pervasive idea of "racism" that exists today in our society. In that, I think the answer is not to deny our differences, and act like we're "all the same," but instead to acknowledge our differences and to simply accept them as part of what we are. However, it could also be said that by stating my color, I'm contributing to the very thing I hope to mitigate. But, such is the double-edged sword of all life's decisions...
The Nicholas Brothers grew up dancing like this from childhood. Their leg muscles had to have been like steel, enabling them with incredible control to dance like that without!! injury. Hollywood greats Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr (along with other stars - Fred Astaire) were noted saying, no dancers in this era would be able to dance on the Brothers level today. I tend to believe that.
Though he didn't sing in it, Calloway was nicely featured in Janet Jackson's 'Alright' video, which also featured brief dance scenes with the Nicholas Brothers & Cyd Charisse and an awesome rap by the great Heavy D.
I second that. As a Gen Xer who got to enjoy its revival in the late 90s I would love to see the younger generations get to experience it too. The music was awesome-like you said, “classy and fun”-and swing dancing is the best!
You young men are looking at history. The Nicholas Brothers were the "BEST" tap dancers in the world. There is no one in 2023, that could pull that dance routine off without using special effects. They danced with such grace and elegance. They did this scene in one take. Now that's GOD given talent.
@@blessed5545Too many edit points for one take. Please tell me how a dance sequence can be performed in "one take" with eleven different camera positions.
That is because they very rarely air old movies on stations that are popular. In the 60s I saw a lot of old black and white movies on tv. Mostly after 9:30 pm or at various times on the weekends. Only major old ones aired earlier than that. I gather a heck of a lot of film footage was lost before some started trying to preserve them in a better way. Can you even imagine how many great stage performances were never filmed? Now darn near anybody, with or without talent, can record what they do and put it out there. Day after day after day. Whoopee! They can paint their faces! They can walk! They can talk! Not necessarily make any sense, but they can talk! Even get famous and make big bucks without a 10th of the talent or smarts of hundreds of thousands of others. Past and present.
@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 you didn't understand what I said dude, I never said no knows about them and they aren't respected. I said that its sad that there are a lot of people that don't know who they are. read carefully before responding
@@conniead5206 I first saw the Nicholas Brothers in the late 60s in a film short on television. The station showed Shirley Temple movies, the Little Rascals, etc. from my dad's childhood, so we watched them together. I remember being amazed at the talent of the Nicholas Brothers.
This was true talent. We don't see this showmanship anymore. It's sad because these men were phenomenal in their craft. It was a craft and this day and age you don't see anything that even touches this. It's a lost art.
Gregory Hines is the last tap I have seen on TV Shame, its a lost art. There are metal plates on the ball & heel of the shoes so it makes that sound. Metal plates and they were bouncing for table to table like it was nothing. I had tears in my eyes watching the splits down the stairs.
It's a lost time too... the importance of things like manners and high standards and kindness. I love the "hep hep" and everyone NOT trying to be cool, which made them SO cool!
When entertainment required TALENT and not computers!! The MONTHS they had to practice for this and the FLAWLESS performance. A true classic!! Cab Calloway and his orchestra were FORMIDABLE!! If you haven't already seen it, watch his performance of "Minnie The Moocher" on the Blues Brothers movie. Pure talent even at age 73 when they filmed the movie. The REAL respect in this performance MUST go to these dancers!! The music was excellent, the DANCE was INCREDIBLE!!
You guys just watched 3 of the greatest performers to ever live! Cab Calloway is the first of his kind. The first Black American to sell a million records with Minnie the Moocher in 1931. Artists such as James Brown, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Freddie Mercury and even Beyonce were highly influenced by Cab Calloway. The Nicholas Brothers in my opinion were the greatest dancers to ever live and never truly got the recognition they deserved.
I didn’t know one of the Nicholas Brothers was born here in NC! This should be celebrated more. They’re both legends and national treasures in my opinion and so is Cab Calloway.
I am 60 and back in those days, this was true talent. The smiles were real because music and dance was everything in those days. Cab Calloway was wonderful and Nicholas Brothers were jaw dropping extreme talent. They don't have anything even close today to that kind of talent. One of my favorite classic movies.
that film clip was from 1943. That was the reason the men in the audience were in military uniforms....it was during World War 2. It is a clip from the movie Stormy Weather which also features Lena Horn singing the title song......just beautiful!!!!!
Fred Astaire, one of the greatest dancers ever who influenced the likes of Michael Jackson and many others, called this the greatest dance routine, ever. And all done in one take on top of that.
Bonjangles Robinson is first Black tap dancing Superstar, is who influenced FRED ASTAIRE ! GOOGLE IT. HE DANCED WITH SHIRLEY TEMPLE. He started it all.
Witch trials happened in Salem, MA. The Nicholas Brothers were incredible dancers and athletes. They imbued every performance with their amazing style and stunning grace. Yeah, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were fantastic dancers, but I've never seen either of them turn in a performance to equal the Nicholas Brothers. Every time I see this clip, my knees ache for days after. Just the sheer physicality leaves me in awe of them, but they marry that with grace and style... Cab Calloway is one of the great band leaders and performers of all time! He and the Nicholas Brothers ooze genius! You should Check out Bo Jangles. Talk about control and style.
I saw them perform with Gene Kelley in The Pirate, and it's crazy, but they made him look like a klutz by comparison. They were much lighter on their feet.
@@wordforger I have to agree with you. I can't think of a dancer who could match them. Just think of the hours of practice they had to invest in their art. And they started performing when they were small children.
@@GuantanamoBayBarbie3 Guy in the video referred to it because one of the Nicolas Brothers is from Winston-Salem, and he thought it was Salem like in the Witch trials.
The Nicholas Brothers are My all time Favorites. Great Athletes. I remember Them when They were older. Never to be duplicated. I have watched Their performances over and over for many years. Never tire of Them. One take also!
The Nicholas brothers are legends and should be known and recognized by more people. I grew up competitively tap dancing and even wrote my college thesis on the history of tap dance a couple of years ago.
Yeah. It's a damn shame these youngins don't know their history. They didn't believe Jimi Hendrix played the guitar with his teeth!! (While watching a video, where he was playing with his teeth!!) They think SRV is "better" than Jimi Hendrix 🤷♂️🤷♂️ when SRV based his WHOLE guitar style after Hendrix 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️ Michael Jackson bit off of Cab with his Billie Jean video, Cab does a video, where he's a vagabond, in tattered clothes dance and the sidewalk lights up!!! Just like the Billie Jean video.
I love this! I’m a photographer in Los Angeles, and my father was a recording artist doing comedy records, and he put Fayard Nicholas on one of his last albums, and I had the pleasure of photographing him. Mr. Nicholas came into the studio and was like Yoda. He was very sweet, but quite elderly and fragile, we weren’t even sure if he was going to be able to move , much less dance. Well, we were wrong. Well, we were wrong. He threw down his cane and tapped like he was 30, despite him being in his 80’s. He blew us away! One take, nailed it. Professional and the maestro of dance. Lovely man.
You guys need to check out Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Alvin Ailey changed the face of modern dance and classical ballet by showcasing the best African American dancers pushing the limits of what human beings can communicate through dance and movement. His choreography ranged from the most athletic and powerful to the most sensual and subtle. His impact on dance worldwide cannot be overestimated.
This is my favorite movie scene of all time. The fact that it isn't edited, shot in one continuous shot amazes me and just shows how talented these gentleman were. They also danced with Gene Kelly. Gene said the Nicholas Brothers were the best dancers he had ever seen, which is a true testament to their talent.
My dad loved the Nicholas Brothers. Great athletes. Those jumps are amazing. The splits were great but the ability to come out of the split with sheer muscle control to upright position. As a former cheerleader, that’s incredible.
I saw an interview with one o f them where he was asked about those jumps. I was hoping to hear they were double-jointed or something else that might have meant the jumps were easy for them. But he just said "it HOIT!" Dang...
Cab was first and foremost an entertainer, a true showman. He is one of my favorites from the swing era. The Nicholas Brother were beyond description. It's really sad that so much of the black community doesn't know of the roots of black music. It was a glorious era.
It was so much fun to see your reactions. You were so blown away that you were all speechless. This was pure talent. It was all done live, with one take, no do-overs, no edits, no digital. Pure talent!
What is great about the Nicholas Brothers is that they were 'Self Taught' Tap Dancers and this whole Performance was done/shot in ONE TAKE. Them and Cab Calloway are TRUE ICONS. And at 1:35 when you said "I ain't seen no black men together look that good in boy-ever." B/c now a days, most artists don't care. They truly don't.
Cab Calloway... Nicholas Brothers... Sandman..Bill Robinson..Lena Horne....all the others .. pure elegance style and class. Love them forever❤❤❤❤.....today can't compare.
If you check out any more Cab Calloway, make sure you give a listen to "Minnie the Moocher" and "Reefer Man". He's always been one of my favorite old-school entertainers; he started in my grandparents' day and was still performing (albeit less frequently) when I was a little kid. Talk about longevity!
Actually, professionally trained actors are all trained in acting dancing and signing, but most break out in tv or film where there isn't a lot of call for the dancing and singing part. Which why occasionally tv shows will have a .one off musical episode. Even House MD had one. The actors love it even if it confuses the viewers.
My dad was born in 1925 and when I was a kid in the 70s this was what he played around the house. These men were true musical heroes. There were no mixers or second takes. God bless these men
Many of us white guys born in the 40's and 50' listened to Cab Calloway and watched him on TV. I am 78 and still enjoy watching this great entertainer.
@@victoriagoforth9748That is indeed what it says. I usually like to take artists at their word, but there are at least ten camera edits so I don't know.
Cab Calloway was my father’s mother’s cousin. I never got to meet home but I have watched him dance, sing, direct bands and orchestras and act in TV, film and stage. He was also a fashion trend setter😊
These men...from the band, Cab Calloway to the Nicholas brothers....these men were at the TOP of their craft and crazy talented.....I could watch and listen all day!
I'm so glad y'all did this one! This is part of music and dance history, should be shown in every school. And remind the students that at that time these gentlemen were not allowed in a lot of clubs and restaurants because of their race!
Cab had his own train cars that he used for his band when they were touring, and in one he kept 2 Cadillacs so he could cruz around all the towns they visited. Straight legend.
Cab Calloway was the KING of scat! Did it say what year it was from? This is a WHOLE WORLD of fantabulousness in front of you if you liked this clip! 1904 was they year MY grandpa was born in Oklahoma. This from a time when performers took pride in their art and gave everything to the audience. Love you guys! Love what you do!!! Crazy Old White Lady
@@yeswe3939 Yes! I figured it out doubly by seeing all the men in the audience were wearing military uniforms. Honestly, I am so, so proud of Cartier family for honoring my request to show this! I was the person who requested it and didn't think they'd read my post! 😊
i get so much joy watching you discover what we grew up with. Saw that stair scene when I was a little girl, never forgot it. I am almost 70 - Nicholas Bros and Cab rocked it. Pure talent - AND NOTICE THEY WEREN'T WINDED!!!
One of the most legendary performances ever recorded!!! (Thankfully)..This is amazing...The Nicholas Brothers are in a class by themselves!!! There's no dancing duo like them. EVER.
It's really cool to see people enjoying talented performances that, while they definitely belong to a certain cultural context in terms of both Black culture in that moment and the overall trends of the day, are still clearly masterpieces to anyone who cares to look deeper than "I'm not familiar with this, therefore it sucks" (a failing seemingly shared equally between the old and the young). Thanks for checking out stuff that's a bit off the beaten path, and helping the rest of us appreciate it as well in the process!
I'm amazed you actually sat quietly and gave this the rapt attention it deserves! It seems you've been very deprived in your entertainment history -- so MUCH you haven't seen and so many legends you have yet to get to know. Well, you're doing it now! BTW, the name of the movie is Stormy Weather, though there is a song by the same name.
Harold Nickolas played the Choreography dance instructor in the 1991 movie called, "The 5 Heartbeats" And was once married to Dorothy Dandridge. I love this generation!!
Almost every famous dancer for the last century says that they were the greatest dance team of all time. No contest. Love your guys reaction videos, keep them coming.
I can't recall which movie it was, but the scene was one of them coming down a staircase, leapfrogging over each other & landing on each step doing the splits all the way down. They appeared to be very young in that film. To this day it STILL astounds me when I watch it.
Wow. Amazing. The discipline, stamina, and talent it takes to do something like this is unimaginable. And they made it look effortless. The band as well. Talk about a show stopper. They put artists of today butts right back in their seats. Excellent choice.
This movie is called "Stormy Wheather".Cab Callaway basically was the first rapper 🤣🤣🤣 and The Nicholas Brothers was just 🔥🔥🔥. I don't care what nobody say. Their choreography, style, grace, technique and dance was and still is second to none .🔥🔥🔥🔥
My father brought me up on this. You gents made me smile today. My Father played trombone and drums and Cab was his favorite entertainer. My pops was born in 1915 and now I'm the Grandpa. Give The Reefer Man by Cab a listen. Take care guys.
@@handsomeman-pm9vy I live in Oregon. I do not have to want. There is a dispensary on every corner and you’re allowed four plants per household. It’s no big deal.
Cab was the MAN!!! He loved to toke & he was straight up amazing at his rhymes, talent, & enthusiasm!! Very cool cat! My grandma loved him so much!!!!❤️❤️❤️ The MAN!! Straight up!
One of the most important overlooked aspects of this magnificent piece of history - THIS WAS DONE IN ONE TAKE. Cab is actually singing and the band is actually playing. It just doesn't get better than this. When movie trailers are being shown in theaters, this should be shown. Pure showmanship. 100% talent. The ending where it's all Black men and women dancing together, that's how it should be. Men dressed IN SUITS and women dressed APPROPRIATELY.
Yes Men Were So Dapper and Women So Elegant. I would love to be able to go to a Dinner and Dance with this level of Entertainment and Class in this day and age. It was the Club scene.
This is so damn good it’s no wonder the artist inspired by them chose to build on what they created. In the 90s the Brian Setzer Orchestra combined swing and rockabilly and revived a ton of classic old school songs from this era. Check out their cover of Louis Prima’s “Jump, Jive, and Wail”. The official video is a beautifully done piece that showcases the band and a bunch of top notch swing dancing. Awesome vid. Cab Calloway is legendary for a reason. More of this kind of stuff, please.
Thank you very much for showing this, I am 67 years old and I really enjoyed looking at some of this on TV it could have been before my time but I am so glad that you guys put it out for us to look at. Thank you😊
I had the absolute honor to meet and speak with this legend in High School. My Jazz Band ( I was Bary Sax ) was to open for Count Basie's band at UC Davis, however the Good Count fell ill and Cab Calloway subbed in! We played 3 songs, then they took the stage. A memory I will cherish till the day I die!!!
I really seriously doubt this amazing dance sequence could be recreated... by anyone. MJ knew who they were, as I did a long time ago. Loved the reaction. Sometimes generations are in awe of what existed before...... but there always was.. something... before.
The legendary Nicholas Brothers! Knowing they did this in one take is amazing, and they inspired more greats after. Even MJ learned from them back during The Jackson's variety show years.
Also, Mardi Gras originally started in Mobile Alabama. New Orleans made it a bigger party. Thank you guys to showing respect to these great entertainers.
I know I'm a little late to reply to this video, but I thought you'd like to know: When I was in film school, this was one of the films that we had to study at various times. I remember them telling us that the Nicholas Brothers did this in a single take, without rehearsing it beforehand. They were essentially freestyling it the same way Cab Calloway was known to scat. This is, hands down, their greatest performance.
🦋 that dancing was incredible I’m glad you guys liked it. Most people don’t understand the strength you have to have in your body and your legs to be able to do that just a split alone and be able to pull yourself back up from a split time after time after time that was incredible.
Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers are National Treasures. I can listen to this music forever. I was a kid in the late 70’s when I begged my Dad to take me to a Duke Ellington concert. He didn’t even realize I knew who The Duke was. I fell in love with Jive at a young age, begging my elderly neighbor to teach me how to Lindy Hop.
20 years ago we went into New York to score half price Broadway tickets.The thing was,there was only a few seats for each show,so by the time it was your turn,you never knew what show tickets were still available.We ended up get tickets to a show called 5 Guys Named Moe.We had no idea what it was.It turned out to be an all black cast of tap dancers.They blew us away with their talent! The eldest guy in the show must have been in his 80's,and was so smooth.What a treat!😁
I must have shown this clip to my tap classes a hundred times but it still gave me such joy to see you all enjoy these legends! By the way, check Janet Jackson's All Right video.... a nod to Cab Calloway.
These performances are pure talent! Back in the day when you had to be talented to make it as a dancer, singer, actor, or whatever. The movie, Stormy Weather is worth watching and this part is actually the end of the movie. The movie is one of the greatest classics because the talent pool is the best!
Thank you guys for showing this. I’m a baby boomer white lady! In all sincerity, nobody can hold a candle to the talent of these extraordinary gentlemen! In my time, I loved watching Gregory Hines. Also love Mr. Bojangles!
Great video Gentlemen. Yes Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers are the backbone of African American entertainment. And yes the Nicholas Brothers had children there grandchildren are continuing the tap dancing entertainment. 🥰🥰 I Love You guys. Keep Grinding.
Both have since passed away. Fayard (1914-2006 : stroke) and Harold (1921-2000 : heart failure) Even Fred Astaire said they were the best. Research said Fayard had double-hip replacement.
Now THAT IS MY KIND OF MOVIE!!!! MAN I MISS THOSE DAYS!!! Movies that put a smile on your face, had you dancing in your seats, and made you feel great and happy when it was over!! Actually, made me want to learn to dance like that. I wish you all could see more of the old movies and shows! I am white and was brought up that we are all God's children. We never knew any difference in anyone until they showed riots in Alabama. I'll never forget how shocked and angry I was that people could be so mean and cruel to others because of skin color. I am so glad you all enjoyed the good old days and real talent. The smiles on your faces really warmed my heart and made me so happy. Love that you appreciate the talent back in the "old days." Thank you.
The most talented dancers ever ! My dad loved cab calloway thank you so much for showing this really beautiful! Jay z eat your heart out listening to him sing ! Such fabulous talent! Thank you ❤😊
*Hey, thanks for hitting MY SUGGESTION! Black Excellence for Black History Month. This was filmed in ONE TAKE, and is considered one of the greatest dance numbers on film. I wish Ross was there. The movie is Stormy Weather (1943), the singer is Cab Calloway, the dancers are Nicholas Brothers!* ❤️❤️❤️
I love it when the younger generation sees true greatness, and they acknowledge it. Yes, the Nicholas brothers were the pride of our community . Still are❤
This video is even more incredible when you find out they did this in ONE take!
WHEW!!!!! PURE GENIUSES , INNOVATORS N PROFESSIONALS!!!! Many tried to copy them later on. HOWEVER, They' were, "THE REAL' MCCOYS"!! Search engine that term please: " The REAL' McCoys".😊👍🏿
Yassss!! So glad someone mentioned this! All these sequences in the golden age HAD to be done in one clean take. INCREDIBLE 🔥🫶🫶
@@bonitahobbs2374
I am an old guy. I know it means the original ones.
I have been in awe of how great of performers the Nicholas Brothers and Cab Calloway were. Blacks always were trend setters in entertainment. Whites would come to Black clubs to watch Blacks dance and listen to their music and put it in their films such as swing dance and music.
And it was not rehearsed
Cab was the first black musician to sell a million copies of one record, definitely a legend!
Cab was great in "The Blues Brothers"
@@billolsen4360 Yes, very old at that time but still great!
@@ComicHorder410 What a fest that movie was, Cab doing Minnie the Moocher, Ray Charles doing Shake A Tailfeather, and Aretha telling us to THINK!
Cab was a real badass back in his day. A real “hep cat” as they used to say in the hood. 😂
@@MsAppassionata
He was definitely "hep to the jive."
As a 40yr old white guy, and a lifelong fan of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, I can easily say NOBODY tops the Nicholas Brothers.
That is hands down one of the greatest dance routines ever filmed.
Glad you enjoyed it 👌
My absolut favourite was James Cagney.
I saw the Nicholas brothers do a set on jack Benny that I think tops this one but not by allot and nobody but them can top them
Michael Jackson was no slouch, but these Brothers are amazing! I am a 70 year old white dude that grew up in a dancing family.
Why did you find it necessary to state your color?
@@Terry-te1ij that's a fair question, and one I've often asked of others. I guess it's my way of fighting the pervasive idea of "racism" that exists today in our society. In that, I think the answer is not to deny our differences, and act like we're "all the same," but instead to acknowledge our differences and to simply accept them as part of what we are. However, it could also be said that by stating my color, I'm contributing to the very thing I hope to mitigate. But, such is the double-edged sword of all life's decisions...
The Nicholas Brothers grew up dancing like this from childhood. Their leg muscles had to have been like steel, enabling them with incredible control to dance like that without!! injury. Hollywood greats Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr (along with other stars - Fred Astaire) were noted saying, no dancers in this era would be able to dance on the Brothers level today. I tend to believe that.
Even at 72 years old, he never lost that voice. He reprised Minnie the Moocher in the Blues Brother's Movie and stole the show!
And a lot of people still don't realise that Minnie the Moocher was all about drug abuse.
@@ChelseaPensioner-DJW nickles and dimes
".... she loved him even though he was cokey.. "
I was going to make the same comment about the Blues Brothers Movie.
Though he didn't sing in it, Calloway was nicely featured in Janet Jackson's 'Alright' video, which also featured brief dance scenes with the Nicholas Brothers & Cyd Charisse and an awesome rap by the great Heavy D.
Nicholas Brothers dance in Stormy Weather is considered to be one of the best dance numbers ever performed.
Is that the one where they literally leap off the upper deck and land in the splits position?
Yes.
Nicolas Brothers the 👌
The best in the words of Fred Astaire...so
The big band era was amazing. I wish it would become popular again. Classy and fun. Can’t help but want to dance to it.
We need more young people learning how to play instruments.
I second that. As a Gen Xer who got to enjoy its revival in the late 90s I would love to see the younger generations get to experience it too. The music was awesome-like you said, “classy and fun”-and swing dancing is the best!
Nicholas Brothers need more present day recognition, beautifully skilled and talented
You young men are looking at history. The Nicholas Brothers were the "BEST" tap dancers in the world. There is no one in 2023, that could pull that dance routine off without using special effects. They danced with such grace and elegance. They did this scene in one take. Now that's GOD given talent.
Amen!
They didn't do it in one take. You can see the edits. And being able to do it in one take is a stupid metric for this kind of performance.
@@tomshea8382They did do it in one take.
@@blessed5545Too many edit points for one take. Please tell me how a dance sequence can be performed in "one take" with eleven different camera positions.
I don't care what anyone says, they had absolute pure talent and what's sad is there are many that don't know who they are. Great reaction
That is because they very rarely air old movies on stations that are popular. In the 60s I saw a lot of old black and white movies on tv. Mostly after 9:30 pm or at various times on the weekends. Only major old ones aired earlier than that. I gather a heck of a lot of film footage was lost before some started trying to preserve them in a better way.
Can you even imagine how many great stage performances were never filmed? Now darn near anybody, with or without talent, can record what they do and put it out there. Day after day after day. Whoopee! They can paint their faces! They can walk! They can talk! Not necessarily make any sense, but they can talk! Even get famous and make big bucks without a 10th of the talent or smarts of hundreds of thousands of others. Past and present.
Nobody said anything different dude…what…obviously, dudes a well known, respected legend
@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 you didn't understand what I said dude, I never said no knows about them and they aren't respected. I said that its sad that there are a lot of people that don't know who they are. read carefully before responding
@@conniead5206 I first saw the Nicholas Brothers in the late 60s in a film short on television. The station showed Shirley Temple movies, the Little Rascals, etc. from my dad's childhood, so we watched them together. I remember being amazed at the talent of the Nicholas Brothers.
This was true talent. We don't see this showmanship anymore. It's sad because these men were phenomenal in their craft. It was a craft and this day and age you don't see anything that even touches this. It's a lost art.
Gregory Hines is the last tap I have seen on TV
Shame, its a lost art.
There are metal plates on the ball & heel of the shoes so it makes that sound. Metal plates and they were bouncing for table to table like it was nothing. I had tears in my eyes watching the splits down the stairs.
It's a lost time too... the importance of things like manners and high standards and kindness. I love the "hep hep" and everyone NOT trying to be cool, which made them SO cool!
When entertainment required TALENT and not computers!!
The MONTHS they had to practice for this and the FLAWLESS performance. A true classic!!
Cab Calloway and his orchestra were FORMIDABLE!! If you haven't already seen it, watch his performance of "Minnie The Moocher" on the Blues Brothers movie. Pure talent even at age 73 when they filmed the movie.
The REAL respect in this performance MUST go to these dancers!! The music was excellent, the DANCE was INCREDIBLE!!
The Nicholas Brothers are hands down, in my opinion, the greatest tap dancers who ever lived.
Best dancers period
Mr. Bojangles was the master tapper.
You guys just watched 3 of the greatest performers to ever live! Cab Calloway is the first of his kind. The first Black American to sell a million records with Minnie the Moocher in 1931. Artists such as James Brown, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Freddie Mercury and even Beyonce were highly influenced by Cab Calloway. The Nicholas Brothers in my opinion were the greatest dancers to ever live and never truly got the recognition they deserved.
Also Harold Nicholas had a child with the extremely talented singer/actress Dorothy Dandridge. The child was severely mentally handicapped.
Even Fred Astaire said they were the best tap team he had ever seen.
I agree. The Nicholas Brothers are INCOMPARABLE.
I didn’t know one of the Nicholas Brothers was born here in NC! This should be celebrated more. They’re both legends and national treasures in my opinion and so is Cab Calloway.
Scatman Curathers.
The Nicholas Brothers were phenomenal. They were a huge influence on Breakdancing, and Michael Jackson loved them
I am 60 and back in those days, this was true talent. The smiles were real because music and dance was everything in those days. Cab Calloway was wonderful and Nicholas Brothers were jaw dropping extreme talent. They don't have anything even close today to that kind of talent. One of my favorite classic movies.
that film clip was from 1943. That was the reason the men in the audience were in military uniforms....it was during World War 2. It is a clip from the movie Stormy Weather which also features Lena Horn singing the title song......just beautiful!!!!!
Lena! Another legendary unequalled talent! They need to react to some of her songs, if they haven't already. A great lady!
Fred Astaire, one of the greatest dancers ever who influenced the likes of Michael Jackson and many others, called this the greatest dance routine, ever. And all done in one take on top of that.
Bonjangles Robinson is first Black tap dancing Superstar, is who influenced FRED ASTAIRE ! GOOGLE IT. HE DANCED WITH SHIRLEY TEMPLE. He started it all.
Witch trials happened in Salem, MA.
The Nicholas Brothers were incredible dancers and athletes. They imbued every performance with their amazing style and stunning grace. Yeah, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were fantastic dancers, but I've never seen either of them turn in a performance to equal the Nicholas Brothers. Every time I see this clip, my knees ache for days after. Just the sheer physicality leaves me in awe of them, but they marry that with grace and style...
Cab Calloway is one of the great band leaders and performers of all time! He and the Nicholas Brothers ooze genius!
You should Check out Bo Jangles. Talk about control and style.
I'm curious. Why the reference to the witch trials?
Actually, I'm curious about that too. I hope I'm not going crazy.
I saw them perform with Gene Kelley in The Pirate, and it's crazy, but they made him look like a klutz by comparison. They were much lighter on their feet.
@@wordforger I have to agree with you. I can't think of a dancer who could match them. Just think of the hours of practice they had to invest in their art. And they started performing when they were small children.
@@GuantanamoBayBarbie3 Guy in the video referred to it because one of the Nicolas Brothers is from Winston-Salem, and he thought it was Salem like in the Witch trials.
The Nicholas Brothers are My all time Favorites. Great Athletes. I remember Them when They were older. Never to be duplicated. I have watched Their performances over and over for many years. Never tire of Them. One take also!
The Nicholas brothers are legends and should be known and recognized by more people. I grew up competitively tap dancing and even wrote my college thesis on the history of tap dance a couple of years ago.
Agreed!
How cool!! 😎
The Nicholas Brothers did that entire routine all in one take!
Yeah. It's a damn shame these youngins don't know their history.
They didn't believe Jimi Hendrix played the guitar with his teeth!! (While watching a video, where he was playing with his teeth!!)
They think SRV is "better" than Jimi Hendrix 🤷♂️🤷♂️ when SRV based his WHOLE guitar style after Hendrix 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Michael Jackson bit off of Cab with his Billie Jean video, Cab does a video, where he's a vagabond, in tattered clothes dance and the sidewalk lights up!!! Just like the Billie Jean video.
How cool! What a lot of work it takes to get that good.
I love this! I’m a photographer in Los Angeles, and my father was a recording artist doing comedy records, and he put Fayard Nicholas on one of his last albums, and I had the pleasure of photographing him. Mr. Nicholas came into the studio and was like Yoda. He was very sweet, but quite elderly and fragile, we weren’t even sure if he was going to be able to move , much less dance. Well, we were wrong. Well, we were wrong. He threw down his cane and tapped like he was 30, despite him being in his 80’s. He blew us away! One take, nailed it. Professional and the maestro of dance. Lovely man.
Thank you for sharing this.
❤
Was your dad Stan Freberg?
I remember Stan Freberg.
@@capricioushorse yes. ❤️
You guys need to check out Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Alvin Ailey changed the face of modern dance and classical ballet by showcasing the best African American dancers pushing the limits of what human beings can communicate through dance and movement. His choreography ranged from the most athletic and powerful to the most sensual and subtle. His impact on dance worldwide cannot be overestimated.
Yup, AA is a legend.
I loved Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers! They had no equals! The greatest!
This is my favorite movie scene of all time. The fact that it isn't edited, shot in one continuous shot amazes me and just shows how talented these gentleman were. They also danced with Gene Kelly. Gene said the Nicholas Brothers were the best dancers he had ever seen, which is a true testament to their talent.
Fred Astaire considered this dance sequence to be the greatest ever recorded in a movie. He was a big fan of the Nicholas brothers.
Even Mikhail Baryshnikov thought they were the most amazing dancers he had ever seen which is just jaw dropping to say the least.
Michael Jackson also danced with them I believe
My dad loved the Nicholas Brothers. Great athletes. Those jumps are amazing. The splits were great but the ability to come out of the split with sheer muscle control to upright position. As a former cheerleader, that’s incredible.
imagine their hips and lower backs, joints were in pieces by the time they were old
@@sodapop83 yup. Remember Prince at the end....just looking for chemical relief for his hip pain.
I saw an interview with one o f them where he was asked about those jumps. I was hoping to hear they were double-jointed or something else that might have meant the jumps were easy for them. But he just said "it HOIT!" Dang...
Cab was first and foremost an entertainer, a true showman. He is one of my favorites from the swing era. The Nicholas Brother were beyond description. It's really sad that so much of the black community doesn't know of the roots of black music. It was a glorious era.
It was so much fun to see your reactions. You were so blown away that you were all speechless. This was pure talent. It was all done live, with one take, no do-overs, no edits, no digital. Pure talent!
What is great about the Nicholas Brothers is that they were 'Self Taught' Tap Dancers and this whole Performance was done/shot in ONE TAKE. Them and Cab Calloway are TRUE ICONS. And at 1:35 when you said "I ain't seen no black men together look that good in boy-ever." B/c now a days, most artists don't care. They truly don't.
Even when racism was way worse than today, these performers were very classy along with very talented.
....the only person that was INSANELY OBSSESED with STYLE in our time....was PRINCE....
🎯!! The young man is Right....This is Pure Showmanship!!
The Nicholas Brothers were ATHLETES!!!! Incredible stamina and strength.
Cab Calloway... Nicholas Brothers... Sandman..Bill Robinson..Lena Horne....all the others .. pure elegance style and class. Love them forever❤❤❤❤.....today can't compare.
Ladies and gentlimen the incomperable NICOLAS BROTHERS-~~~!! And they performed this routine well into their old age
If you check out any more Cab Calloway, make sure you give a listen to "Minnie the Moocher" and "Reefer Man". He's always been one of my favorite old-school entertainers; he started in my grandparents' day and was still performing (albeit less frequently) when I was a little kid. Talk about longevity!
Cab was also one of the featured artists in the movie The Blues Brothers with Dan Akroyd and John Belushi
I want tell you a story about Minnie the Moocher!
He was sensational
I believe Minnie the Moocher was about heroin.
I love Minnie The Moocher. One of my all time favourite songs.
Artists in the 30s-40s were truly talented. They sang, danced, and acted. I love older movies for this reason.
Yeah,the triple threat,now,all you need is a gimmick and social media clicks,likes/dislikes.
Actually, professionally trained actors are all trained in acting dancing and signing, but most break out in tv or film where there isn't a lot of call for the dancing and singing part. Which why occasionally tv shows will have a .one off musical episode. Even House MD had one. The actors love it even if it confuses the viewers.
My dad was born in 1925 and when I was a kid in the 70s this was what he played around the house. These men were true musical heroes. There were no mixers or second takes. God bless these men
Many of us white guys born in the 40's and 50' listened to Cab Calloway and watched him on TV. I am 78 and still enjoy watching this great entertainer.
This was recorded live.. no autotune no retake. True talent.
Fred Astaire told the Nicholas Brothers that this was the best dance sequel he had ever seen because it was done in 1 take and pretty much perfection!
You're right about Astaire, but wrong about the "one take."
@@tomshea8382 I actually read that on their Wikipedia page that it was done in one take..
@@victoriagoforth9748That is indeed what it says. I usually like to take artists at their word, but there are at least ten camera edits so I don't know.
Well, I prefer to take them for their word and enjoy watching g all the incredible movies they left us with..
SO glad y'all found this! BEST DANCERS EVER!!!! And Cab was always one of the classiest men. Together? Unstoppable!
I'd lay on floor watch all,,great old talents👍I'm 78 woman still love it all 💕
Just to let you know how good the brothers were, they did this in 1 take.
Cab Calloway was my father’s mother’s cousin. I never got to meet home but I have watched him dance, sing, direct bands and orchestras and act in TV, film and stage. He was also a fashion trend setter😊
These men...from the band, Cab Calloway to the Nicholas brothers....these men were at the TOP of their craft and crazy talented.....I could watch and listen all day!
I'm so glad y'all did this one! This is part of music and dance history, should be shown in every school. And remind the students that at that time these gentlemen were not allowed in a lot of clubs and restaurants because of their race!
Cab had his own train cars that he used for his band when they were touring, and in one he kept 2 Cadillacs so he could cruz around all the towns they visited. Straight legend.
Cab Calloway was the KING of scat! Did it say what year it was from? This is a WHOLE WORLD of fantabulousness in front of you if you liked this clip! 1904 was they year MY grandpa was born in Oklahoma. This from a time when performers took pride in their art and gave everything to the audience. Love you guys! Love what you do!!! Crazy Old White Lady
the release date was 21st July, 1943... long live Cab Calloway's legend and the Nicholas Brothers, too!
This film was made in 1943
@@maryreilly5092 Thanks! I figured it was just after WWII, but it turns out it was DURING WWII.
@@selectronium Thank you!
@@yeswe3939 Yes! I figured it out doubly by seeing all the men in the audience were wearing military uniforms. Honestly, I am so, so proud of Cartier family for honoring my request to show this! I was the person who requested it and didn't think they'd read my post! 😊
Talent. Sheer talent. None of the million-dollar entertainers today come anywhere near this level of grace, athleticism, and showmanship.
i get so much joy watching you discover what we grew up with. Saw that stair scene when I was a little girl, never forgot it. I am almost 70 - Nicholas Bros and Cab rocked it. Pure talent - AND NOTICE THEY WEREN'T WINDED!!!
One of the most legendary performances ever recorded!!! (Thankfully)..This is amazing...The Nicholas Brothers are in a class by themselves!!! There's no dancing duo like them. EVER.
Greatness!! They did this in one take! I'm a tap dancer and had the pleasure of meeting them. RIP to Harold & Fayard
I don't know how many times I have seen the Nicholas Brothers, but I have never seen any body better than these 2 guys. Simply fantastic.!!!
It's really cool to see people enjoying talented performances that, while they definitely belong to a certain cultural context in terms of both Black culture in that moment and the overall trends of the day, are still clearly masterpieces to anyone who cares to look deeper than "I'm not familiar with this, therefore it sucks" (a failing seemingly shared equally between the old and the young). Thanks for checking out stuff that's a bit off the beaten path, and helping the rest of us appreciate it as well in the process!
I'm amazed you actually sat quietly and gave this the rapt attention it deserves! It seems you've been very deprived in your entertainment history -- so MUCH you haven't seen and so many legends you have yet to get to know. Well, you're doing it now! BTW, the name of the movie is Stormy Weather, though there is a song by the same name.
⤴️⬆️
Congratulations 🏅 you've been selected among my shortlist winner🤯 hit up on telegram with the name above to claim your prize 🔥🤯🎁.
"are they able to have children" SAID it with a straight face!! Laughed SO DAM HARD!! Love watching your reactions
One of em made a baby with Dorothy Dandridge.😂
Harold Nickolas played the Choreography dance instructor in the 1991 movie called, "The 5 Heartbeats" And was once married to Dorothy Dandridge. I love this generation!!
I am literally speechless at this incredible, incredible dance routine. OMG!!!
Almost every famous dancer for the last century says that they were the greatest dance team of all time. No contest. Love your guys reaction videos, keep them coming.
The Nicholas Brothers deserved their own movies. Serious talent, to say the very least. And they did it all in one take! GENIUS
I can't recall which movie it was, but the scene was one of them coming down a staircase, leapfrogging over each other & landing on each step doing the splits all the way down. They appeared to be very young in that film. To this day it STILL astounds me when I watch it.
Wow. Amazing. The discipline, stamina, and talent it takes to do something like this is unimaginable. And they made it look effortless. The band as well. Talk about a show stopper. They put artists of today butts right back in their seats. Excellent choice.
100% pure talent. Cab and the Nicholas Bros should be watched and appreciated by every generation.
This movie is called "Stormy Wheather".Cab Callaway basically was the first rapper 🤣🤣🤣 and The Nicholas Brothers was just 🔥🔥🔥. I don't care what nobody say. Their choreography, style, grace, technique and dance was and still is second to none .🔥🔥🔥🔥
My father brought me up on this. You gents made me smile today. My Father played trombone and drums and Cab was his favorite entertainer. My pops was born in 1915 and now I'm the Grandpa. Give The Reefer Man by Cab a listen. Take care guys.
Do also want the Reefer?
@@handsomeman-pm9vy I live in Oregon. I do not have to want. There is a dispensary on every corner and you’re allowed four plants per household. It’s no big deal.
@@stevenkarner6872
To each his own, but I prefer vodka.
@@handsomeman-pm9vy To each his own but still…..gross. I prefer Cab Sav to fermented potato alcohol.
My grandpa was born in 1907 but im 21😅😂
So glad y'all got to see the incredible, magnificent Nicholas Brothers!!! They were AWESOME!!!!!!
Cab was the MAN!!! He loved to toke & he was straight up amazing at his rhymes, talent, & enthusiasm!! Very cool cat! My grandma loved him so much!!!!❤️❤️❤️ The MAN!! Straight up!
Glad you guys are watching this. Growing up my father introduced a lot of this to us. Now he shows my younger kids. It pure talent!!
I didn’t grow up with too much music. But I’m doing this now to my children.
One of the most important overlooked aspects of this magnificent piece of history - THIS WAS DONE IN ONE TAKE. Cab is actually singing and the band is actually playing. It just doesn't get better than this.
When movie trailers are being shown in theaters, this should be shown. Pure showmanship. 100% talent. The ending where it's all Black men and women dancing together, that's how it should be. Men dressed IN SUITS and women dressed APPROPRIATELY.
Yes Men Were So Dapper and Women So Elegant. I would love to be able to go to a Dinner and Dance with this level of Entertainment and Class in this day and age. It was the Club scene.
Nicholas Brothers off the charts dancing talent, hands down the best.
Words haven't been invented yet to describe how great the Nicholas Brothers were!
This is so damn good it’s no wonder the artist inspired by them chose to build on what they created. In the 90s the Brian Setzer Orchestra combined swing and rockabilly and revived a ton of classic old school songs from this era. Check out their cover of Louis Prima’s “Jump, Jive, and Wail”. The official video is a beautifully done piece that showcases the band and a bunch of top notch swing dancing.
Awesome vid. Cab Calloway is legendary for a reason. More of this kind of stuff, please.
Cab Calloway is legendary, glad you got to see the original artists like this. The Nicholas brothers, just incredible.
A true American classic. I could watch these guys all day.
Thank you very much for showing this, I am 67 years old and I really enjoyed looking at some of this on TV it could have been before my time but I am so glad that you guys put it out for us to look at. Thank you😊
I had the absolute honor to meet and speak with this legend in High School. My Jazz Band ( I was Bary Sax ) was to open for Count Basie's band at UC Davis, however the Good Count fell ill and Cab Calloway subbed in! We played 3 songs, then they took the stage. A memory I will cherish till the day I die!!!
I really seriously doubt this amazing dance sequence could be recreated... by anyone.
MJ knew who they were, as I did a long time ago.
Loved the reaction.
Sometimes generations are in awe of what existed before...... but there always was.. something... before.
Now fellas,,you have just witnessed real true talent 👏 I have watched this several times over the years and I never get tired of watching it 👌
So glad you are keeping our history alive. This I my favorite tap dance routine of all time. These are the originators everyone else imitators!
The legendary Nicholas Brothers! Knowing they did this in one take is amazing, and they inspired more greats after. Even MJ learned from them back during The Jackson's variety show years.
Also, Mardi Gras originally started in Mobile Alabama. New Orleans made it a bigger party. Thank you guys to showing respect to these great entertainers.
Cab Calloway was, and still is, the bomb. I love his music. His pure joy in delivering every word. Kicking the Gong Around is my all time favorite.❤
I know I'm a little late to reply to this video, but I thought you'd like to know:
When I was in film school, this was one of the films that we had to study at various times. I remember them telling us that the Nicholas Brothers did this in a single take, without rehearsing it beforehand. They were essentially freestyling it the same way Cab Calloway was known to scat. This is, hands down, their greatest performance.
🦋 that dancing was incredible I’m glad you guys liked it. Most people don’t understand the strength you have to have in your body and your legs to be able to do that just a split alone and be able to pull yourself back up from a split time after time after time that was incredible.
...and remember PRINCE....used to do it in HIGH HEELS.....
EXCELLENT showmanship! They started a whole movement of people wanting to learn tap. These men were the best ever!
Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers are National Treasures. I can listen to this music forever. I was a kid in the late 70’s when I begged my Dad to take me to a Duke Ellington concert. He didn’t even realize I knew who The Duke was. I fell in love with Jive at a young age, begging my elderly neighbor to teach me how to Lindy Hop.
I grew up watching films & routines like this with my parents. Glad you enjoyed it. Professionalism like that dosnt exist anymore 🇬🇧
Considered by many to be the best dance number on film. Even Fred Astaire said so. Combined with that ball of talent Cab Calloway.
20 years ago we went into New York to score half price Broadway tickets.The thing was,there was only a few seats for each show,so by the time it was your turn,you never knew what show tickets were still available.We ended up get tickets to a show called 5 Guys Named Moe.We had no idea what it was.It turned out to be an all black cast of tap dancers.They blew us away with their talent! The eldest guy in the show must have been in his 80's,and was so smooth.What a treat!😁
Oh how cool was that!
The performance by the Nicholas brothers was among the best ever seen on a stage anywhere. Absolute brilliance.
I've lost count of the number of times I've watched this over the years. NO ONE taps like the Nicholas Brothers. They will always be the best.!
I must have shown this clip to my tap classes a hundred times but it still gave me such joy to see you all enjoy these legends! By the way, check Janet Jackson's All Right video.... a nod to Cab Calloway.
Not just a nod to Cab Calloway, as he was in the video, but the Nicholas Brothers were in it as well, tap dancing away!
These performances are pure talent! Back in the day when you had to be talented to make it as a dancer, singer, actor, or whatever. The movie, Stormy Weather is worth watching and this part is actually the end of the movie. The movie is one of the greatest classics because the talent pool is the best!
Thank you guys for showing this. I’m a baby boomer white lady! In all sincerity, nobody can hold a candle to the talent of these extraordinary gentlemen! In my time, I loved watching Gregory Hines. Also love Mr. Bojangles!
The Nicholas Brothers were some of the most amazing and talented dancers in history. And Cab Calloway...just wow.
Great video Gentlemen. Yes Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers are the backbone of African American entertainment. And yes the Nicholas Brothers had children there grandchildren are continuing the tap dancing entertainment. 🥰🥰 I Love You guys. Keep Grinding.
Raw talent. I can't even think about the cardio it took to make it through that.
Both have since passed away.
Fayard (1914-2006 : stroke) and Harold (1921-2000 : heart failure) Even Fred Astaire said they were the best. Research said Fayard had double-hip replacement.
Now THAT IS MY KIND OF MOVIE!!!! MAN I MISS THOSE DAYS!!! Movies that put a smile on your face, had you dancing in your seats, and made you feel great and happy when it was over!! Actually, made me want to learn to dance like that. I wish you all could see more of the old movies and shows! I am white and was brought up that we are all God's children. We never knew any difference in anyone until they showed riots in Alabama. I'll never forget how shocked and angry I was that people could be so mean and cruel to others because of skin color. I am so glad you all enjoyed the good old days and real talent. The smiles on your faces really warmed my heart and made me so happy. Love that you appreciate the talent back in the "old days." Thank you.
The most talented dancers ever ! My dad loved cab calloway thank you so much for showing this really beautiful! Jay z eat your heart out listening to him sing ! Such fabulous talent! Thank you ❤😊
*Hey, thanks for hitting MY SUGGESTION! Black Excellence for Black History Month. This was filmed in ONE TAKE, and is considered one of the greatest dance numbers on film. I wish Ross was there. The movie is Stormy Weather (1943), the singer is Cab Calloway, the dancers are Nicholas Brothers!* ❤️❤️❤️
This never gets old. The talent, just out of this world 🔥💞❤✊🏾⭐👏🏾👏🏾❣
I love it when the younger generation sees true greatness, and they acknowledge it.
Yes, the Nicholas brothers were the pride of our community . Still are❤
Don't forget the musicians. They are truly top professionals, and I say that as a retired professional musician.