Sportin' Life
John W. Bubbles, An American Classic
Brian Harker
Reviews and Awards
"Sportin' Life is a gripping page-turner biography of song-and-dance man John Bubbles. Harker's meticulously researched and inspiring book rightly restores Bubbles' trail-blazing legacy alongside the biggest stars of the past century including Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, Judy Garland and Bob Hope." -- Harvey Young, Dean and Professor, Boston University College of Fine Arts
"John W. Bubbles was a great showman who had a tremendous impact on entertainment in 1920s vaudeville. 'The father of rhythm tap' contributed to the form by dropping his heels in heavy syncopation, bringing the weight down from the toes, andÂputting tap into the jazz bracket. Brian Harker, hisÂextraordinary biographer, has done more than his homework, casting Bubbles' life in context throughout the 20th century. Changing the way tap was executed was just one of his major contributions. Both Fred Astaire and Honi Coles considered Bubbles 'the greatest tapper ever,' and 'winner and still champ' even when he was paralyzed with a stroke. A must read for anyone interested in how one Black life has mattered, as Harker shows how Bubbles' contribution continues through today. Along the route of this biography, the reader learns much about the history of race relations, and Bubbles' undying ability to always rise to the challenge." -- Jane Goldberg, Director, Changing Times Tap Dance Company, Inc
"Musicians, dancers and performers have long known that John W. Bubbles was an American classic. Now, thanks to Brian Harker's vivid and comprehensive biography, he takes his place center stage in tap, jazz and theater history. His rhythmic innovations and virtuosity did for tap what Louis Armstrong did for jazz. Racism marred his career, but never his charisma or his virtuosity." -- Margo Jefferson, author, Negroland and On Michael Jackson
