Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates (1907-1998) was an African-American entertainer. As a child Bates was street dancer; he lost a leg at the age of 12 in a cotton gin accident. His uncle, Wit (a carpenter and dancer), made his crude first "peg" leg and Bates subsequently taught himself to tap dance. He was a major vaudeville star from the 1920s to the 1940s. In 1948, he made the first of 20 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Though Bates retired from show business in 1989, he still performed for various groups, including senior citizens, children and disabled individuals. Publicity photo of Clayton "Peg-Leg" Bates dancing. Typescript on front of photo: Clayton "Peg-Leg" Bates-An automobile accident when a little boy ...the loss of his left leg to save his life ...his mother's flood of tears...the school bully's taunts and jibes...encouragement and help from a dancer-carpenter uncle-these dramatic highlights of his life started Peg-Leg Bates on a career as trick dancer that has made him an international headliner whose intricate steps have amazed thousands all over the world.
Type
image
Identifier
uclalsc_1889_b23_f03_001.tif ark:/21198/z1d23ftk
Subject
Tap dancers Dancers with disabilities Bates, Peg Leg
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