Like all people, I have a list of things I regret not doing. I never went to the next level as a pianist. I did win a Talent Show in the 9th grade playing The Boogie Woogie Blues with a good friend, a drummer, Jack Hayward. We blew the roof off the place. It was the most thrilling 5-10 minutes of my life. There are a million reasons I quit playing far beyond this erudite article on regrets. I also never learned to dance. When I see a Reel on Facebook showing some modern insane dancer, I tell myself "I wish I could do that". Today's videos show the best of the best from performers who followed their dreams.
I must say, however, I checked the most important boxes - I married the most amazing woman who loves music like me, and I have two kids that have never disappointed their parents as kids or adults, and they love great music old and new. I joke all the time - In my next life I want to be a rock star. There's just something extraordinary about singing to a crowd, large or small, that is in rhythm with what you are singing, playing or dancing.
So, today's post features the best dancers past and present.
First up - Very Old meets Very New - A roster of some of the greatest dancers in history in rhythm with a multi award winning tune, released in 2014, written by British Record Producer Mark Ronson and featuring Bruno Mars delivering the funk in this great tune - UPTOWN FUNK.
If you like pop and if you like jazz - this one's for you
This guy impresses as the current old school/new school singer that combines pop with jazz. He started out as a Wedding Singer. Like they say - things are different now. He has won five Grammies and a slew of other awards. This tune has great singing and some insane dancing by a crew of red clad dancers - Michael Bublé performing HIGHER!
Here's one of the greatest doing his thing - 1962
I saw this great dancer, actor, singer, performer on Broadway in 1964 in the hit GOLDEN BOY with my family. It was an eye opener indeed for a Southern boy from tiny Tallahassee at the age of 15 enjoying a great performance in the Big City on The Great White Way. Enjoy some of the most amazing dancing you will ever see as Sammy taps his way into the hearts of Italians during a tour of Italy - Sammy Davis Jr. Tap Dancing - Italy 1962.
THE KING OF POP - A talented unique artist
I never had the pleasure of seeing this amazing talent live. This phenomenal pop star, winner of fifteen Grammies, redefined Pop Music every time he recorded or stepped on a stage. Here is a short clip showing moves like no other. IMHO - One of the coolest videos ever performed and recorded - Michael Jackson - Live in Bucharest 1992 - SMOOTH CRIMINAL!
Another Singular Talent - IN THE RAIN
This singer, actor, dancer, choreographer, performer danced, choreographed and directed over forty films from 1942 to 1997. He was old school perfect with smooth moves like no other. Here is a nice clip as he performs the title song - GENE KELLY - SINGIN' IN THE RAIN 1952.