Berry Brothers facts for kids
The Berry Brothers were a famous American dance trio. They were known for their amazing "exotic, acrobatic soft shoe" tap dancing. The group performed for over 30 years! The trio included three brothers: Ananias (also called Nyas), James, and Warren Berry.
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The Berry Brothers' Story
Ananias "Nyas" Berry was born in 1913, and James Berry was born around 1915. Both were born in New Orleans. They started performing very young. By 1919, they were already dancing in cities like Chicago and Denver. Their family moved to Denver, and that's where their younger brother, Warren, was born in 1922.
In 1924, the family moved to Los Angeles. The brothers, Nyas, James, and later Warren, even appeared in some movies as child actors.
Forming the Dance Trio
In 1929, Nyas and James officially formed their dance duo, "The Berry Brothers." They performed with famous musicians like Duke Ellington at the well-known Cotton Club. That same year, they traveled to London. They were featured performers in a popular show called Blackbirds of 1928. They were also the first African American act to perform at the famous Copacabana nightclub in 1929. In 1931, they appeared in a musical called "Rhapsody In Black."
The dance act helped support their whole family. In 1932, 19-year-old Nyas left the act to marry Valaida Snow. She was a popular African-American entertainer. Nyas's father was not happy about this. He replaced Nyas in the act with the youngest brother, Warren. Nyas's marriage ended in 1935. After that, he rejoined his brothers. They officially became the Berry Brothers trio.
Famous Dance-Offs and Movies
In 1938, a legendary dance competition happened at the Cotton Club. It was between the Berry Brothers and another famous group, the Nicholas Brothers. Some people said the Berry Brothers were more athletic. Others felt the Nicholas Brothers were better at entertaining the crowd.
At their most popular, in the 1940s, the Berry Brothers performed in Hollywood movies. They appeared twice in the film Panama Hattie (1942). In one scene, they danced by themselves. In another, they danced with the singer Lena Horne.
The End of an Era
The Berry Brothers' amazing journey came to an end when Nyas passed away in 1951. He died from heart failure. James and Warren continued to perform for a few more years, sometimes together and sometimes alone. James died in 1969. Warren passed away in 1996, after working for over 15 years as a film editor.
Berry Brothers' Film Appearances
The Berry Brothers appeared in many films throughout their careers. Here are some of them:
- $50,000 Reward (1924) - Nyas Berry
- Happy Days (1924) - short - James Berry
- The Blow Up (1924) - short - James Berry
- Oh, Teacher! (1924) - short - James Berry
- Low Bridge (1924) - short - James Berry
- Here He Comes (1924) - short - James Berry
- Speed Boys (1924) - short - James Berry
- Don't Fall (1924) - short - James Berry
- Baby Blues (1925) - short - James Berry
- Happy Days (1926) - short - James Berry
- Oh Boy (1927) - short - Nyas & Warren Berry
- The Newlyweds' Christmas Party (1927) - short - Nyas Berry
- San Francisco (1936) - Nyas Berry
- The Music Goes 'Round (1936) - Nyas Berry
- Lady Be Good (1941) - The Berry Brothers (Nyas, James & Warren)
- Panama Hattie (1942) - The Berry Brothers (Nyas, James & Warren)
- Boarding House Blues (1948) - The Berry Brothers (Nyas, James & Warren)
- You're My Everything (1949) - The Berry Brothers (Nyas, James & Warren)
