Eddie Lightfoot facts for kids
Eddie Lightfoot (born January 14, 1895 – died 1964) was a famous American dancer. He performed in minstrel shows for over 40 years. Minstrel shows were popular stage performances in the early 1900s. Eddie was special because he danced with only one leg. He used stage names like "Peg" or "Peg Leg" Lightfoot. He performed with well-known groups like Alexander Tolliver's "Big Show" and "Smart Set." He also danced with The Rabbit's Foot Minstrels. His career lasted from about 1913 into the mid-1950s.
Life
Early Life and Career
Eddie Lightfoot was born Edward Rodgers on January 14, 1895. His birthplace was Memphis, Tennessee. His mother was Victoria Dickerson. Later, his mother married Burl Lightfoot. Edward then took the name Eddie Lightfoot. This happened sometime between 1900 and 1910.
It is not known if Eddie was born with one leg. Or if he lost it when he was young. But he started performing very early. His first known show was in 1913. An advertisement called him "Eddie Lightfoot, Famous Peg-Leg Buck Dancer." This was for a show in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
A Long Dancing Career
Eddie Lightfoot was a professional dancer for a long time. His World War I draft card listed him as an "Actor." It also noted that his "Right Leg Off." He worked for "Alex Tolliver." News reports show he was still touring in 1954. This means he danced for more than 40 years! He traveled a lot with black minstrel companies. For example, in 1939, he was on the road for 47 weeks.
His hard work helped him gain some financial security. Between 1920 and 1930, he bought a home. This home was for his mother and father. It was in North Memphis. He likely lived there until he died in 1964.
Amazing Performances
Eddie Lightfoot was known for his incredible dancing. He could do complex tap routines. People were amazed by his skill. A book called RAGGED BUT RIGHT mentioned him. It said he danced on one good leg and one artificial one. It also noted how long he survived in the minstrel profession.
A newspaper review from 1934 described his act. It was from the Uniontown, Pennsylvania EVENING STANDARD. The review said, "Then Eddie (Peg) Lightfoot made his appearance, and the house was his." It called him "a marvel" at "eccentric tap routines." The audience first applauded out of pity. But by the end, they applauded out of "sheer admiration for his cleverness." This shows how talented he was.
