The Clark Brothers facts for kids
The Clark Brothers were a famous American dance team. The team included two brothers, Steve (born 1924, died February 2017) and James ("Jimmy") (born July 23, 1922, died October 30, 2009). They became very popular in Britain after World War II. Many people thought they were the last great "brother" acts from the golden age of tap dancing.
During their amazing career, they performed with huge stars like Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. They even helped open the famous Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. The Clark Brothers also danced at big venues such as Madison Square Gardens and the Apollo Theatre in New York.
Growing Up
Steve and Jimmy Clark grew up in Philadelphia with their parents, Cornelius and Octavia, and their siblings. They came from a family that didn't have much money. They were also cousins of the famous entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.
Steve, the younger brother, was already a talented singer and dancer by the time he was 12 years old. Their first big performance was at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. At that time, Jimmy was 17 and Steve was 15. In 1948, Frank Sinatra suggested they move to Britain for a show, and Britain became their new home.
Their Amazing Career
The Clark Brothers gave their first show in Britain for King George VI. They quickly became very popular in British working men's clubs, which were places where people went for entertainment.
They even wrote hit songs for other artists, like Max Bygraves. They performed at the famous London Palladium theater many times. The brothers also opened a "University of Showbusiness" in London. Famous performers like Cliff Richard and Bonnie Langford learned from them there. In the mid-1980s, the brothers were regular dancers on the QE2 cruise ship. They were known for being friendly with everyone on board.
Later Lives and Passing
Jimmy Clark passed away on October 30, 2009, when he was 87 years old. He and his brother Steve had lived together in Dunstable, England. Jimmy's funeral was held on November 17 at St Peter's Priory in Dunstable.
Steve later lived at Brinsworth House, a special retirement home for entertainers. He passed away in February 2017 at the age of 93. His funeral was held at St Mary's Church in Twickenham. It included a performance by Miquel Brown and tributes from actors Simon Callow and Roger de Courcey. Steve was buried next to Jimmy in Dunstable. Both brothers were members of a special show business club called the Grand Order of Water Rats throughout their lives.
Film and TV Shows
The Clark Brothers appeared in many films and television shows:
- Super Drumming (German TV series) (1989)
- The Good Old Days (1983)
- Sez Les (1973)
- Saturday Variety (1972)
- Sunday Night at the London Palladium (1967)
- Blackpool Night Out (1965)
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1965)
- Club Night (1964)
- The Royal Variety Show (1963)
- The Colgate Comedy Hour (1952–1955)
- The George Jessel Show (1954)
- Killer Diller (1948)
See also
