Ulysses "Slow Kid" Thompson facts for kids

Ulysses "Slow Kid" Thompson (born August 28, 1888 – died March 17, 1990) was a talented performer. He was a comedian, singer, and dancer. His special skills included tap dancing and acrobatic dance. People called him "Slow Kid" because he could do a funny dance routine that was incredibly slow. He had a long career, performing in circuses, medicine shows, and on Broadway.

Early Life and First Steps in Entertainment

Ulysses was born in Prescott, Arkansas. His parents were George Washington Thompson and Hanna Pandora Driver. When he was seven, his mother died from a serious illness. At age fourteen, he left home.

He first did regular jobs. But he soon found his talent for entertaining. He would dance on the street for small change. These early experiences led him to a job in a traveling "medicine show." He performed a Juba Dance and told jokes. He entertained crowds who came to see the "Doctor." Medicine shows were popular back then. They helped many young people learn how to perform.

By 1904, Ulysses was working for The Mighty Hagg Circus in Louisiana. Over the next few years, he worked with many famous circuses. These included the Sells Floto Circus and the Ringling Brothers Circus.

In 1915, after his time with Ringling Brothers, he joined Ralph Dunbar's Tennessee Ten. This was a popular touring group. Ulysses was known for his amazing tap dancing and acrobatic moves. He was especially good at his slow-motion dance. While working as the dance director for the Tennessee Ten, he met a young singer and dancer named Florence Mills. She was born in 1895 and passed away in 1927.

Serving His Country

In 1918, Ulysses Thompson joined the U.S. Army. He served in France during World War I. He was part of the 92nd Infantry Division. His job was Musician 3rd Class. In this role, he entertained the soldiers. He performed as a Drum Major in the Army's band.

A Bright Career and World Travels

After returning to the United States in 1919, Ulysses visited family. Then, he rejoined the Tennessee Ten. He performed with them for five more years.

In 1921, Ulysses married Florence Mills in New York. They became a famous performing couple. In 1922, they joined the cast of Shuffle Along. This was a popular show by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake. They also performed at the Plantation Club in a show called Plantation Revue, which starred Florence.

Ulysses and Florence traveled the world together. They performed in London in a show called Dover Street to Dixie. They also performed in Paris in Dixie to Paris. Then they returned to New York for Dixie to Broadway.

In 1926, they went back to Paris for Blackbirds of 1926. Ulysses was a featured dancer. Florence was the main star. Ulysses realized her talent was extraordinary. He decided to focus on managing and promoting her career.

Sadly, Florence became very sick in 1927. She died from a serious lung illness. Ulysses was heartbroken. But he worked hard to restart his own dancing career.

The 1930s were a busy time for him. He performed his tap dancing all over the world. He visited places like Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand. He also performed in Bucharest, Romania, and Budapest, Hungary. His travels took him to Berlin, Germany, and Bombay, India. He also performed in Manila, Philippines, and in Shanghai and Hong Kong, China. He even visited Hawaii, Cuba, and Australia. He made three tours in Australia.

On August 21, 1946, Ulysses married again in Las Vegas. His second wife was Dr. Gertrude Curtis. She was known as New York's first black woman dentist. Ulysses continued to work in entertainment until about 1969.

Later Years and Passing

Ulysses Thompson lived a very long life, reaching the age of 101. In his final years, he lived in a nursing home in Little Rock. He passed away on March 17, 1990, at a relative's home in Little Rock. As a veteran of World War I, he was buried in Little Rock National Cemetery.