Danny Kaye: A Showman's Life

Lot #1:

Bill “Bojangles" Robinson Pair of Tap Shoes Signed to Danny Kaye.

Danny Kaye, 1930s-1940s, Danny Kaye. Vintage pair of custom-made leather tap dancing shoes, studio-painted white with wooden soles and white laces. The left shoe bears handwritten inscription in black ink: “To Danny Kaye, one of the finest artists I know. May health and happiness follow you throu [sic] life. Sincerely, Bill Robinson," dated “6-20-42." The right shoe is similarly inscribed: “To Danny Kaye from Bill Robinson. May I always be worthy of your friendship. These shoes are 12 years old." The right shoe retaining maker's “Custom Made / Aiston / Chicago" bias label. The Aiston Shoe Company in Chicago produced special-order clogs for Bill “Bojangles" Robinson, making twenty to thirty pairs annually to withstand the wear from his dynamic tap routines. Robinson, a pioneering force in tap dance, elevated the art with his graceful style, becoming one of the most iconic and highest-paid black entertainers of the early 20th century. Each shoe is fitted with a metal shoe-stretcher for preservation and display and comes with individual gold drawstring bags for storage. Exhibiting expected age, use, minor wear, and handling. In vintage very good to fine condition. From the personal collection of Danny and Sylvia Fine Kaye.