To all dancers, dance enthusiasts and tap dancers, join us in celebrating the Birthday of Prince C. Spencer today 10/03/1917, born in Jenkinsville, South Carolina. Prince moved with his family from South Carolina to Virginia, then to Boston MA, to finally settle in Toledo, Ohio.
In 1941, Spencer joined the dance Act, The Four Step Brothers, with Maceo Anderson, Al Williams, and Red Walker, replacing longtime member Sylvester Johnson. The Four Step Brothers group started in the mid 1920’s. They performed in several Hollywood films, and by 1946, had performed with Frank Sinatra. That same year, the group embarked on a six month European tour that included performances at the Parisian Le Lido and various other venues throughout Italy and Spain. The Four Step brothers set new standards in their art form breaking down racial barriers. In a span of almost forty years of performances onstage, film and television, they performed on stages throughout the world, inspiring others to emulate their unique tap and acrobatic feats.
The Four Step Brothers appeared uncredited in the 1947 film That’s My Gal. The group returned to the silver screen in 1953, appearing alongside Bob Hope in a film entitled Here Come the Girls. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the group became frequent guest performers on the Ed Sullivan Show and also performed on The Jack Benny’s television show, The Milton Berle Show and The Martin and Lewis Show. Their second European tour was in the 1950’s, during which they performed for the Queen of England.
The Four Step Brothers were awarded a Life Achievement Award from the Dance Masters of America in 1960. In 1985, the group received an additional life achievement award for helping to break the color barrier, and in 1988, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The following year, Spencer appeared as himself in the film Harlem Nights with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor.
The clip is from Febuary 13th, 1955 – The third appearance of the Four Step Brothers on the Martin and Lewis Show. The Four Step Brothers at their best, so are Dean and Jerry doing what they do best… Spencer is second from left when the clip starts.Enjoy.