Arthur Duncan was born in Pasadena, California, where he started his college education in the study of pharmacy, but left school soon after to pursue a career in show business, at which he garnered success as a tap dancer and singer.
He toured with the Jimmy Rodgers Show. After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk’s personal manager, Sam Lutz. After appearing as a guest on the show, Lawrence Welk offered Duncan a permanent spot as a member of his musical family.
Arthur Duncan gained fame as the first African American performer on the popular Lawrence Welk Show. Duncan danced and sang on the show from 1964 to the show’s finale in 1982.
Besides his solo number on the show, he teamed up with Bobby Burgess and Jack Imel in performing popular dance routines. Check the Clip.