To all dancers, dance enthusiasts and tap dancers, join us in celebrating today 09/30/1913 the birthday of Charles “Cholly” Atkins born in Pratt City, Alabama.
Born Charles Sylvan Atkinson, a tap dancer and vaudeville performer, Atkins would later become the in-house choreographer for the various artists of the Motown music label.
Atkins’ first found fame was as one half of the top Vaudeville class acts with partner Charles “Honi” Coles. Billed as “Coles & Atkins” they toured nationally and internationally performing with the bands of Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Count Basie, among others.
In 1964, following many years as a freelance choreographer for vocal groups, Atkins was hired by Motown founder Berry Gordy to work with the artists on his newly formed Motown label. Atkins’ new style of vocal choreography would define an entire genre for generations.