Ann Miller, Actress, Singer,Tap Icon and National Treasure, born Johnnie Lucille Ann Collier.
Miller starred in some forty motion pictures and Broadway shows, plus national tours and innumerable television appearances,.
Ann Miller started tap dancing in her early childhood years. At the age of 13 Miller was hired as a dancer at the Black Cat Club in San Francisco claiming she was18.
Lucille Ball and talent scout/comic Benny Rubin discovered her at that club. This led Miller in 1936 to be given a contract with RKO at the age of 13 Still claiming she was 18 and she remained with RKO until 1940. Miller was offered a contract at Columbia Pictures in 1941.
Her major break starting in the late 1940s and Early 1950s came in her roles in MGM musicals such as Kiss Me Kate, Easter Parade, and On the Town.
Listen to the Clarity and Musicality of her tap dancing.
The clip is from the 1953 MGM Musical Small Town Girl, Starring Jane Powell, Farley Granger, Ann Miller among others. Directed by Leslie Kardos. Miller performing to I’ve Gotta Hear That Beat.