To all dancers, dance enthusiasts and tap dancers, join us in celebrating the Birthday of Pete Nugent today 07/16/1909 a Tap Master and National Treasure.
Born in Washington D.C. and in 1925 at the young age of sixteen, Pete ran away from home to pursue a career in dancing. He worked with the TOBA circuit Theater Owners Bookers Association for one year and in 1926 landed a job in Honeymoon Lane a Broadway Production.
In 1928 he formed the act Pete and Peaches with Irving Peaches Beaman, then in 1931 they became a trio when they added Duke Miller to the act Pete, Peaches and Duke.
In the late 1930’s Pete, Peaches and Duke was the leading Class Act. After the sudden death of Duke Miller in 1937 the act broke up. During World War II Pete spent his military service touring in Irving Berlin’s show This is the Army entertaining American troops around the world. His unit was the first integrated unit in the army, because Berlin insisted that the number This is What the Well-Dressed Man in Harlem Will Wear be presented by Black performers.