To all dancers, dance enthusiasts and tap dancers, join us in celebrating the Birthday of Ken Snakehips Johnson today 09/10/1914.
Born Kenrick Reginald Hymans Johnson, from British Guiana, His parents sent him to England at the age of 15 to attend Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School with future plans to go to medicine school to become a doctor like his father.
Johnson became interested in tap dance, he sought lessons and mentorship from choreographer Buddy Bradley http://thetapcenter.org/buddybradley/. he earned his nickname, Snakehips, due to his fluid and flexible style in dancing. He would always be dressed immaculately, often in a white suit with a flower in the lapel.
His credit to film was in the 1935 movie Oh, Daddy! as the Main Dancer in Old Vaazoo Routine, Buddy Bradley was the Dance Director on the film.
His transition from tap dancer to Band Leader started in 1936, Johnson was invited to lead Leslie Thompson’s band, before going on to start his own, called Ken Johnson and his Rhythm Swingers later renamed Ken Johnson And His West Indian Orchestra, which played jazz and swing music. The band had a residency at the infamous London nightclub Café de Paris.
Opening its doors in 1924 under the eye and management of London impresario Harry Foster, the Cafe’ de Paris quickly established itself as one of Europe’s premier nightspots. It was here on 8 March 1941, during the WWII German blitz on London, that two bombs came through the Rialto roof straight onto the Café dance floor soon after the start of a performance. Almost eighty people died, including Johnson – who was decapitated – and most of his band.
Ken Snakehips Johnson is buried at his old school’s chapel, Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School. A plaque is dedicated to him.