Harold J. Cromer
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Born Name:
Harold J. Cromer
Born Date: June 21, 1922
Born Place: Manhattan, New York City
Died Date: June 8, 2013
Died Place: Manhattan, New York City
Occupations: Vaudevillian, emcee, dancer, choreographer, comedian
Brief Biography: Harold J. "Stumpy" Cromer was known as half of the famous comedy-tap duo Stump and Stumpy. Over a career spanning seven decades, he evolved from a street performer on roller skates to a Broadway star and mentor to generations of tap dancers.
Early Life and Career:
Cromer was a self-taught entertainer. He began his career during the Great Depression as a "busker," performing tap routines on roller skates on street corners to help support his family.
His professional breakthrough came as a teenager when he landed a role in the 1939 Broadway musical Du Barry Was a Lady. He later appeared in early "race films" like Oscar Micheaux's Swing! (1938) and the Broadway production of Early to Bed (1943).
Stump and Stumpy:
Cromer joined James "Stump" Cross in the early 1950s, taking over the role of "Stumpy" after the death of Eddie Hartman. The duo became one of the most successful comedy-dance acts in the country:
Venues: They headlined the Apollo Theater in Harlem and were the opening act for the Moulin Rouge in Las Vegas, the first interracial hotel in the city.
Collaborations: They shared bills with jazz legends including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra.
Impact: Their timing and physical comedy were highly influential; Jerry Lewis later admitted to drawing heavily from their comedic style.
Later Career and Legacy:
When tap dancing's popularity waned in the late 1950s, Cromer transitioned to being a master of ceremonies for rock 'n' roll tours, introducing stars like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. He experienced a career revival during the tap dance renaissance of the late 1970s and 80s:
Return to Stage/Screen: He performed in the Broadway show The American Dance Machine (1978) and appeared in films such as The Cotton Club (1984).
Mentorship: In his final years, he was a revered teacher, advocating for female tap dancers and passing down his signature work, "Opus One," as a standard for rhythm tap.
Born Date: June 21, 1922
Born Place: Manhattan, New York City
Died Date: June 8, 2013
Died Place: Manhattan, New York City
Occupations: Vaudevillian, emcee, dancer, choreographer, comedian
Brief Biography: Harold J. "Stumpy" Cromer was known as half of the famous comedy-tap duo Stump and Stumpy. Over a career spanning seven decades, he evolved from a street performer on roller skates to a Broadway star and mentor to generations of tap dancers.
Early Life and Career:
Cromer was a self-taught entertainer. He began his career during the Great Depression as a "busker," performing tap routines on roller skates on street corners to help support his family.
His professional breakthrough came as a teenager when he landed a role in the 1939 Broadway musical Du Barry Was a Lady. He later appeared in early "race films" like Oscar Micheaux's Swing! (1938) and the Broadway production of Early to Bed (1943).
Stump and Stumpy:
Cromer joined James "Stump" Cross in the early 1950s, taking over the role of "Stumpy" after the death of Eddie Hartman. The duo became one of the most successful comedy-dance acts in the country:
Venues: They headlined the Apollo Theater in Harlem and were the opening act for the Moulin Rouge in Las Vegas, the first interracial hotel in the city.
Collaborations: They shared bills with jazz legends including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra.
Impact: Their timing and physical comedy were highly influential; Jerry Lewis later admitted to drawing heavily from their comedic style.
Later Career and Legacy:
When tap dancing's popularity waned in the late 1950s, Cromer transitioned to being a master of ceremonies for rock 'n' roll tours, introducing stars like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. He experienced a career revival during the tap dance renaissance of the late 1970s and 80s:
Return to Stage/Screen: He performed in the Broadway show The American Dance Machine (1978) and appeared in films such as The Cotton Club (1984).
Mentorship: In his final years, he was a revered teacher, advocating for female tap dancers and passing down his signature work, "Opus One," as a standard for rhythm tap.