Gregory Hines
(February 14, 1946 – August 9, 2003)
Tap dance icon, actor, innovator, and legend who brought new life to the art form.
Gregory Hines in The Cotton Club (1984)
Gregory Oliver Hines was born on February 14, 1946, in Harlem's Sugar Hill, New York City. From a showbiz family—his father Maurice Hines Sr. was a dancer, musician, and actor—Gregory started tapping at age 2–3 and went pro by five. He trained under master Henry LeTang with his brother Maurice Hines.
They performed as "The Hines Kids" (Apollo Theater at age six), then Hines Brothers, and "Hines, Hines and Dad." They toured globally and appeared on TV through the 1960s/early 1970s.
In his 20s he stepped away briefly, formed a band called Severance in California, then returned to tap in the late 1970s with fresh, modern energy—improv, funk, and contemporary fusion.
The Hines family act: Gregory, Maurice Sr. (drums), and Maurice Jr.
Hines revolutionized tap with musicality, improvisation (he could "converse" in rhythm), charisma, and blending classic styles with modern flair. He earned Tony nominations for Eubie! (1979), Comin' Uptown (1979), and Sophisticated Ladies (1981).
He hosted the landmark PBS special Tap Dance in America (1989) and mentored talents like Savion Glover, keeping tap vibrant.
Gregory Hines in energetic performance
Starred in:
- The Cotton Club (1984)
- White Nights (1985 – legendary tap with Mikhail Baryshnikov)
- Running Scared (1986)
- Tap (1989 – tribute featuring Sammy Davis Jr. and more)
TV: The Gregory Hines Show (1997–1998), Will & Grace, voice work, and specials.
Iconic tap sequence with Mikhail Baryshnikov in White Nights (1985)
Gregory Hines passed away on August 9, 2003, at 57 from liver cancer. His influence endures—he revitalized tap, inspired generations, and left performances full of joy, soul, and innovation.
Performing "I Got Rhythm" tribute at Kennedy Center Honors