Rubberlegs Williams

Henry "Rubberlegs" Williams (July 14, 1907 – October 17, 1962) was an American blues and jazz singer, dancer and occasional female impersonator.

A star of Vaudeville, he is probably best remembered for his singing work with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, although it was his dancing for which he was renowned in New York City and Boston.

[1][2] He later won several Cakewalk and Charleston competitions and other dancing contests and achieved success in Vaudeville, going on tours with the Theater Owners Booking Association.

[3] He was a regular performer at The Cotton Club and the Apollo in Harlem, and at the Southland ballroom in Boston, and according to Count Basie, he became the venue's most prominent attraction with his elaborates dances.

[4] He also appeared as a singer with prominent artists such Count Basie Orchestra, Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb and Charlie Parker, and sang on the first recording of Dizzy Gillespie's "Hot House" on April 1, 1945 in New York City.