Forgotten Step Brother Walk of Fame
Donation protected
Edward (prince) Bozeman Jr.
“A Step Brother Legend”
The Four Step Brothers were an African-American dance group that started out as a trio in 1925 but came to be known as known as the Four Step Brothers in 1927.
Dubbed "The Eight Feet of Rhythm," the group traveled with many ensembles including the great Duke Ellington. They were a global sensation and broke many color barriers in the entertainment industry. Famous names like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and many other non-black dancers would come and watch them and then go on television to emulate their routines. At that time, it seemed to be an unwritten show of respect to share dance routines.
The "Brothers" incorporated Snake Hips, Camel Walks, 5 tap Wings, Slides, Afro-Cuban Movements, Rhythm Tap, The Strut, straight Acrobatics, etc. The group became known for their complex dance routines, in which they frequently danced without musical accompaniment. For many years, the "Brothers" appeared on many variety programs like the Dick Cavett show, the Milton Berle show, the Ed Sullivan show, the Joey Bishop show, and the Hollywood Palace to name a few.
They would become one of the longest-lasting dance groups, surviving for more than four decades into the 1980’s.
Edward Bozeman danced professionally under the name of “Prince.” Prince continued the acrobatics and flips as part of the routine and always danced last as the finale. One of the other Step Brothers (Flash McDonald) said at that moment “Let him be himself, instead of doing the other dancers routines.” Although there is very rare footage of Edward Bozeman performing with the Four Step Brothers, he performed with them from 1964 up to the disbandment of the group in 1989-1990.
Since the early 70’s, he has continued to live in Kansas City, Kansas encouraging and inspiring many others in pursuing their dreams. He has continued to contribute to the upbringing and support of 8 children and is now the grandfather of many more.
The Dance Masters of America awarded the group with the Life Achievement award in 1960, and again in 1985 for helping to break the color barrier. In 1988, they received their own "Star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In February 2014, Edward “Prince” Bozeman received a “Trailblazers of Who’s Who in Kansas City” award.
They say that they could not find him in 1988. Well here he is, and we would like to send him to Hollywood to see the star that he so much contributed to. Help us raise the funding to make this dream come true. He is now 80.
“A Step Brother Legend”
The Four Step Brothers were an African-American dance group that started out as a trio in 1925 but came to be known as known as the Four Step Brothers in 1927.
Dubbed "The Eight Feet of Rhythm," the group traveled with many ensembles including the great Duke Ellington. They were a global sensation and broke many color barriers in the entertainment industry. Famous names like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and many other non-black dancers would come and watch them and then go on television to emulate their routines. At that time, it seemed to be an unwritten show of respect to share dance routines.
The "Brothers" incorporated Snake Hips, Camel Walks, 5 tap Wings, Slides, Afro-Cuban Movements, Rhythm Tap, The Strut, straight Acrobatics, etc. The group became known for their complex dance routines, in which they frequently danced without musical accompaniment. For many years, the "Brothers" appeared on many variety programs like the Dick Cavett show, the Milton Berle show, the Ed Sullivan show, the Joey Bishop show, and the Hollywood Palace to name a few.
They would become one of the longest-lasting dance groups, surviving for more than four decades into the 1980’s.
Edward Bozeman danced professionally under the name of “Prince.” Prince continued the acrobatics and flips as part of the routine and always danced last as the finale. One of the other Step Brothers (Flash McDonald) said at that moment “Let him be himself, instead of doing the other dancers routines.” Although there is very rare footage of Edward Bozeman performing with the Four Step Brothers, he performed with them from 1964 up to the disbandment of the group in 1989-1990.
Since the early 70’s, he has continued to live in Kansas City, Kansas encouraging and inspiring many others in pursuing their dreams. He has continued to contribute to the upbringing and support of 8 children and is now the grandfather of many more.
The Dance Masters of America awarded the group with the Life Achievement award in 1960, and again in 1985 for helping to break the color barrier. In 1988, they received their own "Star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In February 2014, Edward “Prince” Bozeman received a “Trailblazers of Who’s Who in Kansas City” award.
They say that they could not find him in 1988. Well here he is, and we would like to send him to Hollywood to see the star that he so much contributed to. Help us raise the funding to make this dream come true. He is now 80.
Organizer
CortezandTam Liggins
Organizer
Kansas City, MO
