Dr. Jimmy Slyde

October 2, 1927 – May 16, 2008

Dr. Jimmy Slyde was one of the world's great tap masters whose career spans over four decades. Born Jimmy Gotbolt, he was raised in Boston and began dancing about the age of fourteen. His name change came about through his remarkable incorporation of sliding and tap choreography that he and his former partner Jimmy "Sir Slyde" Mitchell made famous. As the Slyde Brothers, they performed throughout the world in major cities and at major festivals. In addition to his Tony-nominated role in Black and Blue (New York and Paris productions) and on the Lincoln Center Majesty of Tap program, Mr. Slyde has appeared with the original Hoofers in 1000 Years of Jazz and the movie, The Cotton Club. Other films include Round Midnight, About Tap, and Tap. He has performed in concert halls and clubs throughout Europe, South America, Asia and the United States. Dr. Slyde brought tap dance to Jacob's Pillow opening its1996 summer dance festival with Jimmy Slyde and Friends and continues his association with them today as advisor, lecturer and performer. He was the originator and host of weekly tap shows at New York's Jazz club LaCave and LaPlace. Dr. Slyde performed at A Night at the Pops with Baakari Wilder and Drummin' Too Deep in Broadway's hit Show Bring in Da' Noise. Most recently, he performed at Carnegie Hall's Tribute to the Nicholas Brothers. He taught in Paris, Switzerland and Brazil, paying particular attention to his hallmarks of melody and tone. Tribute was paid to Jimmy at the Miller Theatre, where the tap company, Community, gathered to celebrate his "Forty-five Years of Foot Poetry in Motion."