A Kid From Toledo is Coming Home!

If you're from the era of black and white television, Bebop, Doo-Wop or remember when a box of popcorn cost 15 cents at the movies, and everyone faithfully gathered around that old black and white set every Sunday night at 8:00 o'clock to watch the Ed Sullivan Show, then it's likely you remember Prince Spencer.

On October 3, 2010, Mr. Spencer will be 93 years-old. On October 23, 2010, The African American Legacy Project will honor him.

Mr. Spencer is nothing less than a national treasure. He is the sole surviving member of an exquisite group of African American men, known as The Four Step Brothers.  The Step Brothers were truly masters of their craft [tap]. To say they were innovators and trailblazers would be understating their journey. 

Duke Ellington brought The Four Step Brothers to the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. They were the first black attraction to play at Radio City Music Hall, Chicago's Chee Paree, Miami's Copa Beach, Paris' Lido, and London's Cafe de Paree. They performed for General Franco, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Ranier III, Princess Grace of Monaco, Emperor Hirohito,  King Farouk and Presidents Eisenhower,Truman, Kennedy and Reagan... and that's just for openers.

For over 40 years The Four Step Brothers were considered the most imitated tap dance act in show business. In 1985, they were recognized with a Life Achievement Award and then in 1988 it finally happened.  Surrounded by  dancing  legends  like Sammy Davis, Jr. and Donald O'Connor, The Four Step Brothers received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Who would have  known a lad from Toledo would reach such heights, especially in a period where opportunities for African Americans were severely limited.   Spencer is one of the first African Americans from this area of the state [Ohio], who had the courage to pursue his dream and the talent to back it up.  He's taught classes at the college level in St Louis and Chicago and received an honorary Doctor of Dance from Southern Methodist University.

When he formally retired from dance he purchased a supermarket - the first Black owned Supermarket in Illinois called the Food Basket - and ran it for 10 years.  According to Dr. Spencer, "One day, an old friend walked into my store - Redd Foxx. He told me to close down and come with him.  According to Spencer, Redd Foxx said, "Dancer you know show business. I need a manager."

It took Dr. Spencer about a week and a lot of convincing from a lot of people to finally make the decision to join Mr. Foxx as his manager.  Dr. Spencer says, "We formed an amazing relationship" and that relationship lasted from 1974 until Mr. Foxx passed in 1991. He smiles at the thought of his best negotiation on behalf Mr. Foxx,  "I negotiated the highest rate Redd Foxx ever received when I booked him to work in Harlem Nights with Eddie Murphy for $500k.

As recently as last year, the City of Chicago bestowed honors upon Mr. Spencer, New York, Detroit and other city's have followed suit, but .. he is an Ohio treasure and this October, we have the opportunity to acknowledge his genius and gift. 

This October, we're saluting royalty. This October we hope you join us to say Happy Birthday a "Prince!"