Fayard Nicholas (Finding Aid)

Fayard Nicholas

1914 - 2006

Interview Length: 146 minutes

Interview Date(s): May 14, 2004

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Dancer Fayard Nicholas describes his family background and describes his childhood of travel and show business, as part of the sibling act The Nicholas Brothers. Nicholas credits his parents for the support and encouragement needed to succeed in show business and also talks about his brother and co-performer Harold Nicholas. Nicholas explains how the duo got their first gig in Philadelphia, and then discusses their big break to stardom at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Dancer Fayard Nicholas details his life in showbusiness as a child and youth as a member of the Nicholas Brothers. Nicholas describes his interactions with some of the most famous performers and entertainers of the 1930s during his signature performances at the Cotton Club and in the numerous films in which he and his brother appeared. Dancer Fayard Nicholas discusses his success and fame in the 1940s with his brother as The Nicholas Brothers, describing their film roles in 'Down Argentine Way', 'Sun Valley Serenade', and 'Stormy Weather', as well as the famous entertainers he met while filming his roles. Nicholas talks about the dangerous nature of his dance style and recalls the one time he incurred an injury while performing. Nicholas then details his time in the Army, having been drafted in 1943. Dancer Fayard Nicholas discusses his performance career in the 1940s and 1950s with his brother, Harold, as part of the Nicholas Brothers. Nicholas recalls some of his memorable performances, including dancing for the King of England, and performing with Billie Holliday, Count Basie, and Josephine Baker. Nicholas describes his success on tours of the southern United States and Europe. He then describes the time when he returned to the States to perform in solo acts during the 1950s. Dancer Fayard Nicholas discusses his entertainment career as he began to perform more on television and in films rather than on stage. Nicholas talks about many of the movies in which he appeared, including his first dramatic role. Nicholas continues to talk about famous entertainers with whom he collaborated over the years, and also lists many of the Nicholas Brothers' honors and awards, including Kennedy Center Honors and a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Dancer Fayard Nicholas offers his hopes for the black community, comments on how he would like to be remembered, and discusses his marriage to his wife, Katherine.

57 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)