Legendary Tap Dancer Maurice Hines Jr., renowned for his exceptional services to Broadway and the culture/style of tap dance has recently passed away at the age of 80.

Maurice Hines Jr. born in 1943 in New York City and Began his tap dance training at just the age of five at Henry LeTang Dance Studio. Maurice Hines Jr his Brother Gregory and their father together starting an act Called “Hines, Hines & Dad”, which was loved by many, they performed their act all over US and Europe.

Maurice marked his Broadway debut in 1954 in “The Girl in the Pink Tights,” and many after his success Like “Eubie!,” “Sophisticated Ladies,” “Bring Back Birdie,” and “Uptown…It’s Hot!”for which he earned Tony Nomination, additionally he became the first African American to Direct the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1990.

Hines also performed on screen along with his brother Gregory in the Francis Ford Coppola Film “The Cotton Club,” released in 1984 before the film Maurice and his brother were reported to have disputes among them, however working on screen together was marked their collaboration after a decade.

Maurice Hines Jr.’s Death marked the end of an era in tap dance industry and Broadway, after seeing his success and recognitions for his arts we all endure the influence he created by performing his art, leaving behind a legacy that will many talented artist to come.