Gregory Hines Move over Sammy Davis

Gregory Hines (1946–2003)
On my walk through beautiful Oakville yesterday, I came across the grave of one of the greatest tap dancers the world has ever known — Gregory Hines.

Born on February 14, 1946, in New York City, Hines grew up in Harlem and began dancing at a young age, eventually performing with his brother Maurice as part of the act “Hines, Hines, and Dad.”

What made Gregory Hines a legend was his ability to improvise — not just steps, but rhythms and sounds — treating tap dance as a form of percussive jazz. His feet were like drumsticks, each movement a beat in a solo.

In 1990, Gregory visited his idol and friend, Sammy Davis Jr., who was gravely ill and unable to speak. Hines would later recount that Sammy made a gesture, “as if passing a basketball … and I caught it.” That moment, deeply symbolic, marked a generational passing of the torch in the tap world.

Gregory Hines brought his talents to film as well, starring in The Cotton Club, dancing opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov in White Nights, and co-starring with Billy Crystal in the buddy-cop hit Running Scared. All are worth a re-watch to appreciate the depth of his charisma and talent.

Hines died on August 9, 2003, in Los Angeles. He was only 57. At the time of his death, he was engaged to Negrita Jayde, who was based in Toronto. Sadly, she died 6 years later at 51.

Finally, on January 28, 2019, the United States Postal Service honored Gregory Hines with a postage stamp (see above).

The inscription on his headstone reads as follows:

So All Sing In Their Festive Dance: “Within you is my true home” Psalm 87:7.

1946-2003

Gregory’s late wife, Negrita who is also buried in the same family plot.