Jumpin Jive - Cab Calloway and The Nicolas Brothers | REACTION

[@richardyoung3462]

Fred Astaire called this the best dance routine ever filmed, and Gregory Hines said the only way to duplicate it today would require wires/visual effects.

[@anthonywilliams7110]

Fred Astaire could dance, but he couldn't hold a candle to the Niclas Brothers.......true facts!

[@danieldickson8591]

@@anthonywilliams7110 Astaire had a different style, and a grace and charisma that can't be underestimated. But the Nicholas Brothers were unquestionably among the greatest dancers of all time, and could do things no other dancer could.

[@jeffmorse645]

I'm just watching this in stunned amazement. Those aren't just dancers - they're flat out world class athletes! Incredible!

[@ladymiss9466]

my thoughts exactly. they weren't even tired at the end of the performance.

[@danieldickson8591]

They were both trained acrobats in addition to dancers, which infused their performance with dramatically athletic moves.

[@dagmar.6954]

I have seen this a few times & it always amazes me. These brothers were extremely talented. Apparently this dance was done in one take. It always gets me when they do the split jumps. You would think they would hurt themselves. Glad this film clip has been preserved for the younger generation to see.

[@richruksenas5992]

Well, it wasn't done in one take, there are several cuts.

[@taun856]

@@richruksenas5992 I thought so as well. At one point the scuff marks they made disappeared. Not to take away from their amazing talents, and I'm sure they could do it in one take. It could have been to get a better camera angle or some other technical issue. Brilliant performance none the less.

[@dagmar.6954]

@@richruksenas5992 I researched it online & yes it was completely unrehearsed & recorded in one take for the movie "Stormy Weather".

[@dave2059]

@@dagmar.6954 Just stop it. Every time someone does a review of this at least person says it was completely unrehearsed and done in one take. What nonsense. They are fantastic dancers but there is no way it was unrehearsed. The camera operators, maybe lighting people, the other musicians; there is a lot of moving parts there, even if the Nicolas brothers didn't need to rehearse, which they would, everyone else would still need the whole thing run through. Film is expensive, they aren't going to waste the film, the director is not going to film until he's convinced it's ready to go. I saw an interview with one of the Nicolas brothers commenting on this exact "embellishment" that they didn't rehearse. He said the only part of the routine that they didn't rehearse was the split's going down the stairs, because everyone (including themselves) wanted them to avoid getting injured on those splits.

[@paulpeterson4216]

@@dave2059 Exactly. This was for a movie. They were not filming these two guys playing around. Like Dave said, there are parts, specifically the splits jumping on the stairs, that they could not rehearse as they really only wanted to do it once.

[@diesel1344]

They were completely self taught and danced for over 60 years. Most dancers consider them the greatest dancing team of all time.

[@doobiedave9686]

Scattin' and tappin' !!! That was soooo 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 When they were doing their splits and you said "oh my kids" I fell off the chair laughing. 😂😂😂

[@debrabeck9630]

The Nicholas Brothers were probably the best tap dance duo ever. This clip is amazing. You’re right - Cab Calloway was scatting.

[@mikekelly5491]

What is great is that the family is keeping up the tradition. The Nicholas family is keeping the tradition alive.

[@lsteber9774]

I am a senior who loves classic movies. The first time I saw the Nicholas Brothers in a movie I was thrilled and mesmerized by their talent and their synchronicity. I became a fan immediately and looked for more movies or videos with them. They danced with Fred Astaire in a movie and other stars of that era. They deserved SO MUCH MORE recognition. And they were super talented, super sweet guys who just loved to dance. Find more Nicholas Brothers to show the world! Cab Calloway and his music were pretty damn epic too.

[@cee8mee]

They're getting more well-deserved love here, that's for sure. I remember this as well. Showmen. Something sorely lacking in much of modern movies.

[@danieldickson8591]

The legendary Fred Astaire called this the greatest dance sequence ever filmed. Gregory Hines, himself a great dancer, asserted that if they filmed the life story of the Nicholas Brothers today they'd need CGI for this number, because no one alive could perform it.

[@blessed5545]

You got that RIGHT!!!!

[@bfn1960]

This is true talent and tons of practice, two of the greatest dancers who ever lived. And Cab Calloway one of the big band leaders. Timeless!

[@danieldickson8591]

Cab had the first million-selling single by a black singer in America, the classic "Minnie the Moocher."

[@wandamanning9198]

​@@danieldickson8591love that song!

[@kellifranklin9872]

There’s no doubt Cab Calloway and his orchestra were architects of rock and roll. There’s no one that will ever convince me differently. They were original pop music. Those cats were the real deal! So happy you enjoyed this!

[@guytansbariva2295]

There were MANY architects of Rock and Roll. Mostly from the Blues side of things. And you, with your 10 month old KZbin account....usually accounts like yours are trolls or spammers from Russia or China.

[@kellifranklin9872]

@@guytansbariva2295 I absolutely agree about Blues musicians. They really planted the seeds for rock music. I didn’t say Cab was THE architect of rock and roll, I meant he was one of the architects. As far as trolling goes I don’t do that. It’s not in my nature. I don’t understand how my words or newer account somehow triggered you. I’m an American that loves this channel and loves all kinds of music. I don’t really go around having to justify myself but I hope I’ve allayed your fears that I’m an absolutist Russian troll.

[@guytansbariva2295]

@@kellifranklin9872 No, it's not you per se. It's just that newer accounts are looked at, especially since last year with the world climate. KZbin comments used to be simpler, when it was only open to the North American hemisphere.

[@user-cr2bt3zp1f]

For sure. It’s my opinion that Rock and Roll largely sprung out of the Jump Blues tradition, which formed as smaller jazz-blues groups due to WWII enlistment. There’s no doubt that swing- and especially folks like Cab- had a strong influence on Jump Blues and on later musical forms.

[@tammydodge388]

A one take wonder! One of the brothers was in the movie "Tap" with Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr., who by the way was an incredible dancer as well. The Nicolas brother could still do the splits! The scene is on KZbin with the title of "Challenge" I think.

[@andrewpetik2034]

I will be looking for that!

[@andrewpetik2034]

Found it! Typed... challenge Gregory Hines ...it is a great scene@

[@kittylemeu]

That's a Great dance movie! Also, White Nights and The Cotton Club!

[@doreensarcone4346]

Love this movie !!! Just caught it on TV last week by chance (again) I have it on VHS but my player died Need to get it on DVD No streaming that I found I watch that CHALLENGE scene on KZbin every now and again I was lucky enough to catch Gregory Hines on Broadway in Jelly's Last Jam - 4th row! Amazing talent - and so thankful he carried this artform into our generation And thankful to Savion Glover and Alfonso Ribiero for the next round! ❤️❤️❤️

[@GoddessOfLove-pr7ek]

They were guest dancers in Janet Jackson's 80's music video Alright. Including Cab Calloway, Heavy D.

[@themrlukewade]

Yeah, that may be the best dance routine ever filmed. There may be dancers as good, but none better. Plus, Cab Calloway and his band is awesome.

[@paulpeterson4216]

You're not alone in that sentiment. I think that Fred Astaire mad that same comment about the Nicholas Brothers.

[@CarolinaGirl6919]

It's great! Wow. I suggest if anyone likes this, to check out "Moses Supposes" scene in "Singin' in the rain!"

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Agreed! I can never watch this clip often enough. Simply amazing!

[@JeshuaSquirrel]

And while we give deserved praise to the GOATs of dance the Nicholas Brothers and the OG of skatting jazz Cab Calloway, let's not forget the fantastic performance of that live band. Lots of great artists on that stage.

[@monilaninetynine3811]

For those familiar with the film, "The Five Heartbeats," Harold Nicholas played the old choreographer. He was also married to Dorothy Dandridge.

[@caroleann_2142]

Loooove Cab!!! And his scat..This has been known as the GREATEST Dance routine in the History of film. Even Fred Astaire said so. Love the talent of the Nicholas bros. This was unrehearsed in one take!!! From the movie Stormy weather.🥰💙 They were the GOAT!

[@paulpeterson4216]

All true except that it was not done in one take and it was not unrehearsed.

[@waldorfstatler3129]

And now, you are ready to check out the Lindy Hop scene in the 1941 film Hellzapoppin. Probably one of the most incredible dance sessions on film in history. The session starts with Slim (Gaillard) & Slam warming up with band members joining in.

[@Seventeen_Syllables]

It's as remarkable that the Nicolas Brothers could actually do that, no CGI or camera tricks, as singers from the era could do what they did without autotune. There is nothing new under the sun, think about how much Mr. Calloway and the others who came before contributed to modern art, and how much today's artists will contribute to tomorrow's performers.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Greatest dance routine ever filmed. It will never be topped.

[@marievaleur7877]

One of my all time favorite performances ever! Cab Calloway and the Nichols brothers!! Perfection!

[@ReleaseTheQuackers]

Cab Calloway's maternal grandmother was my paternal grandmother's nanny in Danville, VA in the 1920s and 30s. She gave my grandmother a 78rpm pressed vinyl album from Cab Calloway. I still have that album in my collection!

[@hellagood67]

As soon as I saw the title of this video I knew I was not going to miss it. Loved watching other videos of the Nicolas Brothers. Soooooo darn good, and not a nipple or crotch grab in sight. Tap is my favourite dance style and these guys take it to the stars and beyond.

[@celestecampbell564]

I love seeing you so happy watching this. It's the best dance sequence ever filmed.

[@chernobyl68]

Cab Calloway is a classic - Joe Jackson did a great cover of this song, you might give it a listen

[@JC-rb3hj]

Some monumental talent in that video. Great entertainers that we will never see the like of again. Harold Nicholas had pipes too. He was an excellent jazz singer, actually they both were! They were infinitely talented.

[@Divamarja_CA]

Never fails to bring me to tears. Pure beauty.

[@lefty3141591]

This clip impresses me every time I see it. Great reaction. I'd also suggest reacting to many more Cab Calloway songs. He was truly amazing. Minnie The Moocher is what I think of as his signature song.

[@faithnyou1732]

Your reaction put a huge smile on my face, Jamel! I am obsessed with this video, and I have watched reactions to it by all the reactors I'm subscribed to. I NEVER get tired of it! I Googled it, and learned that this was a routine performed in the movie "Stormy Weather" in 1943! Aside from the fact that Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers are all phenomenal, even more amazing is the fact that this entire routine for the movie was UNREHEARSED and done in only ONE TAKE! Fantastic reaction, Jamel! I think you need share this one with your bros! I think they would love it, and it would be great to watch their reactions to it! Thank you so, so much! ✌💙✌

[@anns6215]

Raw talent - showmanship - simply divine :D

[@knew3355]

Every time I see them my greatest amazement is how they stood up from a complete split, several times, without touching the floor with their hands. How is that even possible!?!?? 😮 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@richbob594]

The strength required !

[@davidchase1439]

First take greatest dance routine in history of movies greatest dancers

[@cherylfisk7698]

The dancers were the Nicholas Brothers. I personally think their leg muscles were made of steel!

[@janicesanders9981]

Jamal thank you for this again! You had done it before but I love this talent so much...This makes me so proud!!!! Again thank you....

[@endoraismygma]

Filmed ALL ON ONE TAKE 😳. Cab and the Nicholas Bros. will always be the best and pioneers that no one can duplicate. This is such a timeless classic that I'm amazed by every time I watch it.

[@JamesSmith-io8sz]

So happy you got to experience this. Such a class act. A masterpiece. I wish we had enertainment like this. What a performance. I swear I watched this thing like 10 times in a row. They are so good

[@anthonybranch4712]

One of the greatest dance routines ever filmed. This thing blows me away, every time I've seen it. It's not just the coordination and timing. It's the incredible athleticism. Those splits are amazing. But one of the most awesome and subtle things happening is the sheer LEG STRENGTH required to slide your legs back together after a split THAT deep, and stand back up without using your hands. Incredible. And they did it REPEATEDLY in the last half of the routine. Just an astounding piece of work. So very glad posterity has been given this gift.

[@AndICanTalk2]

Love this. Checkout the documentary on them. Fascinating. Likely the greatest dancers ever.

[@ediefolta9494]

So glad that you are able to post these older reactions. This one will never get old!

[@GwenByrd-d4k]

Look at Down Argentine Way with the Nicholas brothers. They are getting down. Wow.

[@dwhitman3092]

Those guys are phenomenal! Can't even imagine having the physical prowess to perform those moves! So glad you saw the entire video.

[@pennydreadfull]

I first saw this movie as a child and fell in love with the whole genre! Watch the full MOVIE!! You won't be disappointed. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@kennydeez..1774]

😆 🤣 😂 I Luuuuved Seeing Your Reaction To The Nicholas Brothers Jumping Down The Steps.😆That Got Me When I First Saw It Too.

[@daisi4925]

I think it surprises me that no one watches these. They used to have a station on TV that showed old movies. This is what I like to watch, pure entertainment!

[@nach2821]

So glad you found Cab Calloway! He and his orchestra were "performers." Nobody could tap like the Nicholas Brothers. Nobody. Check out Louis Prima and his band (and wife at the time, Keeley Smith). I think you will dig Prima..

[@adammalzahn7238]

Love it! First heard this from the Blues Brothers soundtrack in the early eighties. Awesomeness!!

[@carollittle1059]

This dance routine you showed a couple of days ago with, Minnie the Moucher. The Nichols Brothers had serious spine, leg and knee problems as the aged. They started at 10 or 12 years old.

[@edwardpate6128]

If you want to see some amazing tap dancing check out the amazing Ann Miller!

[@sallyintucson]

You should watch this with your brothers! BTW, I read somewhere that The Nicholas Brothers trained Fred Astaire.

[@stephenriggs8177]

It's from the movie Stormy Weather, with Lena Horne. Well worth the watch!

[@jacquelineanderson5011]

I could be mistaken but thought you did this one already. Excellent talent here.

[@billsager5634]

You have to check out Cab Calloway's performance of "Minnie the Moocher" from the Blues Brothers Movie. Cab was roughly 70 at the time, and he could still sing and dance! Outstanding entertainer!!

[@randygagliano4929]

I have to wonder how many people missed out on this great performance just because it was an all black film made during the days of segregation. Great entertainment is for everyone

[@trollman591]

Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and Count Basie were some of the greats of the big band era.

[@nofishinmydiet]

Cab Calloway AND The Nicolas Brothers. Absolute legends!

[@stevenblock9712]

Fred Astaire called this "the greatest dance number ever in movies"

[@patriciagerresheim2500]

Oh, I'm so glad you're reacting to this! It's one of my favorite movie dance sequences. I've heard that Fred Astaire thought it was the finest dance sequence ever filmed. I love the use of shadows throughout the number. It reminds me of the final duel between Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone in 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'. Yes, that was scat-singing. I was listening to a radio series on the history of jazz some years ago, and they stated that it was invented by Louis Armstrong. Apparently, he and his band were in a recording studio, and he was recording vocals as well as playing the trumpet. For some reason, his sheet music fell of the stand, so instead of having to stop recording, he kept singing, using nonsense syllables to replace the lyrics. The expression on your face when the Nicholas Brothers start their jump-splits down the steps is priceless! If you look closely at the end of the live-action version of "Friend Like Me', you'll see Aladdin and the Genie echo that move.

[@lisabarbosa4541]

The Nicholas Brothers...sensational! Love this clip!! ☮💜

[@carrieeaton2357]

Thanks for jazzing up today!

[@ameyer1970]

The Nicolas brothers did this routine in 1 take. Amazing talent.

[@Cookies_crumbs]

Cab Calloway was always on the beam and cooking’ with gas!

[@Serai3]

LOL, nothin' like a young pair of hips!

[@stinky60096]

His singing method is called scat. Ella was best at it.

[@angelabolton4478]

Cab Calloway was THE MAN back in the day. He travelled with special train cars not just for the band, but for his two Cadillacs! A showman of the first order.

[@traceycater]

This is one the most incredible talents I’ve ever seen! Fantastic!!!

[@billsager5634]

You have to check out some old videos of Sammy Davis Jr. He could do it all: Tap Dancer, Singer, Drummer, Actor, Comedian.. All round entertainer.

[@lumiere7216]

Absolutely! Sammy and Mr. Bojangles and the Nicholas Bros all knew and traveled together way back in the day!

[@bonnieplasha4684]

Sammy was awesome! It always surprised me that a voice that big & deep came out of such a little guy. He had mad skills!!!

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

i never get tired of watching this video. the music. the dance... amazing.

[@TheAtonne]

The evolution of modern rap.

[@davidchase1439]

Could jot bectebade today none able to do that!

[@angelagoodwin5758]

"...oh, my poor kids!"🤣🤣🤣

[@lynette.]

Fabulous never get tired of this. Cab Calloway was one of the best Scatt singers of all time.

[@RareHarmony]

He looks just like the guy who sang Minnie the Moocher from the Blues Brothers.

[@edwardpate6128]

Because he is!

[@lindajohnson6382]

Awesome video. They were so talented.

[@danielflynn8530]

That Dance routine was dynamic even by todays standards

[@francisrandall2108]

Cab is total groove

[@williamjacob885]

Pure, raw, unadulterated talent and TONS of HARD work on everybody's part here!

[@annlykins4792]

Love old Hollywood ❤️

[@joanne26]

Proper entertainment which is just off the Richter Scale 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇬🇧👍 👍 🤩🤩

[@colleenmonfross4283]

Aren't they incredible? I have always loved watching them and Cab Calloway. So much talent!

[@bobtedeman5975]

Holy Moly Batman

[@colint56]

Could you imagine any of todays dancers having the talent to dance like that? and Cab Calloway is just awesome no matter what his sings

[@carollarson4451]

Hi there! Did you know there are two cartoons featuring Cab Calloway and Betty Boop? These are classic!

[@dullahan7677]

James Brown might be the "Hardest Workin' Man In Show Business", but Cab......damn close.....

[@carollittle1059]

Love watching the Jive dancers. TCM shows short films called Soundies and they feature all Black performers, singers and dancers. I believe the Jive was spun off the the Big Band swing and Jitterbug years. Damn, you really had to have some fantastic moves to do the Jive. Please check out these dancers next.

[@wleon4068]

Cab Calloway, one of the greatest performers of all time. Very very underrated. Please listen to 'St James Infirmary' as well. Very dark, very intense. Another classic from Calloway.

[@theresamorris6206]

They were so friggin amazing 100% ! An Cab Callaway such a great leader a big band and swing music without a doubt !!

[@larkljc]

I grew up watching these! If I remember this was filmed in ONE TAKE!!!!!!!

[@DelmarLarue]

Cab Calloway was one of a kind. All of guys in the movie The Blues Brothers, talked about what a great guy and talent he was. And the Nicholas Brothers......... well, absolutely amazing.

[@carloslester]

Please,react Mónica Naranjo,song Europa concert Stage, increíble,opera,dance,rock, incredible live performance. Thanks if Spain.

[@edgarsnake2857]

Unbelievably great entertainment. Loved your reaction.

[@bradmiller6023]

That Movie like most of the ones they danced in were Africa American produced films. Those films were low budget soooo if I am not wrong that dance number was done in 1 take start to finish.

[@TheChoralWorksofLeander-gw1cr]

How about that. Harold Nicholas. Emeror Jones (1933), Little Seymore in Uptown Saturday Night (1975), and the Five heartbeats dance coach. (1991)

[@dorothyknox801]

Love the video but when i watch this video you guys have me 😀😃😀😃😄😁😁😁😁 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 when the brothers did those splits

[@theresamorris6206]

Wow this is made a year ago you're only seeing the Nicholas Brothers a year ago OMG how exciting

[@Music_is_Breathing]

He's "scatting". Love Cab Calloway! The Nicholas Bros. are hands down the BEST dancers ever!!!

[@mcpidro]

This ………is quite simply………the coolest thing I have ever seen !!!!! Wtf happened to entertainment???

[@Moonshine54321]

Now you know why my ears refuse to do rap, hip hop crap... it’s insulting, child-minded, dumbed down. Cab, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Billy Holliday, Etta James, Marvin Gaye, The Impressions, Earth Wind & Fire, Smokey Robinson....

[@stephenpreble2446]

Nicolas Brothers masterful in Chattanooga Choo Choo with Dorothy Dandridge and Glenn Miller.

[@DeLee596]

I believe the Nicholas Brothers choreographed for Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson.

[@peterbellini6102]

That ain't incredible, that's the outer-space incredulistic, the unbelievable Nicholas Brothers and Mr. Cab Calloway!!!

[@fredklein3829]

I also love Joe Jackson's version of this and other great jazz standards on his album ''Jumpin' Jive''. music.kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYPbqYSeatOdibM

[@magdalenamodesto8643]

Nobody like Cab Calloway and the amazing Nicholas Brothers ❤