Will Gaines

Royce Edward Gaines, dancer, born 6 April 1928; died 7 May 2014

Will Gaines (known as Willy Gaines until he relocated from the USA to the UK) was a bebop master hoofer, a tap dance legend from Detroit who settled in the UK and subsequently influenced the UK jazz tap scene including the London Tap Jam.

Feature image: Will Gaines, Annette Walker and Frank Holder backstage at the Purcell Room, Southbank Centre in London, UK for Will Gaines’ 80th Birthday celebratory concert in 2008

Obituaries

• The Guardian, by John Fordham, 14 May 2014
• The Telegraph, 8 May 2014
• Scotsman, by Brian Pendreigh
• Echo, By Paul Nizinskyj, 12 May 2014
• Dance UK, 12 May 2014

Articles

• Will Gaines a dancer for life (African American Registry)
• Hollywood in Homerton (Chats Palace)
• Will Gaines’ 80th Birthday, Southbank Centre, 8 April 2008 (John, Fordham – The Guardian)

Will Gaines YouTube Playlist

Photos

• 80th Birthday Bash at Southbank Centre 2008
• Will Gaines by Dick Jones

Celebrating the Life of Will Gaines – Fri 13 June 2014

Fri 13 June 2014. From 8pm. £10
Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 7SE
Hosted by www.jazznight.co.uk