Michelle Michelle has done it again! I am so happy she suggested this amazing performance from the Nicholas Brothers! I'm sure Alexia doesn't remember this, but I'm sure at some point we must have watched the brothers together, as her grandfather was one of their greatest fans and admirers. We watched "Orchestra Wives" a couple of times, another amazing movie from that beautiful era, also featuring The Nicholas Brothers and their great but painful to watch dance routines as Lex can attest. By the way, if everybody is curious to see what her grandfather looked like back in the 40s, look no further than "Down Argentine Way". His resemblance to actor Don Ameche was uncanny! Later in his acting career, he appeared in the "Cocoon" movies as well as In "Harry and the Henderson's". Thanks again guys and to Michelle Michelle!! 👍
Mario ! 👋 I’m sure Alexia doesn’t remember this, but we were traveling cross country in a ‘39 Buick. We were in search of jazz, swing and jive and we found it all in the Cotton Club. Cab was always happy to see us and the horn section lifted their hats as we took our seats in the audience. But our table was special - Cab would wander by mid-song to let us contribute to the lyrics. He sang, “The Jim jam jump on the Jumpin’ jive …” And Alexia answered, “Makes you dig your jive on the mellow side.” I had just chimed in with, “Hep Hep,” when Alexia jumped onto the next table and gave those Nicholas Brothers a run for their money. Who knew she had taps on those heels ?👠 👠. Wow, those were great times. 💖
Love your comment, Mario! I’m so glad that Alexia is familiar with movies and tv shows from before her time. And I love hearing about her grandfather and his car and General Motors. And Don Ameche is an icon. Thanks! 😊💕
All done in ONE Take!!! The Nicholas Brothers were stunning. I live in LA and just found out that there is a dancing school for kids and adults run by one of the brother's daughters and granddaughter here. I saw them interviewed on TV. Cab Calloway's most famous song is "Minnie the Moocher." He was an incredible entertainer. This clip is from the movie "Stormy Weather" wich also starred Lena Horne, and that was her signature song. During these years, they made some musicals with all-Black casts (such as this one) because some studios made films for all Black theaters and all Black audiences, which is ridiculous, because who WOULDN'T "T be entertained and thrilled by this kind of talent!! We are so lucky these films are preserved.
Considered by most people to be the best dance routine ever by these two brothers...They were still moving smooth as they got old and Cab Calloway was a great performer himself.
If I didn't know any better, I would have thought this was done with CGI. I love watching other people watch this video and saying "Wow!" when they're only getting started because that's how I was when I first saw it.
So glad you found this. Simply the greatest Dancers of all time putting together the greatest choreography of all time - and the greatest thing is that NO-ONE today could match this. People always assume that the stars of their own time must be the greatest ever and they rarely are. Mcenroe and Borg would have beaten any modern tennis-player. Anyone who enjoyed this should also check out Cab Calloway's contribution to the movie the Cincinnati Kid. He was a talented actor as well as a great Band Leader.
The Nicholas Brothers were a great dance pair who spent more time in the air than on the stage, it seemed. And Cab Calloway was no slouch either! This is old time and real jump jive! Thanks for making this reaction video. Cheers and be well.
This performance was incredible, and it was done in ONE take. I remember that from a film history course I took. Harold Nicholas from the Nicholas Brothers was in one of my favorite movies of all time. The Five Heartbeats. As soon as I saw him, I recognized him, even though it was almost 50 years after this performance. He portrayed Ernest "Sarge" Johnson the groups choreographer. And when he danced, he was just as smooth in 1991 as he had been back in the 1940's.
My mom passed away back in 2001, but I remember when she had told me that she had seen the Nicholas Brothers live when she was just a little kid. My grandfather (her dad) took her to New York to see them at the Apollo Theater. And here is something that you'll be surprised by. They did that whole dance scene for the movie in just one take. That shows you just how good they were. You two both had very good reactions to the video.
It brings joy to watch your faces! The song was Jumpin’ Jive from 1939! Cab Calloway & his Cotton Club Orchestra. The film, Stormy Weather was from 1943. I usually prefer black and white but this was the clip I found. And yes, music and dance offers joyful escape from the reality of life. Movies were a big diversion during the war and probably cost less than 50 cents. Lol. Thank you! And Happy Birthday 🥳🎂 to you both! ❤
Great request MM that era was unique with great music and entertainment. A very different time than now. The dancers were unbelievable. The flying crotch buster dance move does me in every time. ❤️❤️
Love this video- I'd seen it before in black and white and with my jaw on the floor during the stairs/splits section! Cab Calloway has long been a favorite, and it is such an amazing thing to see such talented dancers! So glad you introduced our friends to them!! 🎵❤️🎵 Debbie
The king of scat and the greatest dancing duo. I always got a kick out of the sax player leaning over and one of the brothers swinging his leg not to hit him in the head
This is the type of entertainment we lost with the advent of the television and the video streaming services. A true shame that this type of entertainment is gone.
What you kids today fail to realize is that EVERY cabaret performance was LIVE. There was NO lip synching to a prerecorded track. Cab Calloway and his Orchestra did entire sets six nights a week, live. The Nicolas Brothers would have performed pared down versions of that number several nights a week, live. Back then, you had to know your stuff, or you wouldn't have a job.
The zoot suit was introduced in LA by Hispanics and Black men, in 1942 the year BEFORE this movie was made, they were outlawed by the War Production Board as being a waste of materiel. This suit was also worn in the 1930's.
Great stuff. I love that Lex knows a lot of those old shows and things i grew up watching. I assume she has seen American Graffiti ? If not, that's a good one.
Imagine the amount of practice and choreography and athleticism that had to go into the Nicholas Brothers' routine. Cab Calloway and the band were smokin' too!
I think the word you’re looking for is…..elegant. The women were all slim an impeccably dressed,the guys were stylish and sharp and the vibe was happy. Great stuff.
2 of Cab Calloway's hits are Minnie the Moocher and St James Infirmary. Cab Calloway lasted until 1994, the brothers both lasted into the 2000's, dance is great exercise.
My grandfather and my mom taught me a lot of the "swing" moves which I used in the disco era... helped win alot of competitions.... the splits was one of my signature moves. If you are not well warmed up and done your stretch exersizes you can definitely hurt youself... The guys were pros....
This is pure entertainment and of the type that enthralled my Father and his generation. A friend of mine took my Dad to a concert he did in his later years I think at Disneyland. I had to work so I couldn't go. My dad was on one of his visits from England. To see CC live meant so much to him.
This is pure joy! So much to unpack here. If you’ve seen the Blues Brothers, you’ve seen Cab Calloway. Stormy Weather was a groundbreaking movie for African-American audiences, and so great to show that clip here. Joe Jackson covered this song on his album Jumpin’ Jive. Way to go Michelle, and great reaction, Nick and Lex! P.S. You may want to fix the spelling of “Nicholas Brothers” in your title.
I was going to direct them to Joe Jackson's Jumpin' Jive! That's an excellent album dedicated to "jump blues" which was a big band swing groove style. Tracks on the album include Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby, Jack You're Dead (hilarious!), Five Guys Named Moe and Tuxedo Junction. Super great stuff and so well done.
This clip from the movie is one of my favorite videos ever, it's SO much fun to watch. Just a quick reaction suggestion: "Sing Sing Sing" by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, is possibly the greatest Big Band instrumental you've ever heard. In fact, you might have heard it already, it's so famous. It literally Rocks out with the Big Band sound. ❤✌
Have to listen to Joe Jackson’s version from his album, Jumpin’ Jive, which many consider the definitive swing album. Of course this is the original and totally amazing. And the dancing is sheer perfection!
You sure got a show for your $$ back then, didn't ya?! Watched the Music Grammys this year..Nothing even came close to this kind of class/musical/dancing talent. I've only seen a few guys that could do splits like that...(James Brown and Middleweight kickboxing champ Bill "Superfoot Wallace (1973-1980, 24-0, many fight highlights available on utube) . Also gladdens me knowing after the swing era ended, lots of these great musicians got jobs working at Hannah-Barbara and Warner Bros studios, playing on thousands of cartoons. Loved the awe in your faces watching this one!
Everyone focuses on the splits themselves. What about the power in their legs just sliding back up to standing? It seems to me that it has to be so much harder to get back up so smoothly. Amazing ability!
Yes! Most people see the splits and think what they would do to a non-dancer. They were consummate dancers and of course knew just how to do them without injury. But the way they would come up out of the splits was truly unbelievable. As you commented, so smoothly. Simply the best!
It's been said countless times that the American movie musicals from the 30s through to the 1950s with the "big band" muscians entertainers were the peak American art form. CRAZY TALENT. Raw and uplifting. Lex and Nick if you haven't yet watch 'Anchor's Aweigh' and 'Singin' In The Rain' starring Gene Kelly. And also 'Swing Time' and 'The Band Wagon' with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Those three were masters of dance and choreography and pioneered so much. I mean, Michael Jackson himself said straight up if it wasn't for Astaire he wouldn't have developed those moves!
This is the perfect example of the phrase they don't make them like this anymore, and it makes me so sad that we have lost the joy in entertainment that we had back then, what have we replaced entertainment like this with, reality tv and talent shows, so so very sad, the big band jazz era was such a great time. Another great Cab Calloway clip is him signing Mini the Moocher towards the end of the Blues Brothers movie when he was 73 years old and it is impeccable. I think I must have been born 40 years too late (in 1967) to appreciate the greatness of the Jazz age.
The Nicolas Brothers were huge stars. They were filthy rich from their performances from a young age even during the depression because they were so in demand. Considered to be the best dancers of their time by many.
This routine was recorded in one take. The Nicholas Brothers were the best to ever do it. Sadly, they didn't get the spotlight they deserved in movies due to the times. Today is better than yesterday even with all the problems in the world.
So Stormy Weather is the movie this is from and had a lot of the great black artists of the time. Notice what they are doing with their hands when they do the jumping splits down the stairs - they catch themselves a bit.
I Love Love Love Love Love The Nicholas Brothers!!!!! I Am A Huge Fan!!!!! I Grew Up Watching And Falling In Love With Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire Etc. And I Started Tap Dancing At The Age Of 3 Years Old And I Am Now 39 Years Old And I Am Still Tap Dancing Today!!!!! I Have Now Been A Tap Dancer For 36 Years!!!!!
The films made during the war years were distributed to troops all over the world. Cartoons, shorts, and features played and were big morale boosters. All of these acts traveled to war zones to perform for the soldiers as well. It illustrated how committed the country was to her sons and daughters involved in the war effort. My parents were of that generation. I grew up on swing music, country, rock and roll, movie soundtracks, and kiddie records. I was a lucky child.
I’m glad to see that you two young people do not romanticize the past. Things were simpler back then but at the same time people across the country struggled just like people struggle today. Like you said, there was a war going on at that time so people have a certain mindset because their loved ones were being killed in a foreign country. Also during that time a lot of things that we consider crimes today were not crimes back then such as domestic violence And child abuse. Sexual abuse was so taboo to talk about that even is known, no one would help the victim. It was kept hush-hush because people didn’t talk about such things. Most people made the best of what ever circumstances they were in. That’s all you could do.
I know you don’t watch many videos but two I would highly recommend would be Jeff Healy “see the light” from a 1980’s television broadcast and his performance with Stevie Ray Vaughan doing “Little Sister”. Either of them will blow you away.
B.t.w. have you heard Ksenia Buzina do Superstar ? French horns, clarinet and all. A fine tribute to Karen Carpenter. In my humble opinion, done perfectly.
LOVE Spike and His City Slickers. Spike demanded high level performances from his band. Not only did they have to be thr best at their instruments, they had to have split second timing to pull off a joke, then get back to their instruments. And watching Spike at his props table...the guy was an athlete.
Everybody in the comments section by now has expressed my same thoughts. All I can say is, "Bravo, Mr. Calloway", " "Bravo, Brothers Nicholas", and "Bravo Michele"!!! 🎵❤️🎵 Debbie
If you look very closely you'll see that when they do a split their "vitals" don't touch the ground. The Nicholas Brothers may very well be the greatest dance team of all time as they could literally climb up a wall, do a back flip, and land on their feet.
A wonderful request from Michele Michele. Cab Calloway is a blast Jumpin Jive indeed oh boy. So many artists have been influenced from this music. Cab could Scat sing better than anybody. JK already pointed out his contribution in the blues Brothers, where he performed mini the moocher. Great to see Nick and Lexi‘s face shine brightly and make gasping Sounds with the flying crotch buster dance move happened repeatedly. Hard to walk after witnessing that but I can sing soprano now. Fun stuff keep them coming.👍👍
Hi Guys, I remember as a kid watching Cab Calloway. It was the song "Minnie The Moocher" that was the most famous and I'd seen many times on tv. I have not seen this before. I think you can guess where they got the idea for "I want to be like you" from Jungle Book. Great music because I also like The Glen Miller Band, but the dancing is on another level. Extraordinary skills. What a brilliant request Michele, and showing that this channel really will checkout so much more genres than any other reaction channel..... & Ooo my eyes are watering ! 😳 There is a movie on the subject Nick was speaking of called "The Green Book" [2018 ] I cannot recommend enough. A true story that is an incredible watch, about a working-class Italian-American bouncer who becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South. Seriously amazing how .. they were both treated. I love retro like Lex. Sometimes I wish I was born then. Mind you .. the 70's was the best in every way as a teenager.....and not a smart phone in sight. Real physical friends. This reaction was great. I enjoyed this immensely, thankyou ! Jim X
I love that these two people reacted so well to the Nickolas Brothers astonishing performers. See them in Orchestrr wives a Glenn Miller movie that is great fun to watch!
Hi Nick & Lex, I'm a minute older than you two😂soI've seen this many years ago, when it was still old😄, and of course Cab Calloway is also Wonderful but this was So Exciting Entertainment😁
You should try others like Calloway's Minmie the Moocher; Fiddler on the Roof; Singing in the Rain, & Sound of Music. Lots of Joy in those old classics.
"STORMY WEATHER" was the name of the movie that this clip is from, from 1943. World War II was going on at the time this was made. I MISS tap dancing, it's such a dying art now. My dad was in BIG BANDS during the late '40s and early '50s, he played clarinet, saxophone, flute and violin. So this reminds me of my Dad in this era, and when I was a little girl (I was born in 1947) and before I started school, my dad was a full time musician and the Big Band he was in, would tour the South in the winter months and play the BIG BALLROOMS in the large hotels that were popular at that time. He always took my mom and I along on these tours. I don't remember any other band members bringing their child along. He continued playing until he was 98, he died when he was 102 in 2020. I LOVE all the movie musicals from the '30s, '40s, and '50s. I think ALEXIA would LOVE watching some of those movies with all the great dancing done by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, Syd Charise, and so many others. Just beautiful. I think she would love to see some of the BUSBY BERKLEY musicals from the '30s and the gorgeous costumes and intricate dance routines done by many many women. NOTHING like that any more, and VERY complex Yes, you mention how everyone is dressed, that is how it was and even into the '50s and '60s. We were always dressed up when we went out of the house, to the supermarket, shopping downtown (no malls then) in the big department stores, going out to dinner, even if it was a casual dining place, to school, to the doctor, dentist, train trips, on the airlines. Now in the last 30 years or so, our dress as become more and more casual (no matter where we are going , with maybe a few exceptions) to almost "slovenly" LOL ! I mean, seriously, I have seen people in the stores wearing pajamas and or slippers, or just outfits that you wonder WHY they are going out of the house in them! I don't know, it just seems that back when I was a child in the late '40s and '50s, a teen in the '60s, turning 21 in 1968 and young adult through the late '70s people cared what they wore out in public, and tried to look thei best. I am glad I grew up during those periods. I miss those days, too much technology now for me, it's a little scary.
I love the golden age of swing. Its regrettable we dont have big bands like Count Basie's Orchestra around any more. I watched the original B&W Stormy Weather because of Fats Waller. Lena Horne and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson had memorable performances. The plot itself was a bit thin
There are big bands around, just not as many. My husband plays bass in one, and they play a wide range of popular and obscure songs from that era- Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Tad Dameron, Louis Prima, the Dorsey brothers, etc.🙂
I was in pain via autosuggestion by the end of this lmao….incredible! I would think that a side series of videos of live performances would go down well on this channel.
In the future, I would recommend avoiding “colorized” versions of black-and-white films. It's like defacing a piece of art. There are many musicals in color in the 1940s worth checking out, especially the MGM-integrated musicals from the Arthur Freed unit. This one, Stormy Weather, is from Fox, and they were known for maintaining the vaudeville tradition and keeping most musical numbers confined to the stage, as opposed to meshing the musical number with the narrative.
This performance was done in one take. Both the Nicholas Brothers and Cab Calloway were just about the best there ever were in their respective fields. Callaway was actually one of the last surviving master jazz singers. Unfortunately, the Nicolas brothers aren’t OK. They’re both dead, but it had nothing to do with this performance I don’t think. Lol.
Cab Calloway wanted to have several rehearsals because of the complexities of the routine but the brothers told him not to worry about it, just play the music once through with them and they'll be fine. SO they did IN ONE TAKE
Just to point out the fact that at the point when the curtains opened and the two people who were center stage, were Lena Horne and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson!
6:00 It was 81 years ago that the Nicholson Brothers did this stunt, and it is still utterly amazing. I've tried to understand how it's even humanly possible. Fayard was 5'4" and Harold was 5'2". I think their light weight was a very important factor.
Michelle Michelle has done it again! I am so happy she suggested this amazing performance from the Nicholas Brothers! I'm sure Alexia doesn't remember this, but I'm sure at some point we must have watched the brothers together, as her grandfather was one of their greatest fans and admirers. We watched "Orchestra Wives" a couple of times, another amazing movie from that beautiful era, also featuring The Nicholas Brothers and their great but painful to watch dance routines as Lex can attest. By the way, if everybody is curious to see what her grandfather looked like back in the 40s, look no further than "Down Argentine Way". His resemblance to actor Don Ameche was uncanny! Later in his acting career, he appeared in the "Cocoon" movies as well as In "Harry and the Henderson's". Thanks again guys and to Michelle Michelle!! 👍
Mario ! 👋 I’m sure Alexia doesn’t remember this, but we were traveling cross country in a ‘39 Buick. We were in search of jazz, swing and jive and we found it all in the Cotton Club. Cab was always happy to see us and the horn section lifted their hats as we took our seats in the audience. But our table was special - Cab would wander by mid-song to let us contribute to the lyrics. He sang, “The Jim jam jump on the Jumpin’ jive …”
And Alexia answered, “Makes you dig your jive on the mellow side.” I had just chimed in with, “Hep Hep,” when Alexia jumped onto the next table and gave those Nicholas Brothers a run for their money. Who knew she had taps on those heels ?👠 👠. Wow, those were great times. 💖
Love your comment, Mario! I’m so glad that Alexia is familiar with movies and tv shows from before her time. And I love hearing about her grandfather and his car and General Motors. And Don Ameche is an icon. Thanks! 😊💕
@@michelemichele3375 Loved your comments!! Mario 😍
You’ve just experienced the most remarkable piece of entertainment coming out of Hollywood.
Ever.
All done in ONE Take!!! The Nicholas Brothers were stunning. I live in LA and just found out that there is a dancing school for kids and adults run by one of the brother's daughters and granddaughter here. I saw them interviewed on TV. Cab Calloway's most famous song is "Minnie the Moocher." He was an incredible entertainer. This clip is from the movie "Stormy Weather" wich also starred Lena Horne, and that was her signature song. During these years, they made some musicals with all-Black casts (such as this one) because some studios made films for all Black theaters and all Black audiences, which is ridiculous, because who WOULDN'T "T be entertained and thrilled by this kind of talent!! We are so lucky these films are preserved.
I love Cab Calloway's Minnie the Moocher
Considered by most people to be the best dance routine ever by these two brothers...They were still moving smooth as they got old and Cab Calloway was a great performer himself.
I think Gene Kelly himself acknowledged the same.
@@aimmethod Fred Astaire said the same. Both Gene and Fred were great admirers of Fayard and Harold's talents.
Yes indeed and Fred and Gene became close friends with these brothers.@@robincochran7369
Thats Entertainment!!
This is one of the most unique, amazing physical performances ever filmed! What skill and physical ability!
The movie “Stormy Weather”, the song “Jumpin Jive”, the Nicholas brothers were self taught dancers.
If I didn't know any better, I would have thought this was done with CGI. I love watching other people watch this video and saying "Wow!" when they're only getting started because that's how I was when I first saw it.
The black and white version is the one to watch....the way the shadows play off the walls in the background is beautiful.
That's what we call talent.
Check out Cab in The Blue's Brothers.
So glad you found this. Simply the greatest Dancers of all time putting together the greatest choreography of all time - and the greatest thing is that NO-ONE today could match this. People always assume that the stars of their own time must be the greatest ever and they rarely are. Mcenroe and Borg would have beaten any modern tennis-player. Anyone who enjoyed this should also check out Cab Calloway's contribution to the movie the Cincinnati Kid. He was a talented actor as well as a great Band Leader.
I also like the Joe Jackson version of this song from Joe Jackson’s Jumpin Jive album.
Absolutely 💯 these artists are pioneers in entertainment. Legendary!!!! Great reaction.
Most amazing dance routine I ever saw. I first saw it a few years ago and found a book on the brothers. They were incredible
The Nicholas Brothers were a great dance pair who spent more time in the air than on the stage, it seemed. And Cab Calloway was no slouch either! This is old time and real jump jive!
Thanks for making this reaction video.
Cheers and be well.
This performance was incredible, and it was done in ONE take. I remember that from a film history course I took. Harold Nicholas from the Nicholas Brothers was in one of my favorite movies of all time. The Five Heartbeats. As soon as I saw him, I recognized him, even though it was almost 50 years after this performance. He portrayed Ernest "Sarge" Johnson the groups choreographer. And when he danced, he was just as smooth in 1991 as he had been back in the 1940's.
My mom passed away back in 2001, but I remember when she had told me that she had seen the Nicholas Brothers live when she was just a little kid. My grandfather (her dad) took her to New York to see them at the Apollo Theater. And here is something that you'll be surprised by. They did that whole dance scene for the movie in just one take. That shows you just how good they were. You two both had very good reactions to the video.
Thank you for watching us. Sounds like your mom and grandpa were amazing people. Thanks for sharing your story.
Todo este ambiente estaba muy bien reflejado en la excelente película de Coppola, "Cotton Club". Saludos
Where the Hines brothers represent the Nicholas brothers 🙂
It brings joy to watch your faces! The song was Jumpin’ Jive from 1939! Cab Calloway & his Cotton Club Orchestra. The film, Stormy Weather was from 1943. I usually prefer black and white but this was the clip I found.
And yes, music and dance offers joyful escape from the reality of life. Movies were a big diversion during the war and probably cost less than 50 cents. Lol. Thank you! And Happy Birthday 🥳🎂 to you both! ❤
Cool request, Michelle 🙂
Great request MM that era was unique with great music and entertainment. A very different time than now. The dancers were unbelievable. The flying crotch buster dance move does me in every time. ❤️❤️
Thanks Michele Michele! Please read my comment! Cheers! 😊
Love this video- I'd seen it before in black and white and with my jaw on the floor during the stairs/splits section! Cab Calloway has long been a favorite, and it is such an amazing thing to see such talented dancers! So glad you introduced our friends to them!!
🎵❤️🎵 Debbie
To all you hepcats in the comments: ❤️❣️❤️❣️
The king of scat and the greatest dancing duo.
I always got a kick out of the sax player leaning over and one of the brothers swinging his leg not to hit him in the head
This is the type of entertainment we lost with the advent of the television and the video streaming services. A true shame that this type of entertainment is gone.
What you kids today fail to realize is that EVERY cabaret performance was LIVE. There was NO lip synching to a prerecorded track.
Cab Calloway and his Orchestra did entire sets six nights a week, live.
The Nicolas Brothers would have performed pared down versions of that number several nights a week, live.
Back then, you had to know your stuff, or you wouldn't have a job.
Cab Calloway also introduced “ The Zoot Suit” in this movie.
The zoot suit was introduced in LA by Hispanics and Black men, in 1942 the year BEFORE this movie was made, they were outlawed by the War Production Board as being a waste of materiel. This suit was also worn in the 1930's.
@@garymathena2125 👍
And when they finished they were smiling...and breathing normally. I'd a been heaving my guts up.
Great stuff. I love that Lex knows a lot of those old shows and things i grew up watching.
I assume she has seen American Graffiti ? If not, that's a good one.
Lena Horne starred in this movie, Stormy Weather. It was one of the only movies with black stars.
What dancers and what athletes!! It doesn't get any better than these men!!
100% agree with you. Just wow!
Imagine the amount of practice and choreography and athleticism that had to go into the Nicholas Brothers' routine. Cab Calloway and the band were smokin' too!
And this was filmed in ONE take!
I think the word you’re looking for is…..elegant.
The women were all slim an impeccably dressed,the guys were stylish and sharp and the vibe was happy.
Great stuff.
Going to the movies in those times , and maybe still, helped take you to away from your troubles for awhile and it was a chance to escape.
2 of Cab Calloway's hits are Minnie the Moocher and St James Infirmary. Cab Calloway lasted until 1994, the brothers both lasted into the 2000's, dance is great exercise.
I got introduced to his music through "Blues Brothers".
Saw the movie awile back, in glorious B&W...
I prefer black and white too for these nostalgic films and even for some artistic effect. Thanks 😊
They practiced all the time and they have God given talent no phpny mess all real.
Fred Astaire called this the greatest dance number ever filmed.
My grandfather and my mom taught me a lot of the "swing" moves which I used in the disco era... helped win alot of competitions.... the splits was one of my signature moves. If you are not well warmed up and done your stretch exersizes you can definitely hurt youself... The guys were pros....
This is pure entertainment and of the type that enthralled my Father and his generation. A friend of mine took my Dad to a concert he did in his later years I think at Disneyland. I had to work so I couldn't go. My dad was on one of his visits from England. To see CC live meant so much to him.
This is pure joy! So much to unpack here. If you’ve seen the Blues Brothers, you’ve seen Cab Calloway. Stormy Weather was a groundbreaking movie for African-American audiences, and so great to show that clip here. Joe Jackson covered this song on his album Jumpin’ Jive. Way to go Michelle, and great reaction, Nick and Lex! P.S. You may want to fix the spelling of “Nicholas Brothers” in your title.
I was going to direct them to Joe Jackson's Jumpin' Jive! That's an excellent album dedicated to "jump blues" which was a big band swing groove style. Tracks on the album include Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby, Jack You're Dead (hilarious!), Five Guys Named Moe and Tuxedo Junction. Super great stuff and so well done.
This clip from the movie is one of my favorite videos ever, it's SO much fun to watch.
Just a quick reaction suggestion: "Sing Sing Sing" by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, is possibly the greatest Big Band instrumental you've ever heard. In fact, you might have heard it already, it's so famous. It literally Rocks out with the Big Band sound. ❤✌
From the 1943 movie 'Stormy Weathers"
Have to listen to Joe Jackson’s version from his album, Jumpin’ Jive, which many consider the definitive swing album. Of course this is the original and totally amazing. And the dancing is sheer perfection!
You sure got a show for your $$ back then, didn't ya?! Watched the Music Grammys this year..Nothing even came close to this kind of class/musical/dancing talent. I've only seen a few guys that could do splits like that...(James Brown and Middleweight kickboxing champ Bill "Superfoot Wallace (1973-1980, 24-0, many fight highlights available on utube) . Also gladdens me knowing after the swing era ended, lots of these great musicians got jobs working at Hannah-Barbara and Warner Bros studios, playing on thousands of cartoons. Loved the awe in your faces watching this one!
Everyone focuses on the splits themselves. What about the power in their legs just sliding back up to standing? It seems to me that it has to be so much harder to get back up so smoothly. Amazing ability!
Yes! Most people see the splits and think what they would do to a non-dancer. They were consummate dancers and of course knew just how to do them without injury. But the way they would come up out of the splits was truly unbelievable. As you commented, so smoothly. Simply the best!
I highly recommend this movie ! It of course has this fabulous sequence and many other great musical and dance numbers. A classic of all time!
Amazing that they could get up and dance after those jumping splits on the stairs , 99.9% of us would be carried off on a stretcher
I can only dream about dancing like this its absolutely epic.
It's been said countless times that the American movie musicals from the 30s through to the 1950s with the "big band" muscians entertainers were the peak American art form. CRAZY TALENT. Raw and uplifting. Lex and Nick if you haven't yet watch 'Anchor's Aweigh' and 'Singin' In The Rain' starring Gene Kelly. And also 'Swing Time' and 'The Band Wagon' with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Those three were masters of dance and choreography and pioneered so much. I mean, Michael Jackson himself said straight up if it wasn't for Astaire he wouldn't have developed those moves!
This was done in one take.
This is the perfect example of the phrase they don't make them like this anymore, and it makes me so sad that we have lost the joy in entertainment that we had back then, what have we replaced entertainment like this with, reality tv and talent shows, so so very sad, the big band jazz era was such a great time. Another great Cab Calloway clip is him signing Mini the Moocher towards the end of the Blues Brothers movie when he was 73 years old and it is impeccable. I think I must have been born 40 years too late (in 1967) to appreciate the greatness of the Jazz age.
Couldn't agree with you more! Alexia's dad 😊
@marioFlores-pq5xr wow thanks for the reply, definitely great minds think alike then 😉
The Nicolas Brothers were huge stars. They were filthy rich from their performances from a young age even during the depression because they were so in demand. Considered to be the best dancers of their time by many.
Lets remember that it is from the same movie where legendary Fats Waller sings his "Ain't Misbehavin'". Well worth doing a reaction on by itself.
This routine was recorded in one take. The Nicholas Brothers were the best to ever do it. Sadly, they didn't get the spotlight they deserved in movies due to the times. Today is better than yesterday even with all the problems in the world.
It was thoroughly rehearsed and there were edits. Still fantastic.
I didn't mean to say unrehearsed of course they did it many times to be so perfect. I meant just done in one take. THANKS!@@jerrygoldman4484
When I was a kid I used to wait till my parents went to bed and I got up and watched all these greats.
So Stormy Weather is the movie this is from and had a lot of the great black artists of the time. Notice what they are doing with their hands when they do the jumping splits down the stairs - they catch themselves a bit.
Live talent!!!
And that is how it's done!!!
I Love Love Love Love Love The Nicholas Brothers!!!!! I Am A Huge Fan!!!!! I Grew Up Watching And Falling In Love With Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire Etc. And I Started Tap Dancing At The Age Of 3 Years Old And I Am Now 39 Years Old And I Am Still Tap Dancing Today!!!!! I Have Now Been A Tap Dancer For 36 Years!!!!!
The films made during the war years were distributed to troops all over the world. Cartoons, shorts, and features played and were big morale boosters. All of these acts traveled to war zones to perform for the soldiers as well. It illustrated how committed the country was to her sons and daughters involved in the war effort. My parents were of that generation. I grew up on swing music, country, rock and roll, movie soundtracks, and kiddie records. I was a lucky child.
These two are reacting they way one should. 😊
I’m glad to see that you two young people do not romanticize the past. Things were simpler back then but at the same time people across the country struggled just like people struggle today. Like you said, there was a war going on at that time so people have a certain mindset because their loved ones were being killed in a foreign country.
Also during that time a lot of things that we consider crimes today were not crimes back then such as domestic violence And child abuse.
Sexual abuse was so taboo to talk about that even is known, no one would help the victim. It was kept hush-hush because people didn’t talk about such things.
Most people made the best of what ever circumstances they were in. That’s all you could do.
I know you don’t watch many videos but two I would highly recommend would be Jeff Healy “see the light” from a 1980’s television broadcast and his performance with Stevie Ray Vaughan doing “Little Sister”. Either of them will blow you away.
B.t.w. have you heard Ksenia Buzina do Superstar ? French horns, clarinet and all. A fine tribute to Karen Carpenter. In my humble opinion, done perfectly.
They got it on the first take!
Far out, Michelle!!
Spike Jones was another totally bonkers from the age of black and white.
LOVE Spike and His City Slickers. Spike demanded high level performances from his band. Not only did they have to be thr best at their instruments, they had to have split second timing to pull off a joke, then get back to their instruments. And watching Spike at his props table...the guy was an athlete.
You two always make me smile...hey,when is next unboxing? Much love...kent.
This is the first time that I have ever seen this clip this long. And I appreciate you two reacting to this longer version.
Everybody in the comments section by now has expressed my same thoughts. All I can say is, "Bravo, Mr. Calloway", " "Bravo, Brothers Nicholas", and "Bravo Michele"!!!
🎵❤️🎵 Debbie
If you look very closely you'll see that when they do a split their "vitals" don't touch the ground. The Nicholas Brothers may very well be the greatest dance team of all time as they could literally climb up a wall, do a back flip, and land on their feet.
A wonderful request from Michele Michele. Cab Calloway is a blast Jumpin Jive indeed oh boy. So many artists have been influenced from this music. Cab could Scat sing better than anybody. JK already pointed out his contribution in the blues Brothers, where he performed mini the moocher. Great to see Nick and Lexi‘s face shine brightly and make gasping Sounds with the flying crotch buster dance move happened repeatedly. Hard to walk after witnessing that but I can sing soprano now. Fun stuff keep them coming.👍👍
😅😅
Nicholas Brothers " Lucky Number's "
Also on TH-cam
No the Nicholas Brothers did the dance sequence in one take
Hi Guys, I remember as a kid watching Cab Calloway. It was the song "Minnie The Moocher" that was the most famous and I'd seen many times on tv. I have not seen this before. I think you can guess where they got the idea for "I want to be like you" from Jungle Book. Great music because I also like The Glen Miller Band, but the dancing is on another level. Extraordinary skills. What a brilliant request Michele, and showing that this channel really will checkout so much more genres than any other reaction channel..... & Ooo my eyes are watering ! 😳 There is a movie on the subject Nick was speaking of called "The Green Book" [2018 ] I cannot recommend enough. A true story that is an incredible watch, about a working-class Italian-American bouncer who becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South. Seriously amazing how .. they were both treated. I love retro like Lex. Sometimes I wish I was born then. Mind you .. the 70's was the best in every way as a teenager.....and not a smart phone in sight. Real physical friends. This reaction was great. I enjoyed this immensely, thankyou ! Jim X
I agree about everything you said! Her Dad Mario 😊
@@marioFlores-pq5xr Thankyou Mario ! That means alot and I feel honoured you wrote a reply to me. Kind regards Jim X
I love that these two people reacted so well to the Nickolas Brothers astonishing performers. See them in Orchestrr wives a Glenn Miller movie that is great fun to watch!
They really are amazing!! That film sounds great, too. Thanks for the suggestion and support!
Hi Nick & Lex, I'm a minute older than you two😂soI've seen this many years ago, when it was still old😄, and of course Cab Calloway is also Wonderful but this was So Exciting Entertainment😁
Nicholas brothers taught tap dancing to Michael Jackson. They were the BEST tap dancers of All time
Lll
I would love to see someone review the best dance scenes from the movies.
You also have to see the late Gregory Hines when he did Mr. Bojangles routine on the steps. It was amazing.
In a word:
Elegance.
The Nicolas Brothers performance was incredible! I read this was dine in one take
If I remember cirrectlythe Brothers did it all in one take! Amazing!😊
You should try others like Calloway's Minmie the Moocher; Fiddler on the Roof; Singing in the Rain, & Sound of Music. Lots of Joy in those old classics.
"STORMY WEATHER" was the name of the movie that this clip is from, from 1943. World War II was going on at the time this was made. I MISS tap dancing, it's such a dying art now. My dad was in BIG BANDS during the late '40s and early '50s, he played clarinet, saxophone, flute and violin. So this reminds me of my Dad in this era, and when I was a little girl (I was born in 1947) and before I started school, my dad was a full time musician and the Big Band he was in, would tour the South in the winter months and play the BIG BALLROOMS in the large hotels that were popular at that time. He always took my mom and I along on these tours. I don't remember any other band members bringing their child along. He continued playing until he was 98, he died when he was 102 in 2020.
I LOVE all the movie musicals from the '30s, '40s, and '50s. I think ALEXIA would LOVE watching some of those movies with all the great dancing done by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, Syd Charise, and so many others. Just beautiful. I think she would love to see some of the BUSBY BERKLEY musicals from the '30s and the gorgeous costumes and intricate dance routines done by many many women. NOTHING like that any more, and VERY complex
Yes, you mention how everyone is dressed, that is how it was and even into the '50s and '60s. We were always dressed up when we went out of the house, to the supermarket, shopping downtown (no malls then) in the big department stores, going out to dinner, even if it was a casual dining place, to school, to the doctor, dentist, train trips, on the airlines. Now in the last 30 years or so, our dress as become more and more casual (no matter where we are going , with maybe a few exceptions) to almost "slovenly" LOL ! I mean, seriously, I have seen people in the stores wearing pajamas and or slippers, or just outfits that you wonder WHY they are going out of the house in them! I don't know, it just seems that back when I was a child in the late '40s and '50s, a teen in the '60s, turning 21 in 1968 and young adult through the late '70s people cared what they wore out in public, and tried to look thei best. I am glad I grew up during those periods. I miss those days, too much technology now for me, it's a little scary.
Showmanship AT it's BEST!!💯💣💥 you'll never see brothers like this again
Fred Astaire once said this dance number was the greatest movie musical sequence he had ever seen.
The Big Band era. Everything was orchestra and ballroom dancing.
😂 This is sarcasm, right.
@@yvonneplant9434 No sarcasm at all.
I love the golden age of swing. Its regrettable we dont have big bands like Count Basie's Orchestra around any more. I watched the original B&W Stormy Weather because of Fats Waller. Lena Horne and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson had memorable performances. The plot itself was a bit thin
There are big bands around, just not as many. My husband plays bass in one, and they play a wide range of popular and obscure songs from that era- Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Tad Dameron, Louis Prima, the Dorsey brothers, etc.🙂
@@debrabrabenec3731 Thats wonderful! Bass is very important in a swing band. It's those quarter note drops from the bass that define swing.
I was in pain via autosuggestion by the end of this lmao….incredible! I would think that a side series of videos of live performances would go down well on this channel.
In the future, I would recommend avoiding “colorized” versions of black-and-white films. It's like defacing a piece of art. There are many musicals in color in the 1940s worth checking out, especially the MGM-integrated musicals from the Arthur Freed unit. This one, Stormy Weather, is from Fox, and they were known for maintaining the vaudeville tradition and keeping most musical numbers confined to the stage, as opposed to meshing the musical number with the narrative.
I believe they put a special strong wood or something top on the Piano to keep from damaging it.
Only a eunuch could do those splits! 😳 Made me hurt just watching!
The brothers grew up in Philly. There is still an active hoofer/tap community in Philadelphia.
This performance was done in one take. Both the Nicholas Brothers and Cab Calloway were just about the best there ever were in their respective fields. Callaway was actually one of the last surviving master jazz singers. Unfortunately, the Nicolas brothers aren’t OK. They’re both dead, but it had nothing to do with this performance I don’t think. Lol.
Every time I see those guys to the jumping splits( or any splits for that matter) I feel MY pelvis break.
Wow is right...
If you watch the Janet Jackson video for "Alright" both Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers appear, along with Cyd Charisse
Cab Calloway wanted to have several rehearsals because of the complexities of the routine but the brothers told him not to worry about it, just play the music once through with them and they'll be fine. SO they did IN ONE TAKE
Amazing!
The movie " Stormy Weather " is available in black and white on TH-cam
Just to point out the fact that at the point when the curtains opened and the two people who were center stage, were Lena Horne and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson!
6:00 It was 81 years ago that the Nicholson Brothers did this stunt, and it is still utterly amazing. I've tried to understand how it's even humanly possible. Fayard was 5'4" and Harold was 5'2". I think their light weight was a very important factor.