Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Jack Cole (choreographer)

Role / Field:

Pioneering choreographer credited as 'Father of Theatrical Jazz Dance' for Broadway and Hollywood.

Born:

1911-04-27

Died:

1974-02-17

Century / Era:

1911s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Jack Cole (born John Ewing Richter; April 27, 1911 – February 17, 1974) was an American dancer, choreographer, and theatre director known as "the Father of Theatrical Jazz Dance" for his role in codifying African-American jazz dance styles, as influenced by the dance traditions of other cultures, for Broadway and Hollywood. Asked to describe his style he described it as "urban folk dance". His work as a dancer and choreographer began in the 1930s and lasted until the mid-1960s. Beginning in modern dance, he worked in nightclubs, on the Broadway stage, and in Hollywood films, ending his career as a teacher.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was an innovative choreographer for the camera and a hugely influential choreographer and teacher, training Gwen Verdon, Carol Haney, and Buzz Miller, among many others, and influencing later choreographers, such as Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, and Alvin Ailey, all of whom drew heavily from his innovations. Born as John Ewing Richter to a working-class family in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1911, he later adopted his stepfather's surname, along with the nickname he was known by, to become Jack Cole. Cole attended Columbia University for a time, but dropped out in...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Urabi — Contemporary (Died in 1911) (1911): Pioneering Egyptian military and political leader who spearheaded the 'Urabi Revolt.
• Akira Yoshizawa — Contemporary (Born in 1911) (1911): Japanese origamist, credited with elevating origami from a craft to a recognized art form.
• Alfred Binet — Contemporary (Died in 1911) (1911): Pioneering French psychologist and inventor of the seminal Binet–Simon Intelligence Test.
• Adria Petty — Contemporary (Born in 1974) (1974): American director, editor, and artist known for music video work with Beyoncé.
• Agnes Moorehead — Contemporary (Died in 1974) (1974): Iconic American actress celebrated for stage, film, and television roles.
• Akram Khan (dancer) — Contemporary (Born in 1974) (1974): Pioneering English dancer and choreographer blending Kathak and contemporary forms.
• Albert Soboul — Shared historical date (04-27 · Born) (1914): Influential French historian specializing in the French Revolution and Napoleonic eras.
• Anouk Aimée — Shared historical date (04-27 · Born) (1932): Iconic French actress known for her captivating roles from the 1940s to 2010s.
• AB de Villiers — Shared historical date (02-17 · Born) (1984): Iconic South African cricketer, celebrated for his all-around batting genius.
• Adolphe Quetelet — Shared historical date (02-17 · Died) (1874): Pioneering Belgian statistician, founder of anthropometry, and social scientist.
• 1911 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1911
• April 27 (04-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 27
• 1974 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1974
• February 17 (02-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 17

Frequently Asked Questions about Jack Cole (choreographer)