By Edgar (200.46.134.102) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 01:04 am:

Motown's greatest choreographer, and "softshoe" legend Charles "Cholly" Atkins died at a Las Vegas hospital yesterday April 19, 2003, he was 89.

Atkins was known as one of the greatest tap dancers of the 20th century. The duo of Coles & Atkins (Charles "Honi" Coles and Charles "Cholly" Atkins) was considered the premier Class Act of the 40's and 50's. The duo appeared on a number of movies and television shows during their reign as dancers. Cole and Atkins also sang on the original soundtrack of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1949).

In the early sixties Atkins was choreographer for Gladys Knight and the Pips, and the Cadillacs (just to name a few) before he joined Motown Records in the mid sixties. He was responsible for the choreography of nearly all of Motown's main singing groups and recording acts, including The Temptations, The Contours, Martha and the Vandellas, and The Supremes.

Funeral arrangements will be reported at a later date.

(Taken from "Chartbusters", Motown Alumni Association)

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 01:08 am:

Rest in Peace Cholly..

By stranger56 (24.47.50.195) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 02:36 am:

Sleep warm, Cholly.

By Kegtapper (64.24.82.107) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 03:27 am:

Chollie will be surly missed.

I read his bio several months ago. And he is one remarkable individual.

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (64.12.97.7) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 04:07 am:

Without Cholly Atkins, without his direct 'dance' affiliation with the *stars* of Motown, no doubt, that there never might have been a 'dance' known as Motown's 'Temptation walk'... that unique, stage 'dance' move which made David Ruffin and the 'Temptations' of Motown-- legendary.

Cholly, thank you for all that you have given from your heart. Your very 'name' is placed forever... right there, among the *stars* of Motown... with those, which have gone before us.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.9) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 04:54 am:

He'll be dancing on a cloud with Bojangles Robinson now.

By BankHouseDave (195.93.50.9) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 05:40 am:

No vocal group these days comes on stage without some kind of choreography. That whole thing is down to Cholly and the new dimension he brought to the Motown acts. People everywhere used to imitate those moves. Now every new routine gives respect to the founder and master.

RIP Cholly

By MEL&THEN SOME9 (212.159.54.171) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 05:47 am:

One Legendary Hoofer
that enabled so many acts
to dance like COOL cats!
Thanks Cholly(R.I.P.)
MEL.

By Edgar (200.46.132.70) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 06:04 am:

MORE ON "CHOLLY" ATKINS

From the Fox News website

Sunday, April 20, 2003
By Roger Friedman

NEW YORK � Cholly Atkins, the legendary tap dancer who taught all the Motown acts how to move, died Saturday in Las Vegas at age 89. He was surrounded by family, as well as "students" Gladys Knight and Mary Wilson.

Atkins had a long and heralded history with Honi Coles in the world of tap and even starred on Broadway in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in 1949 with Carol Channing. He performed with jazz masters Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway and Count Basie. In the 1980s he won a Tony Award for his work as choreographer of "Black and Blue" on Broadway.

What Atkins really means to pop culture can never be overestimated. He created all the dance steps that the famous Motown groups used to accompany their hits. He invented the "stop" in "Stop! In the Name of Love" and the "train pull" in Gladys Knight and the Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia." Every move or twist of Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Temptations and the Four Tops came from Atkins. Michael Jackson learned his earliest moves at Atkins' feet. Atkins called his own moves "vocal choreography."

"What the Funk Brothers were to the Motown music, Cholly was to the dancing," former Supreme Mary Wilson said tonight. "He was on par with Fred Astaire. He was a wonderful human being. It's a shame he didn't receive all the recognition he deserved."

Atkins did receive an honorary Doctor of Performing Arts in American Dance degree from the Oklahoma City University School of American Dance and Arts Management. He also wrote an autobiography called "Class Act" with Jacqui Malone.

By Edgar (200.46.132.70) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 06:06 am:

British musician Malcolm Wright wrote:
"Cholly was someone who, like Edwin Starr and the Four Tops, never gave us any reason to believe he was anything other than a true gentleman. His sheer class shone through every act he worked with.

"From what I have read, he and his wife were among the few people 'in the know' who took the time to care actively about Florence once she was no longer a Supreme. For that I will always be grateful: if only WE had been in the know ourselves, the fans would have done a great deal more too. We have to thank Cholly and Maye so much for acting on our behalf."

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 06:20 am:

Cholly Atkins thanks for playing a big part in the wonderful story.

R.I.P.

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 07:02 am:

Cholly
Thank you so much for bringing us joy in your interviews and joy with your dance steps and being a wonderful person. You will be missed..
Stephanie

By Uptight (24.55.6.144) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 07:08 am:

Charles Atkinson taught the Motown artists how to synchronize their dance movements on the stage.

I am so grateful to have met you, Mr. Atkinson. You were a graceful dancer/choreographer and a true gentleman.

By HW (65.116.80.14) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 08:49 am:

I am so sad to hear this. He is a towering figure in 20th century dance and music.

A personal aside: when I worked on the Temptations box set in 1994, I wanted to talk to Cholly, badly. I suppressed some delight when Melvin Franklin practically ordered me to and handed me his phone number. Cholly was a delight - and simple in his explanations, confident yet sweetly humble in his accomplishments and contributions. Like his choreography.

I called on Cholly once in a great while, usually around one project or another. He always remembered me, though he had no need to. He was always direct. And he always had another gig to go to, amen.

Thank you, Jacqui Malone, for getting his story down.

Cholly, bless you and THANK YOU.

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 08:58 am:

Hey you all I have not done so yet but lets not forget to buy Cholly's book in memory of him that came out last year. I heard its really good...
Stephanie

By Soul Sister (65.43.153.219) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 09:20 am:

Cholly; Thanks for the heartfelt memories of all those beautiful smooth moves. You'll be puttin'on a helluva show up their with Bill "Bojangles"Robinson & Harold Nicholas !!! May God Bless and Keep You...

By Sly fan (67.115.72.90) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 11:11 am:

Mr. Atkins, Thank you for showing me and the world the meaning of the word "smooth" and "class". For you were THE epitome of those words..You will be greatly missed sir..God Bless You..

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 11:47 am:

Right now Cholly is probably choreographing a big show on heaven's clouds. The Temptations (the original 4 out of 5), Bill Bojangles Robinson, Harold Nicholas & Sammy Davis Jr are in attendance.
We'll miss you, Cholly.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Eli (152.163.188.68) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 11:48 am:

In the movie "The Five Heartbeats"
the character portrayed by Harold Nicholas was the personification of Cholly Atkins and his choreography "drillwork"
Cholly was a true original and a master at his craft.
I did have the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions and he was a true gentleman.

Now you can teach all of the Soul Angels how to "step"

God Bless You!!!

By Common (152.163.188.68) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 11:52 am:

My prayers & condolescences to the (((((Atkins Family)))))! Mr. Cholly Atkins will be sorely missed & he will never be forgotten!


Peace!

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 03:16 pm:

My condolences to the Atkins family. Mr. Atkins was a class act who brought class to the Motown family. We grew up imitating steps he had given to the greats of Motown. I agree with KevGo, Cholly is up in heaven working with the Temptations who have left us and saying to Florence Ballard, "Blondie, pay attention, that is not the hand gesture that I gave you."

By David Meikle (213.122.79.248) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 11:24 am:

http://www.detnews.com/2003/entertainment/0304/22/f01-143664.htm

Thanks to Susan for a fitting tribute and some great images.

By LG Nilsson (213.89.30.85) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 02:00 pm:

I just found this 45 when I was checking my Westbound singles. Was Cholly also a producer or is this another person?



Mr. Atkins, Rest In Peace

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 10:29 pm:

I am sad to learn of the death of Cholly Atkins. He was truly an unsung hero! May he rest in the arms of God forever!!!

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 10:29 pm:

I am sad to learn of the death of Cholly Atkins. He was truly an unsung hero! May he rest in the arms of God forever!!!

By DF (24.90.11.4) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 11:35 pm:

Still wondering how he concocted the Temptations moves with the split mikes. Favorite of all the Motown moves ever made up. Wicked!!!!! Peace.

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.167) on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 02:45 am:

Wednesday Breakfast England

Once Again Another "Most Talented" Gentleman, I tell You there must be one show being set up as HE Needs all these Stars in this last few months.

What a conturbution Cholly made, I know those dancing shoes will be on again, may CHOLLY R.I.P -GOD Bless Him and Our Prayers are with His Family & Friends!

John

By gabriel (80.182.201.235) on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 07:13 am:

many sad news...
R.I.P. Charles

By Common (209.2.55.172) on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 09:40 am:

http://www.eurweb.com/articles/headlines/04232003/headlines961904232003.cfm

Peace!

By Common (209.2.55.168) on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 11:10 am:

Here's another article on Cholly:

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/m.../77549p-71546c.html

Peace!

By Aba21 (208.191.122.205) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:45 pm:

Pops was a class act. I loved watching him run the guys through their paces. He was tough on em'. I always used to ask him who the best and worst dancer was and he would always give me the same answer........all of them!!! He will be missed

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:49 pm:

Cholly probably didnt have too much of a problem with the Four Tops they kept that same step for 40 years and the crowd STILL eats it up...LOL I have never seen a group like them do the same thing and its still exciting..
Stephanie

By HW (68.37.216.164) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 04:23 pm:

Thought the room would like to see the Knight Ridder version with a Detroit byline:


Cholly Atkins, 89; tap star helped create Motown flash
By David Lyman, Knight Ridder Newspapers, 4/22/2003


DETROIT -- They didn't know his name.


But Friday night, when Motown's Funk Brothers got to that point in ''Stop! (In the Name of Love),'' the point where the Supremes plant their feet and defiantly thrust their arms forward, nearly every person in the Detroit Opera House joined in with the choreography.

''You saw 2,000 people doing a Cholly Atkins move,'' said Brian Pastoria, a longtime friend of Mr. Atkins.

Charles ''Cholly'' Atkins, the former vaudeville star credited with giving Motown groups their sharp and sassy moves, died Saturday of pancreatic cancer in a Las Vegas hospital. He was 89.

Mr. Atkins was a star long before Berry Gordy brought him to Detroit in 1964 to add a Broadway polish to his stable of talented but rough-hewn Motown performers.

Mr. Atkins had been a legend on the vaudeville circuit, where he was half of a fabled tap-dance duo with Charles ''Honi'' Coles. And in 1989, he shared a Tony award for choreography for Broadway's ''Black and Blue.''

But it was during Mr. Atkins's years in Detroit, when he helped shape the glory days of Motown Records, that he made his lasting mark on American popular culture. He put the Look in the Motown Look, creating precise choreographic routines -- vocal choreography, he called it -- that helped define the music of the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Supremes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and Martha and the Vandellas.

Combined with other mainstream refinements, Mr. Atkins's work allowed Motown groups to vault the racial barriers that had once stood in the way of so many black performers.

''He taught us to move in spite of our capabilities,'' said Martha Reeves, lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, who worked with Mr. Atkins for more than a decade. ''Before he started, he would analyze the songs, and he would have a mapped-out set of steps for each vocal movement. Our performances had twice the value because of his input.''

Born in rural Alabama, Mr. Atkins moved with his mother and brother, Spencer, to Buffalo, N.Y., when he was a young child. Inspired by the choreography of a grade-school teacher who staged variety shows, he parlayed his skills into work as a street performer, a dancing and singing waiter, and, in the years before World War II, a dancer touring with Count Basie and Louis Armstrong. After the war, he teamed with Coles.

But by the mid-1950s, public interest in tap dance was fading, and Mr. Atkins was hired to add onstage pizzazz to a vocal group called the Cadillacs.

''It was like nothing you had ever seen,'' said Duke Fakir, a member of the Four Tops, who also worked with Mr. Atkins.

Mr. Atkins was known throughout the industry as a gentleman. His biography, co-written by New York dance historian Jacqui Malone, is titled ''Class Act: The Jazz Life of Choreographer Cholly Atkins''

For all his reputation as a straight arrow, though, Mr. Atkins's name was a fabrication.

Cholly was a name he heisted from Cholly Knickerbocker, a society columnist for the New York Journal-American. And Atkins was a shortened form of his last name, Atkinson, which was regarded as too long for theater marquees.

''Besides, `Coles and Atkins' sounded better than `Coles and Atkinson,' '' said Maye Atkinson, 84, his widow.

After working behind the scenes for decades, Mr. Atkins finally received nationwide recognition in the mid-1990s, but not for his Motown work. Like so many of the tap masters before him, Mr. Atkins was rediscovered by major US dance festivals. He was given grants and honorary degrees; he continued to teach, perform, and share the inspirational tales of his career until earlier this year. ''He gave us more than steps,'' Fakir said. ''Cholly gave us wisdom. He taught us how to touch an audience and about living life. He was Motown's father figure.''