Bubbling in Vaudeville

Originating the role of Sportin’ Life in Porgy and Bess, John William “Bubbles” (Sublett) created a new type of rhythm tap dancing, appeared early in Broadway shows, and was part of a duo along with Ford Lee “Buck” Washington (a piano and singer) who performed widely. These two men were the first Black artists to be aired on TV! Bubbles was also the first Black person to appear on The Tonight Show.

Buck and Bubbles first performed as a singing duo, beginning when they were still kids! Eventually, Bubbles decided to dance instead of sing, including plenty of adjustments to their routine.

In 2022, a book was published about this tapping legend, Sportin’ Life: John W. Bubbles, an American Classic.