Dancer, singer, actor, mentor, legend.  Just a few of the titles that can be associated with the 2007 Tapology Tap Dance Festival Honoree.  Having traveled the world from Cairo, to London, to Switzerland, even hosting his own variety show in Australia; Arthur Duncan, much more than a song and dance man, comes to Flint, Michigan.

Mr. Duncan's inspirational life achievement epitomizes the purpose of the annual tap dance festival in mid Michigan.  From his start as a newsboy in California, where he sang for audiences who showed appreciation by throwing coins his way; to a decision to leave college, where he was studying to be a pharmacist to take a chance on show business, Arthur Duncan's incredible success is proof that passionately following your dreams does indeed pay off.

In the mid 1960's, Arthur Duncan was the first African American to regularly appear on a long running television series.  The series was the Lawrence Welk Show.  He has performed in movies - Tap and Tap Heat which was screened at the Los Angeles Film Festival and won the Urban World Film Festival in 2004, television shows such as Diagnosis Murder, Columbo, The Betty White Show and on stages and night clubs across the globe.  He has appeared or performed with Red Skelton, Sammy Davis Jr., Gregory Hines, Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke, Tommy Tune, Lionel Hampton and more. 

Tapology joins the 2004 Flo-Bert Award for Lifetime Achievement of Tap Artistry in New York City, and the 2005 Living Treasure in American Dance Award from Oklahoma City University in recognizing Arthur Duncan as a  Master Tap Dancer and inspiration with the Tapology Living Legends Award. 

Tapology's Living Legends Award recognizes the contributions and milestones of tap dancers who have made history and continue to live the example of a courageous life for 21st century youth.   Join us in welcoming Arthur Duncan, a Living Legend, to Flint, Michigan. This globe-trotting entertainer, known for sophisticated footwork and lively singing style, joins the ranks of Tapology Living Legends Awardees who have won in the past: Savion Glover, Jimmy Slyde, Jenny LeGon, Mable Lee and Dianne Walker.