Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire, born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10, 1899, was an American dancer, actor, singer, musician, choreographer, and presenter whose career spanned more than seven decades and made him a beloved figure in stage, film, and television. Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Astaire soared to fame with his elegance, grace, and originality in both dance and music. He worked in numerous musical films and several television specials and made significant contributions to dance by transforming it from a mere form of entertainment into an acclaimed art. Astaire also shared a fruitful dance partnership with Ginger Rogers, and they co-starred in ten Hollywood musicals. With his creative prowess and tireless perfectionism, Astaire greatly influenced the American Smooth style of ballroom dance. A Grammy and Emmy Award recipient, he was admired also for his nuanced performances that showcased his unrivaled sense of rhythm and his innovative choreography. He was considered by many to be the greatest popular-music dancer of all time. Along with his dance career, Astaire had considerable impact on the musical genre. His voice introduced many timeless songs from the Great American Songbook, establishing him as among the foremost interpreters of jazz standards.