Arthur Duncan

Arthur Duncan was truly a legend. Born in Pasadena, California, on September 25, 1925 to James Alfred Ernest Duncan and Corabel LaMar, Arthur was one of 13 children. Duncan entered show business at age 13, when he was a member of a dance quartet that performed at McKinley Junior High School in Pasadena. He later entered Pasadena City College to study pharmacy, but left to pursue a career in show business.
Arthur Duncan was an American tap dancer, also called an "Entertainer's Entertainer," known for his stint as a performer on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982. His television credits include, but are not limited to, The Betty White Show in 1954 as well as guest appearances in "Diagnosis: Murder" with Dick Van Dyke, "Columbo" with Peter Falk, and the Phil Donahue Show. At a time when tap dance was fading from Broadway and Hollywood, Duncan's charm and talent captivated audiences as he brought the art form to a new medium, allowing Americans to experience tap dance in their own homes.
The 1989 film "Tap" (starring Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr.) featured Duncan in a cameo appearance with other famous tap dancers. He toured with Tommy Tune in the Broadway show "My One and Only. He performed all over the world including several USO tours with Bob Hope, and notably at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and in Las Vegas. He even danced a high-spirited tap in a McDonald's commercial.
While living abroad, Arthur spread his magic all over Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia – giving his audiences a stunning and dazzling show.
Arthur was also a dedicated mentor and shared his spotlight experiences through lecture, demonstrations, and master tap classes.
Arthur received various honors commemorating his accomplishments, including: the Flobert Award for Lifetime Achievement of Tap Artistry in 2004; the Living Treasure in American Dance Award from Oklahoma City University in 2005; an honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts in American Dance at Oklahoma City University; and in 2011 Duncan accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.
Arthur is survived by his beloved wife, Carole Carbone; his devoted stepson, Sean Carbone; loving siblings Michael Duncan, Mabel Duncan, Eleanor Starr; and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, and friends.
Even at age 97, Arthur was always ready and anxious to perform just "One More Time." His two famous phrases were "I'm gonna give that horse a good run" and, "I'm gonna leave my footsteps on the sands of time." Indeed, we know, Arthur, wherever you are at this point in the universe, you are certainly going to do just that! We will miss you!