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Gary Lambert "Pete" Nugent papers

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Collection Data

Description
The Pete Nugent papers (1928-1973) provide a glimpse into Nugent's career as a tap dancer. The collection contains correspondence with Mamie McDowell, photographs, Nugent's passport and address book, an announcement for the opening of his dance studio, financial records, and other ephemera. Two folders pertain to This is the Army and include photographs, a program, and a list of cast members. Photos, contracts, correspondence, and a business card reflect Nugent's time as manager of the Temptations. Several items are inscribed to Nugent's older brother Richard Bruce Nugent, a Harlem Renaissance painter and writer.
Names
Nugent, Pete (Creator)
Dates / Origin
Date Created: 1928 - 1973
Library locations
Jerome Robbins Dance Division
Shelf locator: *MGZMD 440
Topics
Beaman, Irving
Miller, Duke
Pete, Peaches and Duke
African American dancers
Dancers -- United States -- 20th century
Tap dancing -- United States
Tap dancers
Genres
Photographs
Notes
Biographical/historical: Gary Lambert "Pete" Nugent (1909-1973) was an African-American tap dancer who was prominent in the 1930s. Born in Washington D.C. on July 16, 1909, Nugent left home as a teenager to begin dancing with the Theatre Owners Booking Association (T.O.B.A.) circuit for African American vaudeville performers. In 1928 Nugent met Irving "Peaches" Beaman and the two formed a duo and later became a trio, "Pete, Peaches and Miller" with the addition of Duke Miller in 1931. The three performed together in class act routines until Miller's death in 1937. Nugent continued his solo career while also coaching and teaching other dancers. During World War II, Nugent toured with Irving Berlin's musical comedy This is the Army and insisted the show be integrated. In 1949 he completed business administration courses through the evening program at the City University of New York. As musical and dance styles changed, Nugent retired in the early 1950s but came out of retirement to participate with other tap legends in a tap dance history performance at the 1962 Newport Jazz Festival. He continued to work with other dancers and opened his New York City dance studio, Dance Craft, in 1955 with actor and tap dancer Charles "Honi" Coles. In the late 1960s Nugent worked as the road manager for the Temptations and spent some time teaching dance to children in the South Bronx. He died on April 25, 1973.
Physical Description
Extent: 1.3 linear feet (1 box, 1 volume)
Type of Resource
Text
Still image
Identifiers
Other local Identifier: (S) *MGZMD 440
NYPL catalog ID (B-number): b21009798
MSS Unit ID: 23182
Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): 071f5590-08f6-013e-2d4f-0242ac110002
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