Bill started performing at the age of 5 in local beer gardens. He soon started performing in night clubs with all black audiences. At the age of 30 Robinson met Marty Forkins who soon became his manager. Marty wanted Robinson to go solo and perform in night clubs. Robinson later took a break in his career to serve as a rifleman in World War I. In 1928 he starred in a Broadway musical named the Blackbirds. The show was a breakthrough for Robinson. He soon became known as Bojangles. He starred in 14 motion pictures and even performed with Shirley Temple.