All Episodes

February 11, 2025 • 44 mins

Exploring the Legacy of Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates: The One-Legged Dancing Legend

In this live episode of Kaatscast, recorded at theEmerson Resort & Spa on November 8, 2024, host Brett Barry engages in a detailed discussion with Elinor Levy,Folk Arts Program Manager at Arts Mid Hudson, about the life and legacy of Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates.

The show explores Bates' inspiring journey from losing a leg in a cotton gin accident at the age of 12 to becoming one of the most celebrated tap dancers, performing on Broadway and appearing on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' at least 21 times.

Elinor shares insights from her research, Bates' entrepreneurial venture in establishing an interracial resort in the Catskills, and his impact on the Black community. The episode includes personal anecdotes, clips from a documentary about Bates, and audience Q&A, enriching the narrative of Bates' remarkable resilience and contribution to the arts.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:38 Discovering Peg Leg Bates

01:36 Clayton Bates' Early Life and Career

03:07 Elinor Levy's Journey with Peg Leg Bates

04:53 The Peg Leg Bates Exhibit

06:45 Peg Leg Bates' Performances and Legacy

13:11 The Peg Leg Bates Resort

18:32 Community Impact and Personal Stories

24:56 The Decline of the Resort

30:44 Audience Q&A

41:06 Closing Remarks and Credits


Links:

⁠The Dancing Man documentary⁠

⁠Arts Mid-Hudson Folk Collection on Peg Leg Bates⁠

⁠Saints of Swing with David Winograd and Miss Rene Bailey⁠

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Ridiculous History

Ridiculous History

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Š 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.