Ardie Bryant was known worldwide as the"Innovator of Modern Jazz Tap" and the "Ambassador of Tap!"He was a master jazz tap percussionist, tap preservationist, historian, public speaker, composer, arranger, actor, choreographer and musician with seven decades of professional experience.He toured the world as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Department of Defense, and the sounds ofhis percussive feet and his dance memories are preserved as part of the Jazz Oral History Program in the Archives Center of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History.As a young boy Ardie was influenced by the music of modern jazz giants Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gilliespie, and is credited with developing a new style of tap he named Modern Jazz Tap.Ardie also had the privilege of being a university professor who not only taught tap, but also empowered students with valuable words of wisdom on how to succeed in life and the entertainment industry, while educating students about the importance and history of tap and jazz tap as an American art form.In July 2006 Ardie received the prestigious "Los Angeles Cultural Treasure Award" from the City of Los Angeles.ARDIE CO-STARRED WITHNat King ColeSarah VaughanCab CallowayJoe LouisKate SmithFred AllenRuth BrownThe Los Angeles Master ChoraleThe Sacramento Master SingersPERFORMED WITHDuke EllingtonCount BasieCharlie ParkerDizzy GillespieLionel HamptonWoody HermanErroll GarnerCharles MingusArt TatumLester YoungBilly MayIllinois JacquetAPPEARED ATThe Palace TheaterThe Paramount TheaterThe Apollo TheaterCarnegie HallThe Calgary StampedeWalt Disney Concert HallCrest TheaterARDIE'S HONORS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING1993 - The sounds of Ardie's percussive feet and his dance memories preserved as part of theJazz Oral History Program in the Archives Center of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History.2006 - Ardie is named a Los Angeles Cultural Treasure and Ambassador of Tap for theCity of Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.2008 - Ardie receives “Legend of Los Angeles” award at St. Barnabas Senior Services event.2008 - Tradition in Tap honors Ardie in New York City for his contribution to the art form of tap.2009 - City of St. Louis proclaims August 1st 2009 "Professor Ardie Bryant Day."2011 - Motor City Tap Fest honors Ardie in Detroit for his contribution to the art form of tap.Ardie was married to Anne Marie Bryant for almost 50 years. Anne passed away in 2010 so they are now reunited again in Heaven.Ardie is survived by his only son David and his high school and college students who he positively influenced with his arts, entertainment and life knowledge and wisdom.For donation and/or Celebration of Life information please contact David Bryant at [email protected]