The HistoryMakers

Dancer Prince C. Spencer was born on October 3, 1917 in Jenkinsville, South Carolina to Lottie and Bunyon Spencer. Spencer's family moved from South Carolina to Virginia, then moved to Boston, Massachusetts and finally settled in Toledo, Ohio.

In 1941, Spencer joined the dance troupe, The Four Step Brothers, replacing longtime member Sylvester Johnson. The Four Step Brothers was a group that originated in the mid-1920s performing in Hollywood films, and by 1946, was performing with Frank Sinatra. That same year, the group embarked on a six month performance at the Parisian Le Lido, then toured Italy and Spain.

In 1947, The Four Step Brothers appeared uncredited in the film That's My Gal. The group returned to the silver screen in 1953, appearing alongside Bob Hope in a film entitled Here Come the Girls. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the group became favorites of Ed Sullivan and performed on Jack Benny's television show. They also toured Europe, performing for the Queen of England.

The Four Step Brothers were awarded a Life Achievement Award from the Dance Masters of America in 1960. Spencer continued working in Hollywood, playing bit roles in episodes of Sanford and Son. In 1985, the group received a life achievement award for helping to break the color barrier, and in 1988, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The following year, Spencer appeared in Eddie Murphy's film Harlem Nights.

Spencer lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Spencer was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on November 3, 2007.