Avon Long
A charismatic Broadway performer who brought electrifying energy to the role of Sportin' Life, defining it for a generation of theatergoers.
1910–1984 (age 74)·American actor·Birthday: June 18·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Avon Long's voice and style were pure Broadway electricity. With a career spanning decades, he became synonymous with vibrant, character-driven performances that often stole the show. His breakthrough came from inhabiting the sly, irresistible hustler Sportin' Life in 'Porgy and Bess,' a role he performed thousands of times and made uniquely his own with a blend of rakish charm and vocal precision. Long's talents extended beyond Gershwin; he was a fixture in musical revues, brought his dynamic presence to early television, and enjoyed a late-career renaissance in shows like 'Bubbling Brown Sugar.' He never became a mainstream household name, but within the theater world, he was a consummate professional whose sparkle and rhythm embodied the spirit of a certain golden age of American musicals.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Avon was born in 1910, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Avon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1910
Avon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1910Born
Halley's Comet makes its closest approach
President: William Howard Taft
1915Started school
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Became a teenager
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1926Could drive
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1928Could vote
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1931Turned 21
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1940Turned 30
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1950Turned 40
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 50
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 60
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 70
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1984Died at 74
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
Key Achievements
- Originated the role of Sportin' Life in the 1942 Broadway revival of 'Porgy and Bess,' a part he performed over 3,000 times.
- Starred in the successful Broadway revue 'Bubbling Brown Sugar' in the 1970s, earning a Tony Award nomination.
- Had a featured role in the original Broadway production of 'House of Flowers' alongside Pearl Bailey.
Did You Know?
He performed for troops in the South Pacific with the USO during World War II.
He appeared in the classic film 'Stormy Weather' with Lena Horne and Bill Robinson.
He was a skilled tap dancer as well as a singer.
“You've got to sell the song, not just sing it.”
