Part One - Getting Out of the Coal Pits

Early Failures and Getting Out of the Coal Mines

Thomas Earl Pearson, born in 1891 near Clarinda, Iowa, was always interested in dancing. It was reported that any time there was a theatrical in Clarinda that required a stunt or dance, Earl and his friend, Glen (Shorty) McCord, would fill the slot. And apparently, they were so well received locally that Earl and Shorty decided to go into show business …