He originated the role of the Scarecrow in "The Wiz" in 1975, but was
replaced by Michael Jackson for the 1978 movie version.
Has won three Tony Awards on three nominations, all in the category of
Best Actor (Featured Role - Musical): in 1981 for "Sophisticated
Ladies," in 1984 for "The Tap Dance Kid, " and in 1991 for "Miss
Saigon."
Although many people primarily know him as a tap dancer, he didn't
learn to tap until he was hired for "The Tap Dance Kid" in 1983.
He attended the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet. At age 13 he earned a scholarship to George Balanchine's School of American Ballet.
Battle's long list of television credits included Shine, his one-man show presented at the HBO Aspen Comedy Arts Festival.