Elvera Sanchez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elvera Sanchez
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Sanchez with her son, Sammy Davis Jr., at Grace's Little Belmont, 1954
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| Born | September 1, 1905 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | September 2, 2000 (aged 95) New York City, U.S.
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| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2, including Sammy Davis Jr. |
Elvera "Baby" Sanchez Davis (born September 1, 1905 – died September 2, 2000) was an American dancer. She was the mother of the famous entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.. While her son often said she was from San Juan, Puerto Rico, some books say she was born in New York City. Her family was of Afro-Cuban descent. Sammy Davis Jr. might have said she was Puerto Rican because he thought it would be better for his career.
Early Life and Dance Career
Elvera Sanchez was born in New York City. Her parents, Luisa Valentina and Marco Sanchez, were immigrants from Cuba. She started her dancing career in 1921. She joined the chorus line at the Lafayette Theater in Harlem. People knew her as "Baby Sanchez" because of her dancing.
In 1923, she married Sammy Davis Sr., who was also a dancer. Their son, Sammy Davis Jr., was born in 1925. He was their only child. Young Sammy often went with his parents to the theater. When Sammy Jr. was three years old, his parents separated. His father took care of him and they traveled together for performances.
Elvera continued her dancing career. She was a chorus-line dancer at the famous Apollo Theater for six years. She also appeared in a movie called Swing in 1938. She kept dancing until the 1940s.
Life After Dancing
Elvera Sanchez stopped dancing professionally when she was about 35 years old. After that, she started working at a popular club called Grace's Little Belmont in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was known for being friendly and telling jokes to customers. She also had a special gold napkin.
Many famous entertainers were her friends. These included Count Basie, Billy Eckstine, and Sarah Vaughan. They would often visit her at the club. Her son, Sammy Davis Jr., would also come to see her. He would visit after his own shows at the nearby 500 Club. He loved to entertain everyone by pouring drinks and singing. Even Frank Sinatra would sometimes stop by Grace's Little Belmont to say hello to Elvera.
From 1989 until her death in 2000, Elvera Sanchez helped the New York Committee. This group worked to celebrate National Tap Dance Day. She also had a daughter named Ramona.
