Sandman Sims

By msnyyder
  • Birth

    Birth

    Fort Smith, Arkansas Was not completely certain of when we was born.
  • Began tap dancing

    Began tap dancing

  • Arrested for loitering

    For peeping in the windows of a dance school.

  • Created his sandbox

  • Settled in New York City

    Settled in New York City

    Went along with professional-boxer Archie Moore on his cross-country drive.

  • Founding member of the Original Copasetics

    Fellowship of tap dancers that helped bring about the revival of tap in the 70's.

  • Hired as The Apollo's stage manager

    Shortly after became the "executioner".

  • Got married

  • Part of the cast of "Tap Happening"

    Played Off-Broadway. Played for many years.
  • Danced in "Best of the Hoofers" at Orpheum Theatre

    Danced in "Best of the Hoofers" at Orpheum Theatre

  • Interview with the Times

    "I was born dancing".

  • Release of "No Maps on My Taps"

    Sims faced off against Chuck Green; Sims' mentor in earlier on in New York and Bunny Briggs.

  • Performed during the Newport Jazz Festival

  • Performed in "Stompin' at the Savoy"

    With Cab Calloway; Cotton Club bandleader.
  • Granted a $5,000 National Heritage Fellowship

    Granted a $5,000 National Heritage Fellowship

    By National Endowment for the Arts.

  • Starred in "The Tap Tradition"

    At Symphony Space.

  • Guest star on Late Night with David Letterman

  • Made an appearance on "The Cosby Show"

    Made an appearance on "The Cosby Show"

  • Performer at the 3rd annual National Tap Dance Day

  • Played "executioner" until this time

    Played "executioner" until this time

  • Death

    Suffered with Alezheimer's Disease.

  • Memorial Service