Even as a young child, de la Cruz would be hired to sing at town fiestas, and at intermissions during cockfights and boxing matches.

[7] De la Cruz was acknowledged as a proficient performer of torch songs who drew comparisons to Sophie Tucker.

[6] By the 1930s, de la Cruz would be most identified with the song Balut, a fast-paced jazzy tune written by Jerry Brandy.

[10] Her take on the song, which afforded her to showcase her scatting ability, has been described as impish and rustic, rounded out by her low, playfully dragging key.

[7] De la Cruz also performed concert tours in Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and Hawaii.

[7] Of de la Cruz's four children, her daughters Angie and Ronnie followed her into showbusiness, pairing with Nikki Ross to form Wing Trio, a singing group that was popular on the bodabil circuit and in films during the 1950s.