Leroy Daniels was a shoeshine man who sang and danced as he worked, and whose act led to an appearance with Fred Astaire in the 1953 musical The Band Wagon.
[2] Daniels' act also served as inspiration for the choreography of the scene in the film.
[3] His performances became the inspiration for the song, Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy, which in 1950 became a #1 hit for Country music singer Red Foley.
[4] Daniels subsequently made other screen appearances, including Handle With Care (1964), Petey Wheatstraw (1977), Disco Godfather (1979), and Avenging Angel (1985).
He was part of the comedy duo Leroy & Skillet with Ernest Mayhand, who appeared with him on Sanford and Son.