When was six years old, he began a six-year career as a pickaninny in the numerous vaudeville shows around the city.
From that he was taken under the wings of legendary tap dancers "Slow Kid" Thompson, and Leonard Ruffin.
[5] In the early 1930s, Covan moved to Hollywood where he began working with screen stars such as Shirley Temple, Jeanette MacDonald, Mae West, Mickey Rooney, Gregory Peck, Kirk Douglas and Ann Miller.
Covan is most credited for creating many classic tap dance steps, including the Rhythm Waltz Clog, and Around the World.
Covan died on May 7, 1989, in his home in Los Angeles and is interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery.