Biographie

Operated the nightclub Spivy's Roof, New York City, 1940-1951.

From 1940-1951 she ran her own nightclub, Spivy's Roof, on the top floor of 139 East 57th Street. The club was noted for its tolerance of gay performers and patrons; Spivy herself was a lesbian in private life. Among the artists who performed there were Frances Faye, Mabel Mercer, Moms Mabley, Alberta Hunter, Thelma Carpenter, Martha Raye, Bea Arthur, Liberace, and actor-magician Fred Keating.

Her ribald lyrics caused many to crown her the "female Noel Coward.".

Her recordings indicate that her performing style was to "recite" (rather than sing) the lyrics over piano accompaniment.

Spivy had supporting roles in the films The Fugitive Kind, Studs Lonigan, All Fall Down, Requiem for a Heavyweight, and The Manchurian Candidate, where her stout physique led to her being cast as matronly or villainous characters.