Sandra’s big break came with her riveting portrayal of Mama Younger in the Tony Award-winning-musical "Raisin" in which she starred in the National and International tours. She co-starred in Paris at the Chatelet Theatre in the original production of "Black and Blue", the National tour of "One Mo Time!" and on Broadway in "ROLLIN on the T.O.B.A."

Off-Broadway she had leading roles in the original productions of "Blues In The Night" and "Further Mo!"

She made her Carnegie Hall debut in "Cavalcade of Stars" and at Lincoln Center in W.C. Handy Anniversary Tribute. She is currently touring throughout North America and Europe in the shows she created, "Bold & Brassy Blues", "The Late Great Ladies of Blues and Jazz" and " Glory Hallelujah Gospel"

Her films include "Round Midnight" in which she was featured as Buttercup, and "Lean On Me", in which she was featured as Mrs. Powers and sang the title song.

On television she has guest starred on "Law And Order", "Homicide", "Comedy Central", portrayed the recurring role of Esther on "Another World", and co-starred with Ann-Margret in an N.B.C. Movie of the Week "Following Her Heart".

She has performed at many international festivals throughout Europe and North America, has been nominated for two Helen Hayes Awards and the NAACP Image Award. She received a Drama League Recognition Award for Outstanding Performer in "Rollin’ on the T.O.B.A. on Broadway and 1998 Audelco Award for her portrayal of Bertha Mae Little in Rollin’ on the T.O.B.A.