Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the most versatile and dynamic entertainers of the 20th century. Singer, dancer, actor, comedian, and activist—he did it all. Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his life, he rose to global fame with immense talent, charisma, and determination.
Davis starred in over 30 films, headlined on Broadway, recorded dozens of albums, and brought audiences to their feet in nightclubs around the world. Known for his incredible impersonations and showmanship, he was a trailblazer who broke down racial barriers in American entertainment.
| Full Name | Samuel George Davis Jr. |
|---|---|
| Born | December 8, 1925 – Harlem, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 16, 1990 – Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, Dancer, Actor, Comedian |
| Genres | Jazz, Pop, Show Tunes, Soul |
| Main Labels | Decca, Reprise, Motown, MGM, Verve, 20th Century |
| Years Active | 1928–1990 |
| Notable Hits | “The Candy Man,” “What Kind of Fool Am I,” “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” “That Old Black Magic” |
| Major Awards | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Tony Nomination, Golden Globe (posthumous portrayal) |
| Associated Acts | The Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop) |
Early Life and Family Roots in Entertainment
Born on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York, Sammy Davis Jr. was raised in a family of vaudeville performers. He began his career early, joining his father and godfather Will Mastin as part of the Will Mastin Trio. He started out as a tap dancer and quickly learned singing and comedy.
During World War II, Davis was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he endured harsh racial discrimination. This experience shaped his views and later activism. After the war, he returned to performing and gradually made a name for himself on the nightclub circuit.
Rising Above Racism
Despite his growing fame, Davis often encountered segregation in hotels and venues—even as a headliner. He refused to perform at segregated clubs, paving the way for future Black entertainers. In an era when interracial relationships were controversial, his high-profile romances with Kim Novak and marriage to Swedish actress May Britt drew heavy criticism and even death threats.
Davis also converted to Judaism in 1961, influenced by his friendship with Jewish comedian Eddie Cantor and his spiritual search following a serious car accident in 1954. The crash left him blind in one eye, leading him to wear a glass eye for the rest of his life.
Acting Career: Stage, Screen, and Television
Film Work
Davis made his screen debut at the age of eight in Rufus Jones for President (1933). Later, he gained international attention as part of The Rat Pack, starring alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop.
Key film appearances include:
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Ocean’s 11 (1960)
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Pepe (1960)
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Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964)
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Salt and Pepper (1968)
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The Cannonball Run II (1984)
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Tap (1989) – one of his last major roles
He also starred in Porgy and Bess (1959), The Threepenny Opera, and Woody Allen’s Broadway Danny Rose.
Stage Career
On Broadway, Davis starred in:
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Mr. Wonderful (1956)
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Golden Boy (1964), which earned him a Tony Award nomination
His stage presence and vocal range made him a natural in musical theater.
Television Appearances
In 1966, Davis launched The Sammy Davis Jr. Show, making him one of the first Black entertainers to host a variety show on American television. He also made guest appearances on shows like All in the Family, The Cosby Show, and The Carol Burnett Show, often bringing humor, charm, and musical talent.
Recording Career and Musical Achievements
Davis’s musical style blended jazz, pop standards, show tunes, and soul. He recorded for major labels such as Decca, Reprise, and Motown.
Notable Singles and Chart Hits
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“Hey There” (1954) – Reached No. 16 on the Billboard charts
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“Something’s Gotta Give” (1955) – No. 9 U.S., No. 11 UK
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“That Old Black Magic” – No. 13
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“What Kind of Fool Am I” (1962) – No. 17 U.S., No. 6 Adult Contemporary
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“The Shelter of Your Arms” (1964) – No. 17 U.S., No. 3 R&B
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“I’ve Gotta Be Me” (1968) – No. 11 U.S., No. 1 Adult Contemporary
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“The Candy Man” (1972) – No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary
“The Candy Man,” featuring backing vocals from The Mike Curb Congregation, became his biggest hit. Ironically, Davis initially disliked the song but later embraced its success. It became a signature piece in his live shows.
Over the years, he released:
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16 albums with Decca
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23 albums with Reprise
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Several more with Motown, MGM, Verve, and 20th Century Records
Impersonations and Comedy
Davis was also known for his extraordinary impersonations. He could mimic celebrities like Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, Jerry Lewis, and Frank Sinatra, often incorporating these voices into his shows. His ability to shift between song, dance, and comedy made him one of the most complete entertainers of his time.
Late Career and Final Years
In the 1970s and 1980s, Davis focused primarily on live performances, especially in Las Vegas and on international tours. He tried a comeback in 1988 with Sinatra and Dean Martin, but it was cut short due to Davis’s declining health.
He performed with Liza Minnelli during this time and starred in the musical Stop the World – I Want to Get Off in the 1970s. His final film appearance came in Tap (1989), a tribute to his roots as a dancer.
Illness and Death
A heavy smoker for much of his life, Davis was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1989. He passed away on May 16, 1990, at the age of 64, in Beverly Hills, California. He was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.
Awards and Legacy
Lifetime Honors
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Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960)
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NAACP Spingarn Medal
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Kennedy Center Honors (1987)
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Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2001)
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Grammy Hall of Fame Induction for “What Kind of Fool Am I” (2002)
Cultural Impact
Davis’s life was dramatized in the 1998 HBO film The Rat Pack, where Don Cheadle portrayed him, winning a Golden Globe Award for the role.
He is frequently referenced in television, films, and even stand-up comedy routines as a symbol of crossover success and perseverance. Impersonators continue to honor his voice, mannerisms, and charm onstage.
Conclusion
Sammy Davis Jr. didn’t just entertain—he broke boundaries. His life reflected the struggle and triumph of a Black performer in a segregated society who refused to be held back. With undeniable talent and tireless work ethic, he forged a path for future generations of artists.
From Harlem’s stages to the bright lights of Las Vegas and Broadway, Davis left behind a legacy that still resonates today. He wasn’t just part of the Rat Pack—he was its soul, and one of America’s greatest all-around entertainers.