Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925–1990)

Sammy didn't win any literary prizes to my knowledge but this is a hell of a good read. His sheer force of personality really comes across well in this book. What a man! To say he had a tough life would be an understatement - the childhood on the road with his dad and uncle performing where they'd have them, his experiences of blatant racism through an American upbringing and into the armed forces, and into his breakthrough into Hollywood success - his suffering at the racial prejudices of show more others is a tragic constant. The bigoted forces of the Columbia studio bosses and the mob even interfered in his own private life to keep him apart from the actress Kim Novak, and his marriage to May Britt lead to his exclusion from the Democrats' inner circle of star-backers surrounding the success of JFK's election.

Obviously his days as one of the infamous Rat Pack are thoroughly recounted. Sammy pulls no punches when it comes to his own failing either - as he retells the excesses of his drink and drug addictions, and his physical self-destruction. He was an amazing performer though right through it all, and truly one of a kind. This book is a very entertaining and revealing read. show less

A well-written and fascinating account of Sammy's growing up in the last days of vaudeville, living with Jim Crow laws, serving in WWII, and breaking into the big time. Lots of introspection and fabulous memories with legendary names. The story ends with his marriage to May Britt and the birth of his first child. His love for them is palpable - but marred by the knowledge that they divorced later!

I read this last in the barbershop in New York in 1965 when it came out. There is much similarity between Sammy Davis Jr.'s story and Barrack Obama's, especially the theme of Obama's campaign being, "Yes,we can."

Tracklist
Sammy Davis Jr.– After Today 2:22
Sammy Davis Jr.– I'm A Brass Band 1:34
Sammy Davis Jr.– Hey There 2:45
Sammy Davis Jr.– The Candy Man 3:10
Sammy Davis Jr.– What Kind Of Fool Am I 3:20
Sammy Davis Jr.– Fabulous Places 2:30
Sammy Davis Jr.– That Old Black Magic 3:16
Sammy Davis Jr.– Where Are The Words 2:52
Sammy Davis Jr. With Count Basie– New York City Blues 2:48
Sammy Davis Jr. With Laurindo Almeida– I'm Always Chasing Rainbows 2:20
Sammy Davis Jr.– Something's Gotta show more Give 2:02
Sammy Davis Jr.– All The Good Things In Life 5:25
Sammy Davis Jr.– The People Tree 2:25
Sammy Davis Jr.– The Good Life 2:40
Sammy Davis Jr.– Please Don't Take Your Time 2:37
Sammy Davis Jr. With Buddy Rich– Come Back To Me / The Birth Of The Blues 6:30
Sammy Davis Jr.– At The Crossroads 2:16
Sammy Davis Jr.– I've Gotta Be Me 2:54
Sammy Davis Jr.– She Believes In Me 2:53 show less