Sammy Davis Jr, the World's Greatest Entertainer

30 May 2009

Earning the title of “World's Greatest Entertainer” is no small feat, even in the 1950s. Sammy Davis, Jr., an unmistakable talent who would break down many walls for African-Americans in the entertainment world, earned and kept that title for nearly 30 years.

As a singer, dancer and actor, Davis was the quintessential showman. Even without the success of The Rat Pack in the 1960s, Davis' solo shows drew in thousands of fans, eager to see him tap-dance his way through a song before breaking out into a comedy routine.

Sammy Davis, Jr. was born December 8, 1925 in Harlem, New York City. Davis would live with his father exclusively after his parents were divorced when he was only 3-years-old. Davis then began tap-dancing lessons and always inspired to be an entertainer.

Along with his father and Will Mastin, Davis would accomplish that feat while still a young man, performing as The Will Mastin Trio until the start of WW II, where Davis would enlist with the United States Army. As a way to conquer the abundant racism in the Armed Forces, Davis turned to entertainment to quash ignorance and blend in.

Davis never missed a beat after returning home from the war. The early 1950s were good to him, releasing hit songs and even starring on Broadway. Things took a turn for the worse, however, in 1954. In a serious, near fatal car wreck, Davis would lose his left eye. Soon after, he would convert to Judaism - an unheard of conversion for a black, Christian man.

Despite any personal conflict and slight public backlash, Davis resumed his film career in 1958 with Anna Lucasta, and Porgy and Bess the following year. In 1959, Davis joined the new startups, The Rat Pack, where they shot their now famous classic Ocean's Eleven. It was this movie that catapulted the group of success.

Davis and The Rat Pack followed up on the success of the movie with shows across the country, including Las Vegas - which was an always welcoming environment for the lavish excess of the group's stars. Sammy wasn't confined to his role of third in line in The Rat Pack.

He still experienced much success on his own, starring in musicals, television hits, Hollywood movies, and still continued to record hit songs. He recorded his hit song, The Candy Man, for the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Sammy was on top of the world throughout the ‘60s and early ‘70s, landing any gig he wanted and always packing in the seats.

Due to the rise of rock and roll across the country, entertainers like Sammy started to lose recognition. By the late 1970s, Davis' star had all but faded. He was confined to touring casinos around Atlantic City and Las Vegas, and even a comeback tour with Frank Sinatra in 1988 couldn't change the public's opinion. Davis appeared in the movie Tap in 1989. It would be his last on-screen performance. Sammy Davis, Jr. died of cancer in 1990.

Tags: the rat pack, sammy davis jr, harlem, willy wonka, will mastin, anna lucasta, ocean's eleven,
Posted In: Biographies, Entertainment History,

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