Sammy Davis Jr. was more than just a singer; he was a quintessential entertainer, whose career spanned across singing, dancing, acting, and comedy. Born on December 8th, 1925, in Harlem, New York City, Davis overcame racial barriers and became an acclaimed artist in a time when African American performers faced significant discrimination. As a member of the Rat Pack, he epitomized the cool showbiz era of the 1950s and 1960s along with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. A versatile performer with a dynamic voice, Davis made his mark with hits like "The Candy Man," "Mr. Bojangles," and "That Old Black Magic."

His television appearances, particularly on The Ed Sullivan Show, showcased Davis’s dynamic performance style and prodigious talent. His work in this arena is encapsulated by the energetically performed "Gonna Build A Mountain" and the soul-stirring "What Kind of Fool Am I," recorded live on the show in 1964. On stage and on screen, his charisma was unmatched. Broadway also felt his presence in productions like "Golden Boy," which further solidified his standing in the entertainment world. Offstage, Davis was known for his advocacy for civil rights and his role as a trailblazer for other entertainers of color. He continued to perform almost up to his death on May 16th, 1990, leaving behind a legacy as a multi-talented artist and a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Genres

Adult Standards

Easy Listening

Lounge

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Frank Sinatra

Dean Martin

Nat King Cole

Tony Bennett

Ella Fitzgerald

Bobby Darin

Harry Belafonte

Michael Bublé

Louis Armstrong

Sarah Vaughan

Judy Garland

Mel Tormé

Latest Release

Gonna Build A Mountain (Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, June 14, 1964)

Sammy Davis Jr.

Single - Released August 5, 2022