Sammy Davis, Jr.

Sammy Davis Jr. was an American entertainer, born on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York City. He was a multi-talented performer, known for his work as a singer, dancer, actor, and comedian. Davis began his career in vaudeville at the age of three, performing with his father and uncle as part of the Will Mastin Trio.

Davis made his Broadway debut in 1956, in the musical Mr. Wonderful. The show featured songs by Jerry Bock and Larry Holofcener and starred Chita Rivera and Davis himself. Davis received critical acclaim for his performance, and the show ran for 383 performances.
In 1964, Davis appeared in the Broadway production of Golden Boy, a musical about a young African American boxer who dreams of becoming a champion. Davis played the lead role of Joe Wellington, and the show featured music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams. Golden Boy was a commercial and critical success, running for 568 performances and earning Davis a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
Davis continued to work in both film and television throughout his career, starring in movies such as Ocean's Eleven, Robin and the 7 Hoods, and A Man Called Adam. He also made numerous appearances on popular television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and The Sammy Davis Jr. Show.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Davis was also a prominent member of the Civil Rights Movement. He was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and was an active participant in the movement, performing at rallies and fundraising events. Davis was also a member of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop.
Davis continued to perform throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in shows such as Sammy and Company and The Sammy Davis Jr. Show. He also released several albums during this time, including The Song and Dance Man and Sammy Davis Jr. Now.
In 1989, Davis was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent extensive treatment. He continued to perform despite his illness, and in 1990 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Davis passed away on May 16, 1990, at the age of 64. He was remembered as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of African American performers. His legacy continues to be celebrated today, and his contributions to Broadway, film, and music remain an important part of American culture.