SAMMY DAVIS, JR.
100th Anniversary
Sammy Davis, Jr.
In Song & Spirit
Kindly view my 1 minute Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr.
on The Rat Pack Music Alliance YouTube Channel
Sammy Davis, Jr. was born on December 8, 1925, and as we celebrate his 100th anniversary it is the perfect time to acknowledge his artistry and award-winning contributions to the entertainment industry
It is true that Davis was frequently referred to as the world's greatest entertainer, and he fully lived up to that headline. A musical icon and dynamic performer, whether on stage or on screen, his remarkable talent and spirit captivated all who watched.
After his passing on May 16,1990, his longtime friend Frank Sinatra was asked how he should be remembered.
Frank warmly responded, "Well from my standpoint, he should be remembered as one of the finest human beings I ever knew in my life." A high compliment from Mr. Sinatra, who was well aware that Sammy was a philanthropist, and highly regarded as charitable, earning the Variety Club's International Humanitarian Award.
Frank also knew firsthand that Sammy Davis, Jr. was one of the most extraordinarily talented artists of the 20th century, often referred to as Mister Show Business, and with good reason.
His versatility as a singer, dancer, impressionist, actor, and skilled musician, is unparalleled.
Sammy's energetic performances coupled with his agility when shifting from singing to playing instruments, whether drums, piano or vibraphone, always impressed and thrilled.
The man did it all, and in the most soulful and unique way.
A special thank you to Manny Davis, the son of Sammy Davis, Jr., and the administrator of the Sammy Davis, Jr. Estate, for sharing his endearing thoughts:
"For me, my father's music tells the story of growing up with him. It started with 'Gonna Build a Mountain,' because he always believed in building something larger than yourself. Then came 'The Candy Man,' the song that defined my childhood and made the world feel fun and full of possibility. As I got older, 'What Kind of Fool Am I?' resonated in ways I didn't expect, and spoke to the realities of love and life. And today, 'I've Gotta Be Me' is the song that guides me most, because being myself is the only way I can honor his legacy. As his centennial approaches, I'm grateful that these songs continue to connect people to the man he truly was." - Manny Davis
As we remember Sammy Davis, Jr. on his heavenly anniversary, several of his well-known recordings come to mind, which will most certainly linger and last as time goes by.
What Kind of Fool Am I?
What Kind of Food Am I is a beautiful ballad written by British songwriters, Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, originally for their play, Stop the World - I Want to Get Off.
Showcasing Sammy's marvelous vocal range, and poignant delivery, it ultimately became a national hit, and would forever be associated with him as his signature song.
In 1962, Sammy's stirring interpretation of the tune was so popular, it peaked at #17 on the Hot 100 Billboard chart, and his version won Song of the Year for Newley and Bricusse at the 1963 Grammy Awards.
The Birth of The Blues
This upbeat popular 1926 tune was composed by Ray Henderson, with lyrics by Buddy DeSylva and Lew Brown.
Yet it wasn't until 1954 that Sammy recorded and released the song as a single, reaching Top 20 status.
The song was added to his 1955 debut album, Starring Sammy Davis, Jr., leading to a milestone for Davis. The LP was not only his number one album, but it also spotlighted him as the first African American solo artist to attain that honor.
Sammy, along with his Rat Pack pallies, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, performed The Birth of The Blues together often on stage, to the delight of so many who were lucky to have seen them in their heyday.
Fortunately, the swingin' Blues stage performance with the Rat Pack in St. Louis, was recorded live on March 20, 1965, and broadcast November 24, 1965, as part of The Frank Sinatra Spectacular TV program.
I've Gotta Be Me
Composed and written by Walter Marks for the Broadway musical Golden Rainbow, the original title was I've Got to Be Me, but Sammy slightly adjusted the title to sing it as I Gotta Be Me.
In 1968 he recorded and then released his version, which resulted in a successful hit single. Soon it would reach #1 on the Easy Listening chart, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding in the Top 40 for eleven weeks.
The title became a theme for Sammy, as it was the name of his 60's album and subsequently the documentary on his life. (Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me premiered on PBS on February 19, 2019.)
Eee-O Eleven
Throughout his career Sammy appeared in a variety of feature films. But a favorite musical moment is revealed in the original Ocean's 11 movie, the 1960 heist flick, where he playfully sings, Eee-O Eleven, just solo with a rockin' harmonica as accompaniment. Fun stuff.
The film stars many of the Rat Pack clan, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and offers up two musical scenes, one with Dean and the other featuring Sammy.
Composed and written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, the meaning of the song title, according to some sources, refers to the craps phrase Yo-11, in essence defining how gamblers place bets. With Las Vegas casinos a major part of the film plot, the song is a win-win.
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles was written by the country-folk artist, Jerry Jeff Walker, who initially recorded and released it.
But in 1972, Sammy recorded and added the song to his album, Portrait of Sammy Davis, Jr., and since then it has become one of his most dramatic and significant signature songs.
Audiences found his striking performance, in spotlight silhouette with tilted hat, a deeply moving experience, as he would often close his show and evolve into Mr. Bojangles in that touching, theatrical moment. One of his finest and memorable Bojangles performances was aired on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, on June 2, 1978.
The Candy Man
At 47 years old, Sammy had his very first and only number-one hit! He had recorded The Candy Man, in August 1971, having no expectation of the popularity and the commercial success that would follow.
Released in June of 1972, Sammy's upbeat and playful rendition climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, staying there for three weeks, as well as two weeks on the Easy Listening chart, and ultimately ranked as the #5 song for the year!
The sweet melody was developed for the film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, by the superb songwriting team of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, the same folks who wrote What Kind of Fool Am I?, an earlier smash hit for Sammy in 1962. Although in the film, the song is sung by English actor, Aubrey Harold Woods.
There are so many songs which remind us of Sammy, considering that throughout the course of his iconic career, he recorded over 50 albums.
Some songs may have not reached the top of the charts, but do project Sammy's charismatic appeal, including one of his earliest hits, Hey There; Sam's Song (duet with Dean Martin); Me and My Shadow (duet with Frank Sinatra); and Night Song (from the musical he starred in, Golden Boy).
Sammy Davis, Jr.'s immeasurable talent continues to inspire, and his vast song repertoire illustrates his dedication and passion, leading to an enduring musical legacy.
Although nominated a few times for Grammy, he disappointedly never won, until 2001 when he was posthumously recognized with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Over the years Sammy Davis, Jr. had graciously addressed his audience with the phrase, "Thank You kindly".
So to you, Sammy, we repeat that sentiment, and thank you kindly for the musical joy and show-stopping performances you have shared with us all.
