Sammy Davis, Jr.
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Sammy Davis, Jr., was born as Samuel George Davis on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York City. His nickname "Mighty Mouth" reflected his remarkable talent for singing, dancing, acting, and comedy.
Birth and Death Dates
December 8, 1925 - May 16, 1990
Nationality and Profession(s)
American entertainer, musician, dancer, actor, comedian, singer, and member of the Rat Pack.
Early Life and Background
Sammy Davis, Jr., was born to a family of entertainers. His father, Sammy Davis, Sr., was a tap dancer and vaudevillian performer, while his mother, Elvera Davis, was a former showgirl. At age three, he began performing in variety shows with his father. During the 1930s, Davis's family moved to Los Angeles, where he attended school and continued to develop his performing skills.
Major Accomplishments
Davis became one of the most popular entertainers of his time. He was a versatile performer who excelled in music, dance, comedy, and acting. Some notable achievements include:
Recording contracts: Davis signed with Decca Records at age 19 and released several successful albums.
Movie appearances: He appeared in over 40 films, including _Porgy and Bess_ (1959), _Ocean's 11_ (1960), and _Salt and Pepper_ (1968).
Theatre performances: Davis made his Broadway debut in the revue _Golden Boys_ (1978) and later starred in the musical _Mr. Wonderful_ (1964-1965).Notable Works or Actions
Some of Davis's most notable works include:
"What Kind of Fool Am I?" - a song he wrote for the 1959 Broadway show _Wonderful Town_, which became a hit single.
"The Wham of Sam" - his first solo album, released in 1960.Impact and Legacy
Sammy Davis, Jr., played an essential role in breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. He was one of the most influential African American performers of his time, paving the way for future generations.
Civil rights activism: Davis participated in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech took place.
Pioneering work: He was one of the first African American performers to appear on television in the United States.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Sammy Davis, Jr., is widely quoted and remembered for his incredible talent, versatility, and contributions to the entertainment industry. His legacy extends beyond his performances; he inspired countless individuals with his courage, determination, and commitment to social justice.
His quotes often reflect his wit, wisdom, and perspective on life:
"Entertainers have a responsibility to make people laugh or cry... You've got to keep them entertained."
* "If you want to play the game of music, you've got to pay the price."
These words and accomplishments continue to inspire audiences today.
Quotes by Sammy Davis, Jr.
Would it be better if I'd married a Negro woman? Would they treat my child any better? Erect fewer barriers?
Being a star has made it possible for me to get insulted in places where the average Negro could never hope to go and get insulted.
My mother was born in San Juan. So I'm Puerto Rican, Jewish, colored and married to a white woman. When I move into a neighborhood, people start running four ways at the same time.
If you want to get known as a singer you hire five sexy chicks and let them fight over you onstage and for the cameras. That's publicity, man.
You name it and I've done it. I'd like to say I did it my way. But that line, I'm afraid, belongs to someone else.
Sinatra is the essence of vocal style. This man has an innate quality of knowing what is good musically. You can sum that up best by saying that he has musical integrity. Even when he does a bad song, there's a good quality in the presentation.