Sammy Davis Jr.

Sammy Davis Jr. was born on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York City. He was the son of vaudeville star Sammy Davis Sr. and tap dancer and stage performer Elvera Sanchez. From a young age, Davis was immersed in show business, joining his father and the Will Mastin Trio, a vaudeville act, when he was only 3 years old. His early exposure to the entertainment industry laid the foundation for his future career as a legendary entertainer.

In 1954, Sammy Davis Jr. was involved in a serious car accident in San Bernardino, California, that resulted in the loss of his left eye. Following the accident, Davis began to wear a glass eye. Despite this setback, Davis's career did not falter. He continued to perform and record music, becoming well-known for his resilience and determination in overcoming the adversity he faced from this traumatic incident.

In 1956, Sammy Davis Jr. made his Broadway debut in the musical 'Mr. Wonderful'. The show opened in the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City and showcased Davis's exceptional talent in dancing, singing, and acting. His performance received positive reviews and further solidified his status as a versatile and enthralling entertainer. This was a significant moment in his career as it marked his successful transition from vaudeville and nightclubs to the esteemed Broadway stage.

Sammy Davis Jr. converted to Judaism on January 10, 1959, after a long spiritual journey. Davis's conversion was heavily influenced by his close relationship with Jewish friends and mentors, as well as his own personal quest for meaning. This decision was unconventional at the time and showcased Davis's willingness to embrace his identity and beliefs. His conversion to Judaism had a profound impact on his life and reflected his diverse cultural influences and personal convictions.

In 1960, Sammy Davis Jr. became a member of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers led by Frank Sinatra. The group included famous figures such as Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. As a member of the Rat Pack, Davis was part of a cultural icon of the 1960s and participated in various films, performances, and appearances that defined the era. The Rat Pack was known for their showmanship in Las Vegas and their social and political influence, both on stage and off.

On June 15, 1965, Sammy Davis Jr. became the first African American to spend the night at the White House as a guest. This historic event occurred during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Davis had been an outspoken supporter of civil rights and his stay at the White House symbolized a step toward racial equality during a critical period of social change in the United States. His night at the White House was a testament to his influence in both the cultural and political spheres.

On February 23, 1967, Sammy Davis Jr. performed alongside Frank Sinatra at The Sands hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This performance was part of their celebrated Rat Pack shows. The Sands was a popular venue for the Rat Pack and symbolized the glamour and excitement of the era. Davis's dynamic performance, energy, and charisma captivated the audience and reinforced his status as a leading entertainer of his time.

On January 25, 1970, Sammy Davis Jr. married Altovise Gore, a dancer and actor whom he met while performing. The couple remained married until Davis's death in 1989 and were known for their mutual support and presence within the entertainment industry. Altovise Gore Davis continued to uphold her husband's legacy after his passing, becoming active in charity work and advocating for arts education. Their marriage was important in both of their personal lives and careers.

On March 23, 1972, Sammy Davis Jr. released the song 'The Candy Man', which became one of his biggest hits. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is often associated with Davis's music legacy. 'The Candy Man' was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, and was originally featured in the film 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'. The success of the song showcased Davis's versatility as a performer and contributed to the enduring popularity of his musical repertoire.

Sammy Davis Jr. passed away on May 16, 1989, due to complications from throat cancer. He died at his home in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 64. Davis had a career that spanned several decades and included success in television, film, music, and Broadway. His passing marked the end of an era for one of America’s leading entertainers of the 20th century. Davis's legacy lives on through his recordings, performances, and contributions to entertainment.