If you weren't desperately lucky, like I was, to see him live on stage, for two and half utterly mesmerizing hours, then, very sadly, you won't be able to fully appreciate why he was the greatest entertainer the world has ever known. Thank you, Sammy Davis Jnr.
Agreed. Amazing in everything he ever did. My parents were lucky enough to have seen him at The Palladium but I never did unfortunately. I loved that the fact that he used to say that: I'm the only black one eyed Jew, married to a white woman - and still looking for a gimmick!
I am a fan of the Rat Pack, BUT, if anyone were to ask me I would have to say Sammy Davis had all the talent. Frank and Dean were great don't get me wrong... but if there were a talent show and Sammy, Dean and Frank were competing against each other- Sammy would EASILY win! How can anyone not love this man? We probably won't see another talent quite like this EVER!
john boone Its even sad to see how hard he tried to fit in with his straight hair and the way he talks like a white man and not his own race, he felt really bad that he had to do that to get along and make a living and that his people couldnt see that was all he was doing, he wasnt abandoning them.
john boone I think that's a crock- people are people. Looking and talking one way or another that should have nothing to do with what color you are. Saying he talked like a white guy to make a living is just non-sense. He talked how he wanted to talk, and was uniquely himself. Expecting a person to act one way or another due to their color is in itself racist. Music is universal, it has to do with taste...NOT COLOR. Ray Charles was told country music was "white mans music" but Ray said "music is music, it's about what you like and what you feel... I like country music and I can FEEL country music... I can relate to the stories and I think the fans will too". So he recorded an album called "Modern Sounds in Country/Western Music" . It was his top selling album of all time, and it is still revered today as one of the greatest albums of all time. The album stayed number one on the pop charts for 14 weeks. In 2004 it was chosen as one of the top selling internet albums. 5 songs on the album hit number one, 3 others in at least the top five, 3 more in at least the top twenty, and the remaining songs on the album hit in at least the top sixty. That means every song on the album charted in the top 100 and that is almost unheard of!! I sincerely took offense to what you just said. People are people and need to stop being separated! White guys sing the blues, white guys rap, white guys sing R&B, and black guys sing country music, rock and roll and pop music. Charley Pride who is a "black" country singer is one of RCA's best selling artists of all time!! It doesn't matter what color you are! Thinking people of different colors should be doing one type of music or another is childish and stereotypical- it is up to the person as to what they feel!!! The same goes for Sammy, he did what he wanted to do, acted the way he wanted to act, and he sang for all people as a whole. He didn't care what color his fans were as long as they liked what he did. He had all colors of fans as well he should have. The man was as talented as anyone has EVER been PERIOD!!! Saying the he "felt bad" about the way he was and was just doing what he had to do to "get along" it complete BULLSHIT!! Sammy Davis was a huge in the civil rights movement, was a very public part of the '63 march on Washinton, refused to sing in clubs or casinos that segregated... the list goes on and on... The man wanted to get along alright, he wanted everyone to get along as one and not be racially separated!!! I happen to agree with him, and respect him very much as an entertainer, and for his efforts in the civil rights movement. My admiration for him has nothing to do with his color, it comes from my reverence for the MAN he was, the wonderful HUMAN BEING he was... That is the way everyone should be.
john boone Your opinion is poppycock, Sammy just loved to perform - that's all! Virtuoso-level performers all run counter to their contemporaries in thought, perception and social dexterity, they have to - less they be average too! That his worldly outlook wasn't what the average black or white person saw, speaks to the alluring uniqueness of such an exquisite talent.
An obsolute genius of any and all art's of entertainment, in my honest opinion the best of the rat pack, the guy literally had everything, long may he live in our hearts and mind's.
I was in Vegas when he died. They turned the lights out on The Strip in honour of him. I don't think that has ever been done for any other entertainer. He was that much of a legend, and that much of a life lived in humanity for others. No one holds a candle to him. The candle was in his heart and his light will never fade.
they also just do it for Jerry Lewis in August cause that was where his telethon was held for many years. Funny that these 4 superstars was so closely associated together. Even Dean and Jerry after being apart for so many years these 4 man was always close to each other in many many ways. They all got the light dimmed on the strip.
They are there, but now you have to really look for them. We live in a completely different time now, and there aren't the platforms out there for performers who had the versatility of a Sammie Davis Jr; nor I daresay a large audience that would truly appreciate them . The idea of class in the 21st century is on life support.
Nobody these days has this kind of talent. You might have one person who can sing and another who can dance. But you don't have any entertainers anymore. There haven't been any new ones since the 60s/70s. These types of great entertainers are gone now.
+Rhythmista That's certainly not true. Sammy was a great artist that may never be replicated but it's not fair nor true to compare his talent to all of today's music industry. Every culture brings something new and beautiful to music. I don't know you're background but I hope you're just exaggerating to make a point.
pine2apple It is true., and i'm not exaggerating.. I'm speaking in terms of Hollywood talent. Most of today's actors can't dance or sing.. SD jr. Not only danced and sang, but he played drums and piano like an accomplished musician. I've been a professional touring and session musician (drummer, vocalist, rhythm guitar) for the past 26 years and have played music my entire life. I know real talent when i see it, and this man certainly had it. Yes, there are exceptions in today's industry where you'll have a handful who were just as talented, but my point is that most are not. We all know that it's all about sex in today's industry, and talent is secondary.. Very different in the past.. With that being said, i think my background speaks for itself..
Okay, you just wrote all of today's music industry but you were only referring to music in Hollywood. I can say you are right in that a lot of music in the mainstream US market is about selling music and not about talent but it really just depends on your perspective and where you are in the world. Talent is subjective anyway, I went to one of the top 5 music colleges in the world and almost every student and professional has had a different interpretation of talent. All in all, the metric we use to measure talent is baseless, to some extent.
Actually lots of talent in Hollywood can sing and dance, but Hollywood doesn't make musicals anymore so you'd never know it. I mean if they'd never done a film version of Le Mes, American audiences wouldn't even know Hugh Jackman could sing. Lamenting the good old days because audiences and general tastes have changed is delusory, because it simply means that people who possess those talents today simply aren't marketed to the public as they once were. You've got to stumble across them by luck, or go that extra mile to find them
No offense, but when you hear yourself make a comment like that, you are officially old! The other day I said " you call that music" and realized, at some point, I had changed from a man with a future, to a man with a past. I'd been in denial!
Have to agree, Sammy is up there. Not many of today's artists can physically play instruments (drums, guitars, piano etc), do impressions, tap, comedy, sing (without auto-tune) and captivate an audience without frills. Artists from yesteryear, had to have those qualities.
yeah. you would never have caught him doing hip hop rap crap just like you never would've caught the late great ray charles or nat king cole doing that shiite!
If I were to describe the scope of this man's talent / genius to someone who did not know him, they simply would not believe it, and you couldn't blame them as Sammy was a phenomenon.
Words cannot describe the admiration, adoration and respect I have for Sammy Davis, Jr. A more perfect, magnetic and talented performer could not exist. His impeccable comedic timing, velvet voice, light and perfectly executed dance movements, the impersonations and stage presence all immaculately packaged together are something that can never be replicated. Yes, people will always try to be like him but they'll never be another Sammy Davis Jr! I will forever love you! Rest In Peace Sammy ❤️
I was just a kid back in the sixties, I loved to watch Sammy perform on all those variety shows they had back in those days watching them with my parents. I love tap dancing to this day and he was the reason why I did. Sammy was a talented man.I was very sad the day that he passed. Miss ya Sammy!
I had tickets to his performance in August 8,1975 in Reno on my honeymoon. Always loved him and all the amazing things he was great at! He was ill and had Bill Cosby fill in for him. I never got the chance again. Sammy was a beautiful little man with a giant talent! God bless him
SoulVibez ~> We still can see his genius as a performer on reruns of such shows as Make Room For Daddy, I Dream Of Jeannie and Carol Burnett Show as well as his brilliance as a dramatic actor on shows such as The Rifleman and Ben Casey. And despite his success and wealth he remained humble. When other stars of his stature would just sit down and talk to Johnny Carson, Sammy always insisted on performing a song even though he didn't have to. He had a lifetime love affair with his audience. ☺ ♥
It's not that they aren't there; it's just that we've become such a niche society, there is no longer a category or a platform for the "all around" entertainer except maybe on a youtube channel.
I have loved Sammy for years and years. Read is autobiography when I was a teenager. What a life! Self-made, talented beyond belief and a delight to listen to and to watch. I especially loved his positive attitude about life -- like all of us -- he faced many obstacles -- but look at all he accomplished! His humor was spot on -- and his imitations of others -- just as great! Shows you what one person can do through developing their God-given talents! I do wish we still had him around. Love to you Sammy Davis!
Someone commented that Sammy's talent was God-given. And I won't disagree with that. But I've read quite a bit about this man. How he would spend hours, just deciding how he was going to tip his hat. He spent years perfecting how to do Western-style gun tricks and gunplay. He spent decades devotedly working on his dance and his song. All this while fighting and suffering prejudice and racism. Sam was dating and marrying interracially in the 1950s. And you know why the women went for him? They didn't see color. They only saw, the coolest man in the room. God Bless You Sam. And like all the really great men, who march to their own drummer, as you did, both literally and figuratively, you paid a very high price. If there is a "better place", I'm damn sure you're there. Making it better. In a cloud of cool.
brez9091 Well said he was ahead of his time in many ways.White folks an black loved him,I love an miss him.You ever seen All in the family.He kissed Archie..lol omg the good old days
There is absolutely no one who can replicate this man's presence or anyone of that era's today. Though it may have past, we still have these films and audio of the greats, such as Sammy, to keep us smiling and singing along.
+Steven McBrien ....would you pay to see him perform if he was still alive? If you answer yes, then you'd probably vote for that scumbag Hillary Clinton.
Taps clear, clean and FAST, add humor, absolutely accurate impressions, more humor, non stop outstanding singing, masterly control of the audience....stunning unmatched talent.
03:11 Jerry Lewis(?) 06:10 Fred Astaire 07:20 Frank Sinatra 09:00 Humphrey Bogart 09:36 Cary Grant 10:06 Marlon Brando 11:01 Dean Martin ...please help me and add the names of the other peers Sammy impersonated before these (of whom he didn't mentioned their names).
hobbies spiele Not sure, but I think it's a skit either out of the "Colgate Comedy Hour with Dean and Jerry" or "The Jerry Lewis Show" from the sixties. Jerry is singing playback and doing his iconic faces. The dancing surely is more Sammy than Jerry, who never took dancing lessons himself.
Additional impersonations he did; or, a, general, yet, partial listing of impersonations which were in his repertoire: Brooke Benton; James Cagney; Errol Flynn; Ronald Coleman; Nat King Cole; Laurence Olivier; Willie Bess; Bill Robinson; Arthur Prysock, Lou Rawls; Gene Kelly; Jerry Butler; Joe Turner; Gene Chandler; Jack Cassidy; Fred Astaire; Dean Martin; Frank Sinatra; Rod Steiger; Jerry Lewis; Georgie Jessel; Marlon Brando; Cary Grant; Bing Crosby; Sam Cooke; Louis Armstrong; Jackie Wilson; James Brown; Ray Charles; Johnny Mathis; Robert Goulet; Steve Lawrence; Paul Robeson; Brock Peters; Cab Calloway; Harry Belafonte; Ben E. King; Clyde McPhatter; Frankie Lymon; Billy Eckstein, Frankie Lane; Vaughn Monroe; Michael Jackson; Jimmy Stewart; Frank Gorshin; George Jessel; Edward G. Robinson; Errol Flynn; Steve Lawrence; Tony Bennett; Perry Como; Bill "Bojangles" Robinson; Louis Armstrong; Fred Astaire; Gene Kelly; John Wayne; Humphrey Bogart; Basil Rathbone; Laurence Olivier; Cary Grant; Tony Martin; Jack Jones; Louie Prima; Al Martino; Maurice Chevalier; Donald O'Connor; Bill Cosby, Mel Torme; Tommy Davidson; Wayne Newton; Charles Laughton; Bill Medley; Elvis Presley; Anthony Newley;...&, numerous Black performers, mostly unknown to White audiences;...ETC., Etc.; etc. Please Note: This list does Not include impersonations he also did of other types of artists, like: musicians; dancers, actors, personalities, celebrities, politicians; &, those of both genders;...etc.; for example: Buddy Rich; Lionel Hampton; Eydie Gorme; Ella Fitzgerald; Sarah Vaughn; Nancy Wilson; Diahann Carroll; Tom Jones; Gregory Hines; Howard "Sandman" Sims; Ben Vereen; Muhammad Ali; Savion Glover; Cab Calloway; Lena Horne; Della Reese; The Nicholas Brothers; Liza Minelli; Peter Lawford; J.F.K., Jr.; Gene Krupa; Joe E. Lewis; Sugar Ray Robinson; Jack E. Leonard; Jack Benny; Bob Hope; Doris Day; Julie London; Tony Orlando; Desi Arnez; Jackie Gleason; Groucho Marx; George Sanders; James Mason; Richard Burton; June Lockheart; George Kirby; George Wallace-(the comic); &, Bob Fosse; LeVar Burton; Harry Belafonte; Sidney Poitier; Jimmy Cagney; Boris Karloff; Ronald Coleman; and, of course: "Amos; &, Andy"; amongst other examples, as well. Lastly, for now;...in addition, to the above, forementioned; he also did these, in mixed forms, combining: dance, song, comedy, assorted humor forms; commentary; political criticism; acting, performance, tap, musical theater; vaudeville; film, tv, stage entertainment stylisms; musical conducting; Lounge Act entertaining; Bway showcasing; Vegas Show Stylings; &, purer forns of stripped back theatricalities; etc.; all together, into one blended form.
So glad I got to see the genius perform with Frank and LIza. I also was able to meet him one night when out to dinner, he was with his wife and Elizabeth Taylor so I got to meet and speak with her as well. Something I will always remember and cherish. Sammy Davis, there will never be another like him a national treasure.
The trouble with his impersonations was that he danced better than Astaire, sang better than Sinatra, and acted as well as Bogart, Grant, and anyone else. The only one he couldn't be better than was Sammy Davis.
But it was you who said he was better not me. I felt after your comment that in my opinoin fred was a better dancer. Sammy was great no disputes. But if you put a view forward surely you must expect opposition?
Dec.8: Happy birthday Singer-actor-dancer Samuel George "Sammy" Davis Jr. (1925-1990) God bless. Thanks for the upload, corporalhenshaw. RIP Entertainer. Blessings
You just have to sit in awe of his talents. Actor, Comedian, Singer, Dancer, Master Impersonator, Musician on many instruments, he literally embodies entertainment.
Vocally, Sammy could never hope to impersonate Frank or Dean because his voice was so superior and distinctive. There are so few male vocalists who have ever come up to the lofty heights of Sammy Davis, maybe Mel Torme was up there vocally in his own style. Entertainers of Sammy Davis Jnr's calibre come along once in a lifetime, if you're lucky.
I fondly remember seeing Sammy perform at the old Sydney Stadium, long before we had a decent venue in Sydney for concerts.His charm, wit and awesome talent will never be forgotten.
Hi Ron, There was supposed to be a Grand Piano in the Orchestra but they couldn't fit it in so Sammy made them carry it in just to show he wasn't kidding. A real priceless memory. Sammy had more talent in his little finger than half of Hollywood.
I am glad that there are so many people who appreciate this extraordinary talent. There will always be the occasional individual who will somehow come across quality like this and use it to attract attention to themselves. How about we ignore them?
***** What year was this? I know this was way before my time, but it speaks to me. Thanks for uploading. Just getting to know who this talented man was in these past few minutes.
I always appreciated his talent.. It's was a CLASS act to follow.. Those were the days.. No one will ever be close to that era...I love to be able to see this anytime I need my Sammy Davis, Dean Martin, or Sinatra ! Thank you , for our technology on bringing this to us!
Sammy Davis is a talent like no other...just imagine.....all rolled in one person.....tap dancer ,drummer ,vibraphone player ,impersonator,actor,and singer.....and all par excellence.....the man's a genius !!!!
On this earth 75 years and I still claim Sammy's 1960's recording of "What kind of fool am I" both vocal & arrangement is the single greatest recording of a pop song ever! It was a special moment in time.
Thank you, Corporal. This performance clearly demonstrates the difference in the profession from then to now. Actual talent was once a prerequisite in addition to the machinations and backstabbing. Today, all we get are packaged, manufactured personalities, usually with no more than average talent.
I'm from India, I just happened to watch Sammy's video. Hell, how did I miss him all these years. What a genius he is. Has there ever been an entertainer like him ever? He tap dances, plays drums like hell, plays piano, impersonates, sings....what a talent. I am big fan of Victor Borge, but Sammy is just...........
Sammy Davis Jr. had such an indomitable joyful spirit! And shared his amazing gift with the world so graciously! Thank you for posting this phenomenal performance!
Completely unique styles. Also - Sinatra was a great actor - Much to his own frustration, Sammy was a lightweight in that category. But why compare them at all. How very stupid of you.
Singer. Dancer. Actor. Comedian. Comic (there IS a difference). Impressionist. Multi-instrumentalist. Rugged Individualist. Highly intelligent. Humble. It's incredible how talented this man was, and how polarizing he still is. RIP Sam, you earned it.
Versatile, superb entertainer... Sadly missed even after all this time. So glad RUclips and people like you provide us with great experiences. Cheers:-)
I love seeing all the adoring comments on Sammy ! I personally had the privilege of speding time with him, two of his wives and most of his kids. I wont say too much because of respecting privacy of his legacy, but I will say he was a " Class Act" 100 percent. Always treated me as family, was extremely generous to all, and Loved All People, of Any race, creed color" as said on the front door of his house! He was an Original! And as Many have said in the comments he was "the Entertainer" of all Entertainer's! I saw most all of the acts performing for 50 + years and Sammy could out perform all of them! Singing, dancing, Gun shows& quick draw, ( his skills were unmatched by professionals... the instruments drumbs. Horns, pisno. His Acting on stage, TV shows , Broadway musicals... Worldwide & in the.military& prisons that he did for Free! Don forget how much Michael Jackson studied, copied and adored Sammy's greatness! He opened many doors for others, worldwide that wouldn't have had the opportunity if not for Sammy's preserverance .Additionally for anyone who thinks there may have been someone better than Sammy look at all of the other fenominal contributions this man made to the world with love , talent and all of his money he gave to the college funds. His human rights contributions, his race relations contributions, political contributions to the beniifit of this country. He also made an impact worldwide, entertaining with love & talent never seen before. Additionally if you try to compare3 him to others, remember the Racism & beatings he had to endure, including death threats to him & his family... So for a small man is stature he will Always be a " Giant" of humanity " A true humanitarian, a Genius & a man of supreme Intelligence with a amazing understanding of real people!!! God bless Mr. D ,& anyone who was able to see or hear his " Greatness in any form.
Perhaps the flame will be re-lit by a child who will draw inspiration from seeing this and the many other gems that have been left behind as bread crumbs on the path for the taking . . . Thank you for posting this!
This is why today's performance can never natch up to The Ultimate Performer we see here. By the time God gave Mr. Davis all that talent, God ran out and not enough time had passed for Him to make more to give to today's performers.
I don't know how or why you managed to have this wonderful video of this one-man-entertainer who really could do it all but I thank you for sharing it with us - I really had forgotten how talented he actually was.
Frank was the charismatic one, and Sammy had the most talent for sure, but let's have a little love for Dino here -- he was the coolest one. Just saying.
***** But it's not cool drinking. I look forward to Rat Pack style drinking, with bourbon and whiskeys in short glasses, not vodka jello and tequila shots.
I remember seeing him on TV years ago when he was doing impersonations. I was a kid and was totally amazed how he captured the person he was doing. Then he did a drum solo. Next thing he sang and each thing he did flowed from him so easily, naturally. Probably because he'd been doing it since a little kid with his parents in burlesque.
+lenspaulding why do you keep coming back to spread hate on every comment here? We get it. You don't like Sammy Davis Jr...... Live and let live pal, just because people have different tastes to you, doesn't mean you have to hate on them.
+Rhythmista ....true talent? What is talent really? I'll bet you every person in this Country has some type of talent. And if your Life is that trivial that you watch things like this on your computer.....may I suggest you donate your time to the truly needy in this country!
If you weren't desperately lucky, like I was, to see him live on stage, for two and half utterly mesmerizing hours, then, very sadly, you won't be able to fully appreciate why he was the greatest entertainer the world has ever known.
Thank you, Sammy Davis Jnr.
im jealous!
Agreed. Amazing in everything he ever did. My parents were lucky enough to have seen him at The Palladium but I never did unfortunately. I loved that the fact that he used to say that: I'm the only black one eyed Jew, married to a white woman - and still looking for a gimmick!
No Truer words were ever typed!!
I am a fan of the Rat Pack, BUT, if anyone were to ask me I would have to say Sammy Davis had all the talent. Frank and Dean were great don't get me wrong... but if there were a talent show and Sammy, Dean and Frank were competing against each other- Sammy would EASILY win! How can anyone not love this man? We probably won't see another talent quite like this EVER!
You hit the nail on the head! Sammy is the greatest entertainer that ever lived!!!
So true and just because of the times and his color he wasnt/didnt get the recognition he deserved...sad:(
john boone Its even sad to see how hard he tried to fit in with his straight hair and the way he talks like a white man and not his own race, he felt really bad that he had to do that to get along and make a living and that his people couldnt see that was all he was doing, he wasnt abandoning them.
john boone I think that's a crock- people are people. Looking and talking one way or another that should have nothing to do with what color you are. Saying he talked like a white guy to make a living is just non-sense. He talked how he wanted to talk, and was uniquely himself. Expecting a person to act one way or another due to their color is in itself racist. Music is universal, it has to do with taste...NOT COLOR.
Ray Charles was told country music was "white mans music" but Ray said "music is music, it's about what you like and what you feel... I like country music and I can FEEL country music... I can relate to the stories and I think the fans will too". So he recorded an album called "Modern Sounds in Country/Western Music" . It was his top selling album of all time, and it is still revered today as one of the greatest albums of all time. The album stayed number one on the pop charts for 14 weeks. In 2004 it was chosen as one of the top selling internet albums. 5 songs on the album hit number one, 3 others in at least the top five, 3 more in at least the top twenty, and the remaining songs on the album hit in at least the top sixty. That means every song on the album charted in the top 100 and that is almost unheard of!!
I sincerely took offense to what you just said. People are people and need to stop being separated! White guys sing the blues, white guys rap, white guys sing R&B, and black guys sing country music, rock and roll and pop music. Charley Pride who is a "black" country singer is one of RCA's best selling artists of all time!! It doesn't matter what color you are! Thinking people of different colors should be doing one type of music or another is childish and stereotypical- it is up to the person as to what they feel!!!
The same goes for Sammy, he did what he wanted to do, acted the way he wanted to act, and he sang for all people as a whole. He didn't care what color his fans were as long as they liked what he did. He had all colors of fans as well he should have. The man was as talented as anyone has EVER been PERIOD!!!
Saying the he "felt bad" about the way he was and was just doing what he had to do to "get along" it complete BULLSHIT!! Sammy Davis was a huge in the civil rights movement, was a very public part of the '63 march on Washinton, refused to sing in clubs or casinos that segregated... the list goes on and on...
The man wanted to get along alright, he wanted everyone to get along as one and not be racially separated!!! I happen to agree with him, and respect him very much as an entertainer, and for his efforts in the civil rights movement. My admiration for him has nothing to do with his color, it comes from my reverence for the MAN he was, the wonderful HUMAN BEING he was... That is the way everyone should be.
john boone Your opinion is poppycock, Sammy just loved to perform - that's all! Virtuoso-level performers all run counter to their contemporaries in thought, perception and social dexterity, they have to - less they be average too! That his worldly outlook wasn't what the average black or white person saw, speaks to the alluring uniqueness of such an exquisite talent.
Sammy was the true embodiment of "Jack of all trades". He could do anything and everything with amazing skill
He was embodiment of "master of all trades".
Connor you got that spot on man. That's why he outshone everyone else in the rat pack
An obsolute genius of any and all art's of entertainment, in my honest opinion the best of the rat pack, the guy literally had everything, long may he live in our hearts and mind's.
Judy Garland ... Jacqueline of all trades
Jack of all trades master of all…
This was the single-most amazing thing I've ever seen. Sammy is so underrated.
guess you're easily pleased--looked like crap to me
Congratulations.
whatt ever MO RON......
lenspaulding And what, pray tell, would be considered amazing to you? You have no respect and therefore you deserve none.
MChipsTV Sammy Davis Jr. gave me the creeps....and he probably did to you too......darn Liar!!!
The man had sheer unadulterated magnetism! It's mesmerising to watch, the greatest entertainer the world has, and will ever, see!
I was in Vegas when he died. They turned the lights out on The Strip in honour of him. I don't think that has ever been done for any other entertainer. He was that much of a legend, and that much of a life lived in humanity for others. No one holds a candle to him. The candle was in his heart and his light will never fade.
They did it after for Dean and Frank -
I lived in So Nevada for nearly 20 years -
miss that
They did? Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it. Blessings!
they also just do it for Jerry Lewis in August cause that was where his telethon was held for many years. Funny that these 4 superstars was so closely associated together. Even Dean and Jerry after being apart for so many years these 4 man was always close to each other in many many ways. They all got the light dimmed on the strip.
Also Jerry and Sammy was very close friends. just like Dean and Frank was. Sammy could do a very good impersonation of Jerry too.
I wish there were talented entertainers like this these days. How can anyone dislike this video??
good question..
They are there, but now you have to really look for them.
We live in a completely different time now, and there aren't the platforms out there for performers who had the versatility of a Sammie Davis Jr; nor I daresay a large audience that would truly appreciate them . The idea of class in the 21st century is on life support.
Nobody these days has this kind of talent. You might have one person who can sing and another who can dance. But you don't have any entertainers anymore. There haven't been any new ones since the 60s/70s. These types of great entertainers are gone now.
Jamie Foxx is worthy of the comparison
There was more talent in this man's pinky finger nail , than there is in ALL of today's music industry combined.
+Rhythmista That's certainly not true. Sammy was a great artist that may never be replicated but it's not fair nor true to compare his talent to all of today's music industry. Every culture brings something new and beautiful to music. I don't know you're background but I hope you're just exaggerating to make a point.
pine2apple It is true., and i'm not exaggerating.. I'm speaking in terms of Hollywood talent. Most of today's actors can't dance or sing.. SD jr. Not only danced and sang, but he played drums and piano like an accomplished musician. I've been a professional touring and session musician (drummer, vocalist, rhythm guitar) for the past 26 years and have played music my entire life. I know real talent when i see it, and this man certainly had it. Yes, there are exceptions in today's industry where you'll have a handful who were just as talented, but my point is that most are not. We all know that it's all about sex in today's industry, and talent is secondary.. Very different in the past.. With that being said, i think my background speaks for itself..
Okay, you just wrote all of today's music industry but you were only referring to music in Hollywood. I can say you are right in that a lot of music in the mainstream US market is about selling music and not about talent but it really just depends on your perspective and where you are in the world. Talent is subjective anyway, I went to one of the top 5 music colleges in the world and almost every student and professional has had a different interpretation of talent. All in all, the metric we use to measure talent is baseless, to some extent.
Actually lots of talent in Hollywood can sing and dance, but Hollywood doesn't make musicals anymore so you'd never know it. I mean if they'd never done a film version of Le Mes, American audiences wouldn't even know Hugh Jackman could sing.
Lamenting the good old days because audiences and general tastes have changed is delusory, because it simply means that people who possess those talents today simply aren't marketed to the public as they once were. You've got to stumble across them by luck, or go that extra mile to find them
No offense, but when you hear yourself make a comment like that, you are officially old! The other day I said
" you call that music" and realized, at some point, I had changed from a man with a future, to a man with a past. I'd been in denial!
Sorry Elvis. Sorry Michael. Behold, the Greatest Entertainer EVER.
Have to agree, Sammy is up there. Not many of today's artists can physically play instruments (drums, guitars, piano etc), do impressions, tap, comedy, sing (without auto-tune) and captivate an audience without frills. Artists from yesteryear, had to have those qualities.
Force of nature ...Miss Sammy ....Rip
Sinatra recognized that and called him that -
he truly was inspired by Sammy
...everyone with talent was -
Soul Peace - forever Sammy...
yeah. you would never have caught him doing hip hop rap crap just like you never would've caught the late great ray charles or nat king cole doing that shiite!
If I were to describe the scope of this man's talent / genius to someone who did not know him, they simply would not believe it, and you couldn't blame them as Sammy was a phenomenon.
Words cannot describe the admiration, adoration and respect I have for Sammy Davis, Jr. A more perfect, magnetic and talented performer could not exist. His impeccable comedic timing, velvet voice, light and perfectly executed dance movements, the impersonations and stage presence all immaculately packaged together are something that can never be replicated. Yes, people will always try to be like him but they'll never be another Sammy Davis Jr! I will forever love you! Rest In Peace Sammy ❤️
I was just a kid back in the sixties, I loved to watch Sammy perform on all those variety shows they had back in those days watching them with my parents. I love tap dancing to this day and he was the reason why I did. Sammy was a talented man.I was very sad the day that he passed. Miss ya Sammy!
Yes, and even though my stepfather was a racist back then he liked watching Sammy, everybody did.
sammy davis is the greatest entertainer of all time. He did it all. Love Sammy.
I had tickets to his performance in August 8,1975 in Reno on my honeymoon. Always loved him and all the amazing things he was great at! He was ill and had Bill Cosby fill in for him. I never got the chance again. Sammy was a beautiful little man with a giant talent! God bless him
You never see entertainers like Sammy no more, its such a shame . . .
SoulVibez yes and thank God for that!
SoulVibez ~> We still can see his genius as a performer on reruns of such shows as Make Room For Daddy, I Dream Of Jeannie and Carol Burnett Show as well as his brilliance as a dramatic actor on shows such as The Rifleman and Ben Casey. And despite his success and wealth he remained humble. When other stars of his stature would just sit down and talk to Johnny Carson, Sammy always insisted on performing a song even though he didn't have to. He had a lifetime love affair with his audience. ☺ ♥
It's not that they aren't there; it's just that we've become such a niche society, there is no longer a category or a platform for the "all around" entertainer except maybe on a youtube channel.
Nelson Smith and now it's all about video production and editing anyway
Not what one man can do on his own, live
I have loved Sammy for years and years. Read is autobiography when I was a teenager. What a life! Self-made, talented beyond belief and a delight to listen to and to watch. I especially loved his positive attitude about life -- like all of us -- he faced many obstacles -- but look at all he accomplished! His humor was spot on -- and his imitations of others -- just as great! Shows you what one person can do through developing their God-given talents! I do wish we still had him around. Love to you Sammy Davis!
Absolutely! The Best!!! Thank God for these precious videos that keep Sammy and the Greats alive for each generation!
Someone commented that Sammy's talent was God-given. And I won't disagree with that. But I've read quite a bit about this man. How he would spend hours, just deciding how he was going to tip his hat. He spent years perfecting how to do Western-style gun tricks and gunplay. He spent decades devotedly working on his dance and his song.
All this while fighting and suffering prejudice and racism.
Sam was dating and marrying interracially in the 1950s.
And you know why the women went for him?
They didn't see color.
They only saw, the coolest man in the room.
God Bless You Sam.
And like all the really great men, who march to their own drummer, as you did, both literally and figuratively, you paid a very high price.
If there is a "better place", I'm damn sure you're there.
Making it better.
In a cloud of cool.
brez9091
Well said he was ahead of his time in many ways.White folks an black loved him,I love an miss him.You ever seen All in the family.He kissed Archie..lol omg the good old days
brez9091 _ Hell yeah. Sammy michael prince fats duke sarah ella barry white etc etc etc. .oh but SAMMY ! Nuff said.
Hieno Kaveri Geesh. What a loser.
brez9091 A great tribute!
WOW !
What century do you live in ?
There is absolutely no one who can replicate this man's presence or anyone of that era's today. Though it may have past, we still have these films and audio of the greats, such as Sammy, to keep us smiling and singing along.
I may or may not have watched this 8 times in the past 24 hours. The definition of talent and charisma. What a peach.
The coolest cat that ever graced the stage !
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you... the Ultimate Performer
+Steven McBrien ....would you pay to see him perform if he was still alive? If you answer yes, then you'd probably vote for that scumbag Hillary Clinton.
+lenspaulding that comment confuses me...
W Thomas ?
The Dean Martin impression was spot on!
I LOVE him for all of this!! He's like the "Prince" of tap dancing!
Not the prince, the KING.
Amazing chops. The tap dancing, the scating, the charm, the 4 octive range, a genius
Sammy could REALLY tapdance. And he was a first class impersonater...the complete entertainer of his generation...including singing well.....
Taps clear, clean and FAST, add humor, absolutely accurate impressions, more humor, non stop outstanding singing, masterly control of the audience....stunning unmatched talent.
03:11 Jerry Lewis(?)
06:10 Fred Astaire
07:20 Frank Sinatra
09:00 Humphrey Bogart
09:36 Cary Grant
10:06 Marlon Brando
11:01 Dean Martin
...please help me and add the names of the other peers Sammy impersonated before these (of whom he didn't mentioned their names).
hobbies spiele This "spain" singing and dancing act just before the announced impersonations was a friendly nod at the great Jerry Lewis
Hannes Nemec Thanks a lot! Did _Sammy_ refer to a certain *Jerry Lewis* movie here?
hobbies spiele Not sure, but I think it's a skit either out of the "Colgate Comedy Hour with Dean and Jerry" or "The Jerry Lewis Show" from the sixties. Jerry is singing playback and doing his iconic faces. The dancing surely is more Sammy than Jerry, who never took dancing lessons himself.
in a skit that Jerry often do is one he sing as Spanish singerdancer or sometime time a opera singer which I had seen Sammy do a Jerry singing opera.
Additional impersonations he did; or, a, general, yet, partial listing of impersonations which were in his repertoire:
Brooke Benton; James Cagney; Errol Flynn; Ronald Coleman; Nat King Cole; Laurence Olivier; Willie Bess; Bill Robinson; Arthur Prysock, Lou Rawls; Gene Kelly; Jerry Butler; Joe Turner; Gene Chandler; Jack Cassidy; Fred Astaire; Dean Martin; Frank Sinatra; Rod Steiger; Jerry Lewis; Georgie Jessel; Marlon Brando; Cary Grant; Bing Crosby; Sam Cooke; Louis Armstrong; Jackie Wilson; James Brown; Ray Charles; Johnny Mathis; Robert Goulet; Steve Lawrence; Paul Robeson; Brock Peters; Cab Calloway; Harry Belafonte; Ben E. King; Clyde McPhatter; Frankie Lymon; Billy Eckstein, Frankie Lane; Vaughn Monroe; Michael Jackson; Jimmy Stewart; Frank Gorshin; George Jessel; Edward G. Robinson; Errol Flynn; Steve Lawrence; Tony Bennett; Perry Como; Bill "Bojangles" Robinson; Louis Armstrong; Fred Astaire; Gene Kelly; John Wayne; Humphrey Bogart; Basil Rathbone; Laurence Olivier; Cary Grant; Tony Martin; Jack Jones; Louie Prima; Al Martino; Maurice Chevalier; Donald O'Connor; Bill Cosby, Mel Torme; Tommy Davidson; Wayne Newton; Charles Laughton; Bill Medley; Elvis Presley; Anthony Newley;...&, numerous Black performers, mostly unknown to White audiences;...ETC., Etc.; etc.
Please Note:
This list does Not include impersonations he also did of other types of artists, like: musicians; dancers, actors, personalities, celebrities, politicians; &, those of both genders;...etc.; for example: Buddy Rich; Lionel Hampton; Eydie Gorme; Ella Fitzgerald; Sarah Vaughn; Nancy Wilson; Diahann Carroll; Tom Jones; Gregory Hines; Howard "Sandman" Sims; Ben Vereen; Muhammad Ali; Savion Glover; Cab Calloway; Lena Horne; Della Reese; The Nicholas Brothers; Liza Minelli; Peter Lawford; J.F.K., Jr.; Gene Krupa; Joe E. Lewis; Sugar Ray Robinson; Jack E. Leonard; Jack Benny; Bob Hope; Doris Day; Julie London; Tony Orlando; Desi Arnez; Jackie Gleason; Groucho Marx; George Sanders; James Mason; Richard Burton; June Lockheart; George Kirby; George Wallace-(the comic); &, Bob Fosse; LeVar Burton; Harry Belafonte; Sidney Poitier; Jimmy Cagney; Boris Karloff; Ronald Coleman; and, of course: "Amos; &, Andy"; amongst other examples, as well.
Lastly, for now;...in addition, to the above, forementioned; he also did these, in mixed forms, combining: dance, song, comedy, assorted humor forms; commentary; political criticism; acting, performance, tap, musical theater; vaudeville; film, tv, stage entertainment stylisms; musical conducting; Lounge Act entertaining; Bway showcasing; Vegas Show Stylings; &, purer forns of stripped back theatricalities; etc.; all together, into one blended form.
So glad I got to see the genius perform with Frank and LIza. I also was able to meet him one night when out to dinner, he was with his wife and Elizabeth Taylor so I got to meet and speak with her as well. Something I will always remember and cherish. Sammy Davis, there will never be another like him a national treasure.
Wish I was in the Audience, I love Sammy!
me too :)
WHAT AN ENTERTAINER!!!!!!!!! WOW. Never really seen him that much before,but after watching this.... He was THE BEST!
That Dean Martin impression was AMAZING.Sammy was so talented.
The trouble with his impersonations was that he danced better than Astaire, sang better than Sinatra, and acted as well as Bogart, Grant, and anyone else. The only one he couldn't be better than was Sammy Davis.
Yeah, youre right
You're right.
Barakx8 talented yes extremely so. better dancer than fred astaire???????? never!!
But it was you who said he was better not me. I felt after your comment that in my opinoin fred was a better dancer. Sammy was great no disputes. But if you put a view forward surely you must expect opposition?
it is just two different styles..
My God, he nailed Dean Martin!
Loved this man, a special human being, the greatest entertainer ever, could do anything.
My God, he's so fast, so brilliant, the audience can barely keep up- confidence, love and hard, hard, work!!!!!
SDJ had it ALL- Rest in Peace-
Dec.8: Happy birthday Singer-actor-dancer Samuel George "Sammy" Davis Jr. (1925-1990) God bless. Thanks for the upload, corporalhenshaw. RIP Entertainer. Blessings
"two four six eight , we don't want to integrate" - lol 😂 This is a Truly Beautiful Human Being ! ! !
You just have to sit in awe of his talents. Actor, Comedian, Singer, Dancer, Master Impersonator, Musician on many instruments, he literally embodies entertainment.
Outstanding performance!!! Damn, where the talent has gone these days!!! New "artists" TAKE NOTE OF THIS, OK??
I'd been raised knowing Sammy was talented, but really hadn't known how talented until seeing this incredible performance!
Dec.8: Happy birthday Mr. Sammy Davis Jr. (Perhaps) the world's greatest entertainer. RIP. Thanks for the upload. Blessings
Vocally, Sammy could never hope to impersonate Frank or Dean because his voice was so superior and distinctive. There are so few male vocalists who have ever come up to the lofty heights of Sammy Davis, maybe Mel Torme was up there vocally in his own style. Entertainers of Sammy Davis Jnr's calibre come along once in a lifetime, if you're lucky.
I fondly remember seeing Sammy perform at the old Sydney Stadium, long before we had a decent venue in Sydney for concerts.His charm, wit and awesome talent will never be forgotten.
Denis May
That had to be amazing!!!
Hi Ron,
There was supposed to be a Grand Piano in the Orchestra but they couldn't fit it in so Sammy made them carry it in just to show he wasn't kidding. A real priceless memory. Sammy had more talent in his little finger than half of Hollywood.
Always inspirational! A multi talented, multi faceted performer.
I am glad that there are so many people who appreciate this extraordinary talent. There will always be the occasional individual who will somehow come across quality like this and use it to attract attention to themselves. How about we ignore them?
***** "extraordinary talent" my ass (LOL)
***** What year was this? I know this was way before my time, but it speaks to me. Thanks for uploading. Just getting to know who this talented man was in these past few minutes.
My Two Cents It was some time in the early-mid sixties.
***** Oh shut up Corporalhenshaw.
My Two Cents it speaks to you? yes he was talented ....if you have shit for brains.....now go smoke some more pot....(What a Stoner) LOL
What a great talent he was. Thanks for sharing this.
I always appreciated his talent.. It's was a CLASS act to follow.. Those were the days.. No one will ever be close to that era...I love to be able to see this anytime I need my Sammy Davis, Dean Martin, or Sinatra ! Thank you , for our technology on bringing this to us!
To be gifted with any one of this mans talents would make you a star..........this IS a true superstar...........too good for words..........
This is one of the most amazing performances I've ever seen
I have adored Sammy my whole life. There never has been nor will there ever be any like him. 💞
You can see the influences Sammy gave Michael Jackson.
Michael wasn’t a pimple on Sammy’s behind!
Sammy Davis is a talent like no other...just imagine.....all rolled in one person.....tap dancer ,drummer ,vibraphone player ,impersonator,actor,and singer.....and all par excellence.....the man's a genius !!!!
First and last of an amazing versatile genius performer. He gives grace to the phrase "The hardest working man in show business."
On this earth 75 years and I still claim Sammy's 1960's recording of "What kind of fool am I" both vocal & arrangement is the single greatest recording of a pop song ever! It was
a special moment in time.
That Dean impression was brilliant
I'm 34 years old, I'm a musician myself but I have yet to find someone who could even barely hold a candle to Mr Davis. I would kill for that voice.
Sammy: I'll have one for my baby AND A WHOLE CASE FOR THE ROOOAAAAADDD
That's a damn mood 🥃🤨🥃
The greatest entertainer ever. An absolute genius !
Sammy's got to be my favourite hoofer ever.
Sammy was one of the most all-around, versatile and talented entertainers of my life-time. Always enjoyed and appreciated him.
Wow! Such a talented man. Love it.
bravo that was so lovely thank you I love tap dancing !!!
Thank you, Corporal. This performance clearly demonstrates the difference in the profession from then to now. Actual talent was once a prerequisite in addition to the machinations and backstabbing. Today, all we get are packaged, manufactured personalities, usually with no more than average talent.
Today's talent should be ashamed of themselves. Best show I've seen in a long time.
Sammy, take a bow, you legend!
I'm from India, I just happened to watch Sammy's video. Hell, how did I miss him all these years. What a genius he is. Has there ever been an entertainer like him ever? He tap dances, plays drums like hell, plays piano, impersonates, sings....what a talent. I am big fan of Victor Borge, but Sammy is just...........
The Dino impression was astounding. Sammy is so fucking talented.
+Yuki Iwama ....yes Sammy is talented ....if you have sh-it for Brains.
lenspaulding it's all relative, isn't it? :)
+Yuki Iwama ....yes of course Yuki. Everything is.
Sammy Davis Jr. had such an indomitable joyful spirit! And shared his amazing gift with the world so graciously! Thank you for posting this phenomenal performance!
You can hear Dean Martin in the audience lol
I am so happy I grew up watching and enjoying the talents of this incredible entertainer! Thank you Sammy!
How can you NOT like this? Sammy's -in my opinion- is greater than Sinatra.
Completely unique styles. Also - Sinatra was a great actor - Much to his own frustration, Sammy was a lightweight in that category. But why compare them at all. How very stupid of you.
Yank ee I think they were saying as an overall talent Sammy was better
Singer. Dancer. Actor. Comedian. Comic (there IS a difference). Impressionist. Multi-instrumentalist. Rugged Individualist. Highly intelligent. Humble. It's incredible how talented this man was, and how polarizing he still is. RIP Sam, you earned it.
Wow he was absolutely Amazing! He was truly one of a knd.
Versatile, superb entertainer... Sadly missed even after all this time. So glad RUclips and people like you provide us with great experiences. Cheers:-)
One of the Greatest of ALL TIME!!!!!
Possibly the greatest male entertainer of all time, this man could do it all. His talent knew no bounds.
Sammy will always be remembered as a great showman long live his memory !
He makes it look so effortless 😊
Always loved Sammy's impersonation of Jerry Lewis. God bless Sammy!
I love seeing all the adoring comments on Sammy ! I personally had the privilege of speding time with him, two of his wives and most of his kids. I wont say too much because of respecting privacy of his legacy, but I will say he was a " Class Act" 100 percent. Always treated me as family, was extremely generous to all, and Loved All People, of Any race, creed color" as said on the front door of his house! He was an Original! And as
Many have said in the comments he was "the Entertainer" of all Entertainer's! I saw most all of the acts performing for 50 + years and Sammy could out perform all of them! Singing, dancing, Gun shows& quick draw, ( his skills were unmatched by professionals... the instruments drumbs. Horns, pisno. His Acting on stage, TV shows , Broadway musicals... Worldwide & in the.military& prisons that he did for Free! Don forget how much Michael Jackson studied, copied and adored Sammy's greatness! He opened many doors for others, worldwide that wouldn't have had the opportunity if not for Sammy's preserverance .Additionally for anyone who thinks there may have been someone better than Sammy look at all of the other fenominal contributions this man made to the world with love , talent and all of his money he gave to the college funds. His human rights contributions, his race relations contributions, political contributions to the beniifit of this country. He also made an impact worldwide, entertaining with love & talent never seen before. Additionally if you try to compare3 him to others, remember the Racism & beatings he had to endure, including death threats to him & his family... So for a small man is stature he will Always be a " Giant" of humanity " A true humanitarian, a Genius & a man of supreme Intelligence with a amazing understanding of real people!!! God bless Mr. D ,& anyone who was able to see or hear his " Greatness in any form.
They don't make them like this anymore!
Sammy is such a big talent he can ever be forgotten...all you can do is enjoy.
sammy had class,talent and a awesome personality, he can be easily group in with frank sinatra, both had true alpha male qualities.
Thanks for reminding me what a great entertainer is !
And what a great comedian he was too. Not to mention the magic feet....
The one and only Sammy!
Singer, Dancer, Imitator, talent at it's best.
Perhaps the flame will be re-lit by a child who will draw inspiration from seeing this and the many other gems that have been left behind as bread crumbs on the path for the taking . . . Thank you for posting this!
Sammy Davis Jr was a fucking genius! How can so much incredible talent be concetrated in one person?
MsG
Friends...THIS is what TRUE COMEDY and TALENT are! Thank you for sharing!
Oooo he’s doing young Brando not old Brando! Love it!!!
got to say, loved ole blue eyes, but as far as all round talent, Sammy had it all! Thank you for this :)
The King of short entertainers... Great footage!!!
This is why today's performance can never natch up to The Ultimate Performer we see here. By the time God gave Mr. Davis all that talent, God ran out and not enough time had passed for Him to make more to give to today's performers.
I don't know how or why you managed to have this wonderful video of this one-man-entertainer who really could do it all but I thank you for sharing it with us - I really had forgotten how talented he actually was.
SO SO SO SO GREAT!!!! THANK U SAMMY U CHEERED ME UP TODAY!
Frank was the charismatic one, and Sammy had the most talent for sure, but let's have a little love for Dino here -- he was the coolest one. Just saying.
totally agree. :D
Calvin Maynard you sound like an old lard ass drunk for pete's sake!! (LOL)
lenspaulding well I'm 18, 5'10", slim, and don't drink (yet), so wrong on all counts I'm afraid.
***** not in my state.
***** But it's not cool drinking. I look forward to Rat Pack style drinking, with bourbon and whiskeys in short glasses, not vodka jello and tequila shots.
I remember seeing him on TV years ago when he was doing impersonations. I was a kid and was totally amazed how he captured the person he was doing. Then he did a drum solo. Next thing he sang and each thing he did flowed from him so easily, naturally. Probably because he'd been doing it since a little kid with his parents in burlesque.
Genius talent to shine through in the time he lived in.
Sammy was waaaay beyond awesome! I miss this extraordinary talent!
That was THE GREATEST Dean Martin impression ever, holy shit. Accurate as fuck.
lol what? Are you okay?
+lenspaulding why do you keep coming back to spread hate on every comment here? We get it. You don't like Sammy Davis Jr...... Live and let live pal, just because people have different tastes to you, doesn't mean you have to hate on them.
+Christian Brown ...yes you're right. Just can't get over the fact that anyone can find him entertaining.
+Rhythmista ....true talent? What is talent really? I'll bet you every person in this Country has some type of talent. And if your Life is that trivial that you watch things like this on your computer.....may I suggest you donate your time to the truly needy in this country!
+lenspaulding It's funny 'cause you're soo wrong! Lol...
Wow, what a great video I remember Sammy Davis Jr but I haven't seen one of his performances since I was a kid. Thanks for posting this.