This episode is about a man who has been called the greatest entertainer of the twentieth century. Jeez, look at that. So naturally I wanted to talk to a car expert.

This episode is about a man who has been called the greatest entertainer of the twentieth century. Jeez, look at that. So naturally I wanted to talk to a car expert.

Yeah, that's a gorgeous vehicle, beautifully restored.

Yeah, that's a gorgeous vehicle, beautifully restored.

I'm with my friend Matt Anderson, he's the curator of transportation at the Henry Ford Museum, and we're in a suburb of Detroit looking at a stunning, shiny red nineteen fifty three Cadillac El Dorado with the car's owner, Neil Porter. A lot of the parts of the car were handbuilt. The wrap around windshield is cool. The curve in the glass, this is.

I'm with my friend Matt Anderson, he's the curator of transportation at the Henry Ford Museum, and we're in a suburb of Detroit looking at a stunning, shiny red nineteen fifty three Cadillac El Dorado with the car's owner, Neil Porter. A lot of the parts of the car were handbuilt. The wrap around windshield is cool. The curve in the glass, this is.

The very first of the wrap around windshields nineteen fifty three.

The very first of the wrap around windshields nineteen fifty three.

Bottom.

Bottom.

Neil invited me to sit behind the wheel for you to get in in. These seats are what leather? Leather, leather, not leave. This is one heck of a car, the height of luxury. And can I just point out that, like power windows were a big deal in the late seventies, but there's a prominent design flaw. Let's talk about the steering wheel.

Neil invited me to sit behind the wheel for you to get in in. These seats are what leather? Leather, leather, not leave. This is one heck of a car, the height of luxury. And can I just point out that, like power windows were a big deal in the late seventies, but there's a prominent design flaw. Let's talk about the steering wheel.

Yeah.

Yeah.

One of the things he's notice is that at the center of the steering wheel the hub. There looks like the nose cone on a missile.

One of the things he's notice is that at the center of the steering wheel the hub. There looks like the nose cone on a missile.

Almost that's right jutting out from the center of the steering wheel is a comical chrome protrusion, and straight at the driver's face.

Almost that's right jutting out from the center of the steering wheel is a comical chrome protrusion, and straight at the driver's face.

It has no functional purpose. It's simply there to kind of look cool.

It has no functional purpose. It's simply there to kind of look cool.

And cool certainly describes the man who was driving his own El Dorado in the wee small hours of November nineteenth, nineteen fifty four. Sammy Davis Junior was a twenty eight year old, fast rising nightclub performer, singer, comic and boy What a dancer heading from a show in Vegas to a recording gig in Los Angeles when he collided with another car in San Bernardino, California, and the left side of his face collided with that steering wheel. The car had no seat belts.

And cool certainly describes the man who was driving his own El Dorado in the wee small hours of November nineteenth, nineteen fifty four. Sammy Davis Junior was a twenty eight year old, fast rising nightclub performer, singer, comic and boy What a dancer heading from a show in Vegas to a recording gig in Los Angeles when he collided with another car in San Bernardino, California, and the left side of his face collided with that steering wheel. The car had no seat belts.

This is what caused Sammy Davis Junior to lose his eye. In his accident, he did not have time to react it out of the way, so he went flying. His head came and hit against that protrusion and went right into his left eye socket and in fact knocked the eye out of the socket.

This is what caused Sammy Davis Junior to lose his eye. In his accident, he did not have time to react it out of the way, so he went flying. His head came and hit against that protrusion and went right into his left eye socket and in fact knocked the eye out of the socket.

My father had been calling in the middle of the night to go to Saint Bernardine's Hospital to take care of a man who had a very serious car accident and injured his eye and needed some help.

My father had been calling in the middle of the night to go to Saint Bernardine's Hospital to take care of a man who had a very serious car accident and injured his eye and needed some help.

Nancy Gollup is the daughter of the late doctor Frederick Hall. He was the surgeon who rushed to the hospital to work on Sammy. Nancy was thirteen years old at the time.

Nancy Gollup is the daughter of the late doctor Frederick Hall. He was the surgeon who rushed to the hospital to work on Sammy. Nancy was thirteen years old at the time.

And so what my father basically did was to save Sammy from losing the other eye. But the first question that Sammy purportedly asking my dad was were his legs?

And so what my father basically did was to save Sammy from losing the other eye. But the first question that Sammy purportedly asking my dad was were his legs?

Okay, wow, that's very telling, right, Yes, I thought that was Poigners. Also, the traumatic event opens Sammy's autobiography, Yes I Can. Here's a passage read by his co author Bert Boyard. As I ran my hand over my cheek, I felt my eye hanging there by a string. Frantically, I tried to stuff it back in, like if I could do that, it would stay there and nobody would know. The ground went out from under me, and I was on my knees. Don't let me go blind, Please, God, don't take.

Okay, wow, that's very telling, right, Yes, I thought that was Poigners. Also, the traumatic event opens Sammy's autobiography, Yes I Can. Here's a passage read by his co author Bert Boyard. As I ran my hand over my cheek, I felt my eye hanging there by a string. Frantically, I tried to stuff it back in, like if I could do that, it would stay there and nobody would know. The ground went out from under me, and I was on my knees. Don't let me go blind, Please, God, don't take.

It all away.

It all away.

Now.

Now.

When Sammy says don't take it all away, he's not praying for his life, at least not the way you or I might be he's talking about his life in showbiz, all the beautiful things, all the plans, the laughs. They were lying out there, smashed, just like the car. Sammy spent almost two weeks in the San Bernardino hospital recovering. Later on, he'd famously be fitted for a glass eye, and the outpouring of love was almost like a memorial service.

When Sammy says don't take it all away, he's not praying for his life, at least not the way you or I might be he's talking about his life in showbiz, all the beautiful things, all the plans, the laughs. They were lying out there, smashed, just like the car. Sammy spent almost two weeks in the San Bernardino hospital recovering. Later on, he'd famously be fitted for a glass eye, and the outpouring of love was almost like a memorial service.

There was a telegram from Marilyn Monroe which just thrilled Sammy.

There was a telegram from Marilyn Monroe which just thrilled Sammy.

Two pieces, Eddie Canter, Jackie Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald. They all sent telegrams, even the waiters at the Hollywood night club Zeros, where he'd become an overnight sensation just three years before. The admiration of his friends and peers mattered, But in a life of dramatic ups and downs, was the adulation of audiences that would sustain him, in the words of one friend, nourish him. And he gave those audiences everything he had.

Two pieces, Eddie Canter, Jackie Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald. They all sent telegrams, even the waiters at the Hollywood night club Zeros, where he'd become an overnight sensation just three years before. The admiration of his friends and peers mattered, But in a life of dramatic ups and downs, was the adulation of audiences that would sustain him, in the words of one friend, nourish him. And he gave those audiences everything he had.

I've got a lot of living to do.

I've got a lot of living to do.

This is what he was trained to do. It was in every atom of his DNA. It's what he did. He did it well, he did it graciously, He did it gratefully, and he wasn't trying to bludget anybody over the head. And he wasn't just in his performance, it's just what he did, it's who he was. I gotta be me. Who's me, the world's greatest entertainer, Sammy Davis Junior.

This is what he was trained to do. It was in every atom of his DNA. It's what he did. He did it well, he did it graciously, He did it gratefully, and he wasn't trying to bludget anybody over the head. And he wasn't just in his performance, it's just what he did, it's who he was. I gotta be me. Who's me, the world's greatest entertainer, Sammy Davis Junior.

I'm Morocca and this is mobituaries, this moment, Sammy Davis Junior. May sixteenth, nineteen ninety death of the entertainer.

I'm Morocca and this is mobituaries, this moment, Sammy Davis Junior. May sixteenth, nineteen ninety death of the entertainer.

I think that it's probably the best thing that's ever happened to me.

I think that it's probably the best thing that's ever happened to me.

It's probably an odd thing to say.

It's probably an odd thing to say.

My friends rallied around me and convinced me that it was still a lot to be done and that I probably probably wouldn't matter. And as it turned out.

My friends rallied around me and convinced me that it was still a lot to be done and that I probably probably wouldn't matter. And as it turned out.

That's Sammy Davis Junior talking about the crash that nearly killed him. I'm not surprised by the outpouring of love at that hospital. I've been a correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning for over ten years now. I've interviewed probably over one hundred celebrities, and there's one name that's popped up more than any.

That's Sammy Davis Junior talking about the crash that nearly killed him. I'm not surprised by the outpouring of love at that hospital. I've been a correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning for over ten years now. I've interviewed probably over one hundred celebrities, and there's one name that's popped up more than any.

Other, Sammy Davis Junior.

Other, Sammy Davis Junior.

Former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown told me about his friend's command over an audience.

Former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown told me about his friend's command over an audience.

When he was on stage.

When he was on stage.

You would be overwhelmed.

You would be overwhelmed.

Kim Novak and Nancy Sinatra each talked about what a joy Sammy was to be around.

Kim Novak and Nancy Sinatra each talked about what a joy Sammy was to be around.

He was such a fun person. Sammy was part of the family.

He was such a fun person. Sammy was part of the family.

LeVar Burton and Ben Vereen revered Sammy as a role model.

LeVar Burton and Ben Vereen revered Sammy as a role model.

It wasn't all the time that I saw people on TV who look like me.

It wasn't all the time that I saw people on TV who look like me.

If there was a black actor on TV in those days, we'd watched Sammy would.

If there was a black actor on TV in those days, we'd watched Sammy would.

Come on on The Ed Sullivan Show and.

Come on on The Ed Sullivan Show and.

Do everything, and I was bleed everything.

Do everything, and I was bleed everything.

He did everything.

He did everything.

Yes, when the subject turns to Sammy, the superlatives start flying easily.

Yes, when the subject turns to Sammy, the superlatives start flying easily.

The greatest.

The greatest.

He was everything.

He was everything.

He could play any instrument, he could sing, he could dance like a maniac.

He could play any instrument, he could sing, he could dance like a maniac.

That's Broadway legend, Cheeta Rivera. Is there anyone like Sammy Davis Junior today.

That's Broadway legend, Cheeta Rivera. Is there anyone like Sammy Davis Junior today.

I have not ever seen anybody. I just never saw anything like him in my life.

I have not ever seen anybody. I just never saw anything like him in my life.

It says it right there on his tombstone in Hollywood's Forest Lawn, the entertainer. He did it all.

It says it right there on his tombstone in Hollywood's Forest Lawn, the entertainer. He did it all.

Daddy was a new sensation, got himself a congregation, built up quite an up ration down band.

Daddy was a new sensation, got himself a congregation, built up quite an up ration down band.

And he did singing, dancing, acting, comedy. He was at least a quadruple threat quintuple if you count his gun spinning routine or upplog. It helped that he started early.

And he did singing, dancing, acting, comedy. He was at least a quadruple threat quintuple if you count his gun spinning routine or upplog. It helped that he started early.

I won an amateur contest at the Stanley Theater in Philadelphia when I was three and a half years old, singing I'll be glad when You're dead, You rascal.

I won an amateur contest at the Stanley Theater in Philadelphia when I was three and a half years old, singing I'll be glad when You're dead, You rascal.

You that seven year old Sammy singing the same song in the movie musical short Rufus Jones for President. Sammy Davis Junior was born in Harlem, Woman in nineteen twenty five. His mother, Elvera Sanchez, was Latin and a dancer. His father was a hoofer. His parents split up early, and just when most kids start school, Sammy hit the road the vaudeville circuit with his father, Sam Senior, and Will Maston, a family friend he called his uncle. They were billed as the Will Maston Trio. Here's Sammy reminiscing with his father in a nineteen seventy three TV special.

You that seven year old Sammy singing the same song in the movie musical short Rufus Jones for President. Sammy Davis Junior was born in Harlem, Woman in nineteen twenty five. His mother, Elvera Sanchez, was Latin and a dancer. His father was a hoofer. His parents split up early, and just when most kids start school, Sammy hit the road the vaudeville circuit with his father, Sam Senior, and Will Maston, a family friend he called his uncle. They were billed as the Will Maston Trio. Here's Sammy reminiscing with his father in a nineteen seventy three TV special.

What Place We plainly who?

What Place We plainly who?

We were playing?

We were playing?

Minsky's Lynsky's, Yeah, Minskis Berlin's House, forty second Street, doing jigleson right.

Minsky's Lynsky's, Yeah, Minskis Berlin's House, forty second Street, doing jigleson right.

And I used to add a cigarette, yeah, And.

And I used to add a cigarette, yeah, And.

I was passing off as a midget.

I was passing off as a midget.

I don't want midget.

I don't want midget.

With that then, but you were five.

With that then, but you were five.

The trio was a success, but it was the diminutive Sammy Davis Junior even as an adult. He was just five foot five who stood out. Shirley McLain remembered Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra sneaking her into ceroes to see this dynamo who.

The trio was a success, but it was the diminutive Sammy Davis Junior even as an adult. He was just five foot five who stood out. Shirley McLain remembered Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra sneaking her into ceroes to see this dynamo who.

Was dancing and singing and performing in the middle of a trio.

Was dancing and singing and performing in the middle of a trio.

She told this story on stage to Sammy had a tribute show in his honor in nineteen eighty nine, towards the end of his life.

She told this story on stage to Sammy had a tribute show in his honor in nineteen eighty nine, towards the end of his life.

The two people on either side of you were terrific. But I could not believe my eyes and my ears never had so much come out of something so small for so long.

The two people on either side of you were terrific. But I could not believe my eyes and my ears never had so much come out of something so small for so long.

She's right, there was a light that came out of him that made it impossible not to look at him, that made him more than the sum of his mad individual talents. Let's talk about his impressions, which I loved, his Bogey perfect.

She's right, there was a light that came out of him that made it impossible not to look at him, that made him more than the sum of his mad individual talents. Let's talk about his impressions, which I loved, his Bogey perfect.

I'd like to say that it's really been a pleasure entertaining all of you nice folks shot there.

I'd like to say that it's really been a pleasure entertaining all of you nice folks shot there.

It's really been one of the great thrills of my time.

It's really been one of the great thrills of my time.

His Cagney spot.

His Cagney spot.

On yes, wing that great h all in love, that's in you, you dirty.

On yes, wing that great h all in love, that's in you, you dirty.

Rat, and now listened to his marvelously muttering Marlon Brando A.

Rat, and now listened to his marvelously muttering Marlon Brando A.

Baby kisses, I will personally deliver if you will only sing this morning roof over day.

Baby kisses, I will personally deliver if you will only sing this morning roof over day.

His friend, the Oscar winning songwriter Leslie Brickis told me that growing up, Sammy spent a lot of time in movie theaters. It became sort of his school, since he never spent a single day in an actual school.

His friend, the Oscar winning songwriter Leslie Brickis told me that growing up, Sammy spent a lot of time in movie theaters. It became sort of his school, since he never spent a single day in an actual school.

He used to speak along with the actors, imitating them, you know, carry Grant or Humphy Bogat. He learned the accents. He'd do the voice with them, and that's how he perfected it. He couldn't let anything go by.

He used to speak along with the actors, imitating them, you know, carry Grant or Humphy Bogat. He learned the accents. He'd do the voice with them, and that's how he perfected it. He couldn't let anything go by.

There's this bit I've seen from an old Julie Andrews Variety show. Julie Andrews Variety Show. Don't you just love the sound of that? Anyway, On the show, Sammy and the impressionist Rich Little engage in a friendly competition.

There's this bit I've seen from an old Julie Andrews Variety show. Julie Andrews Variety Show. Don't you just love the sound of that? Anyway, On the show, Sammy and the impressionist Rich Little engage in a friendly competition.

Why don't we forget about impressions and just see?

Why don't we forget about impressions and just see?

Oh Sammy sings as an acting cole.

Oh Sammy sings as an acting cole.

I've just found joy.

I've just found joy.

I'm as happy.

I'm as happy.

All you, blaye the bar.

All you, blaye the bar.

Rich does liberacim parvised and Sammy does his Jerry Lewis to Riches Dean Martin, You.

Rich does liberacim parvised and Sammy does his Jerry Lewis to Riches Dean Martin, You.

And the way.

And the way.

Wait a minute, you know I'm watching it, and rich Little is technically better, but Sammy is just better. I'd rather watch Sammy. So what's happening there?

Wait a minute, you know I'm watching it, and rich Little is technically better, but Sammy is just better. I'd rather watch Sammy. So what's happening there?

The genius of Sammy's when he imitated someone, He imitated them from the inside out, and rich Little imitates someone from the outside inn and Sammy gets to the essence of that person.

The genius of Sammy's when he imitated someone, He imitated them from the inside out, and rich Little imitates someone from the outside inn and Sammy gets to the essence of that person.

This is Larry Maslon. He's the writer and co producer of the film American Masters. Sammy Davis Junior. I've got to be me and he's super smart.

This is Larry Maslon. He's the writer and co producer of the film American Masters. Sammy Davis Junior. I've got to be me and he's super smart.

Nobody imitated musicians and singers the way sam That's.

Nobody imitated musicians and singers the way sam That's.

Really interesting because you've got to be able to have the talent of channeling them and have their talent as well, right right, right.

Really interesting because you've got to be able to have the talent of channeling them and have their talent as well, right right, right.

Lo Wie, where You're.

Lo Wie, where You're.

Sammy's talent as a singer is often well undersung. It's not so much that he had a technically beautiful voice, but cliche alert. He knew how to make a song his own. And in this episode, we're going to use three of the songs he famously sang to tell his story.

Sammy's talent as a singer is often well undersung. It's not so much that he had a technically beautiful voice, but cliche alert. He knew how to make a song his own. And in this episode, we're going to use three of the songs he famously sang to tell his story.

Whether I'm right.

Whether I'm right.

Larry Maslon calls I've Got to Be Me the ultimate Sammy song.

Larry Maslon calls I've Got to Be Me the ultimate Sammy song.

I mean, it's everything, and that's who he was.

I mean, it's everything, and that's who he was.

I gotta be mean.

I gotta be mean.

And yet the song wasn't written for Sammy.

And yet the song wasn't written for Sammy.

Or Settle falls.

Or Settle falls.

As long as there's not much charms.

As long as there's not much charms.

But Steve Lawrence sang it first in a musical called Golden Rainbow, about a single dad living in Vegas. The musical also starred Steve's wife, Evie Gourmet incredible voice. Anyway, Steve thought this song, written by Walter Marx might be more powerful coming from his friend.

But Steve Lawrence sang it first in a musical called Golden Rainbow, about a single dad living in Vegas. The musical also starred Steve's wife, Evie Gourmet incredible voice. Anyway, Steve thought this song, written by Walter Marx might be more powerful coming from his friend.

The lyric content was like whether I'm right, whether I'm wrong, whether I find a place in this world or never belong. It interpreted this black man in this society at that time, this man who is different than everybody else. I called him. I said, sam You're going to do this your own way and better. It meant more coming from him than it did from me. He recorded it, bang, he went to the top of the chots.

The lyric content was like whether I'm right, whether I'm wrong, whether I find a place in this world or never belong. It interpreted this black man in this society at that time, this man who is different than everybody else. I called him. I said, sam You're going to do this your own way and better. It meant more coming from him than it did from me. He recorded it, bang, he went to the top of the chots.

We'll go it alone.

We'll go it alone.

So it must now being me for Sammy Davis Junior was a complicated matter. For one thing, he was an African American man who would later convert to Judaism.

So it must now being me for Sammy Davis Junior was a complicated matter. For one thing, he was an African American man who would later convert to Judaism.

My mother is a Puerto Rican, so that means I'm colored Jewish and Puerto Rican.

My mother is a Puerto Rican, so that means I'm colored Jewish and Puerto Rican.

When I move into a neighborhood, I wipe it out.

When I move into a neighborhood, I wipe it out.

That's a joke he told a lot when he was performing with the rat Pack in the nineteen sixties. FYI were not spending a lot of time with the rat Pack in this episode. It's been done to death. Throughout his life, Sammy mined his unique identity for humor and to diffuse tension. Remember Warren Batty announcing the wrong Best Picture Oscar winner in twenty seventeen. Sammy was ahead of his time. Here he is in nineteen sixty four announcing the Oscar for movie scoring.

That's a joke he told a lot when he was performing with the rat Pack in the nineteen sixties. FYI were not spending a lot of time with the rat Pack in this episode. It's been done to death. Throughout his life, Sammy mined his unique identity for humor and to diffuse tension. Remember Warren Batty announcing the wrong Best Picture Oscar winner in twenty seventeen. Sammy was ahead of his time. Here he is in nineteen sixty four announcing the Oscar for movie scoring.

And the winner is John Addison for Tom Jones.

And the winner is John Addison for Tom Jones.

Except that it wasn't. Sammy handled his snack for me without skipping a beat.

Except that it wasn't. Sammy handled his snack for me without skipping a beat.

They gave me the wrong envelope. Wait till the NAACP hears about this.

They gave me the wrong envelope. Wait till the NAACP hears about this.

But earlier in his life his talent played a much more vital role. It helped him survive.

But earlier in his life his talent played a much more vital role. It helped him survive.

They painted you white, they poured urine in your beer, things of that name.

They painted you white, they poured urine in your beer, things of that name.

I mean, did these things really happen? Yes, they really happen.

I mean, did these things really happen? Yes, they really happen.

That's Sammy talking to our senior Hall. In nineteen forty three, eighteen year old Sammy came off the road when he was drafted into the army and into one of the first integrated units. Until then, his father and uncle had tried as best they could to shell him from racism. Now there was no one to protect him.

That's Sammy talking to our senior Hall. In nineteen forty three, eighteen year old Sammy came off the road when he was drafted into the army and into one of the first integrated units. Until then, his father and uncle had tried as best they could to shell him from racism. Now there was no one to protect him.

I was in a kind of an odd situation because I'm going, hey, I don't know anything about.

I was in a kind of an odd situation because I'm going, hey, I don't know anything about.

This outside world.

This outside world.

I belonged to show business. Show business says, hey, I got a bar, and let's put the show on here. You know, all of those cliches I lived, you know, and the other guys are going, you'll be doing that. You gon'll get us in trouble. You know, I got my nose broke three times and it hurt, and you couldn't do anything about it. You had nobody to back you up.

I belonged to show business. Show business says, hey, I got a bar, and let's put the show on here. You know, all of those cliches I lived, you know, and the other guys are going, you'll be doing that. You gon'll get us in trouble. You know, I got my nose broke three times and it hurt, and you couldn't do anything about it. You had nobody to back you up.

Trips to the infirmary were regular. That's how many fights he was getting into. But when he got transferred to an entertainment unit, things got better for him. He once told his daughter, talent was my only weapon.

Trips to the infirmary were regular. That's how many fights he was getting into. But when he got transferred to an entertainment unit, things got better for him. He once told his daughter, talent was my only weapon.

With a white situation of a black situation, you do it with humor. I tried to do it with entertaining, to try to get some doors open, because all of them were closed in those days, all of them were closed.

With a white situation of a black situation, you do it with humor. I tried to do it with entertaining, to try to get some doors open, because all of them were closed in those days, all of them were closed.

Well, sammy them open. Remember those impressions he did. They weren't just funny, they were bold. Back in the late forties, black performers didn't do impressions of white performers in front of white audiences, that is until Sammy did.

Well, sammy them open. Remember those impressions he did. They weren't just funny, they were bold. Back in the late forties, black performers didn't do impressions of white performers in front of white audiences, that is until Sammy did.

My dad Will said, big interest, one of these days you keep doing white.

My dad Will said, big interest, one of these days you keep doing white.

People, you know.

People, you know.

And I went on and did it now in the Strand Theater. The first time I went, you dirty rat, a guy in the audience said, my god, he sounds just like him. What he was really saying, I'm looking at a black man for the first time, do a white man. Well, it was so good that we went from opening act to closing.

And I went on and did it now in the Strand Theater. The first time I went, you dirty rat, a guy in the audience said, my god, he sounds just like him. What he was really saying, I'm looking at a black man for the first time, do a white man. Well, it was so good that we went from opening act to closing.

Now. Imitating white performers was one thing. Dating a white woman was another. His relationship with screen siren Kim Novak was considered scandalous. In nineteen fifty seven, I talked to Kim recently on her horse farm in Oregon. That was its explosive back then.

Now. Imitating white performers was one thing. Dating a white woman was another. His relationship with screen siren Kim Novak was considered scandalous. In nineteen fifty seven, I talked to Kim recently on her horse farm in Oregon. That was its explosive back then.

At that time, it was it certainly was so ridiculous.

At that time, it was it certainly was so ridiculous.

And what was that like for you?

And what was that like for you?

At that time, Harry Conbe threatened to take his other eye out.

At that time, Harry Conbe threatened to take his other eye out.

Harry Khane was the much feared head of Columbia Pictures, and he really did. Oh, of course.

Harry Khane was the much feared head of Columbia Pictures, and he really did. Oh, of course.

However, we saw each other, but I was never in love.

However, we saw each other, but I was never in love.

Certainly it was Sammy. Do you think that he was infatuated with you? Oh he was.

Certainly it was Sammy. Do you think that he was infatuated with you? Oh he was.

He had a good crush on a nice crush. I mean we had such fun times together, we really did. But it certainly not worth losing an eye over.

He had a good crush on a nice crush. I mean we had such fun times together, we really did. But it certainly not worth losing an eye over.

I'm just trying to square this sort of drive to make an audience happy and the public happy, and then doing these things that are really ballsy.

I'm just trying to square this sort of drive to make an audience happy and the public happy, and then doing these things that are really ballsy.

Well, I'm not sure he viewed them as ballsy.

Well, I'm not sure he viewed them as ballsy.

That's Sammy's friend, former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown.

That's Sammy's friend, former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown.

I'm sure he viewed them as being just Davis junior.

I'm sure he viewed them as being just Davis junior.

And in nineteen seventy two, being Sammy Davis Junior meant embracing President Richard Nixon during his reelection campaign. Quite literally, Sammy hugged Nixon, and let's just say much of the public did not hug back.

And in nineteen seventy two, being Sammy Davis Junior meant embracing President Richard Nixon during his reelection campaign. Quite literally, Sammy hugged Nixon, and let's just say much of the public did not hug back.

You've had a lot of criticism from some black groups, right because I bothered you.

You've had a lot of criticism from some black groups, right because I bothered you.

Yes, of course.

Yes, of course.

Do you think that he was shocked at the reaction he got when he embraced Nixon.

Do you think that he was shocked at the reaction he got when he embraced Nixon.

Yes, I think that shocked him.

Yes, I think that shocked him.

But Willie Brown says, Sammy knew exactly what he was doing.

But Willie Brown says, Sammy knew exactly what he was doing.

Many African Americans in this country were Republicans. Sammy was conscious of that because some of them were his friends.

Many African Americans in this country were Republicans. Sammy was conscious of that because some of them were his friends.

And contrary to most tellings of this story, Brown says, it wasn't primarily African American fans who were outraged.

And contrary to most tellings of this story, Brown says, it wasn't primarily African American fans who were outraged.

They were basically white liberals who could not understand how such as symbolic black could be embracing somebody like Richard Nixon.

They were basically white liberals who could not understand how such as symbolic black could be embracing somebody like Richard Nixon.

So most of the disapproval you think came from white liberals.

So most of the disapproval you think came from white liberals.

I know it came from white liberals. Black people didn't give a shit about whether or not he embracings.

I know it came from white liberals. Black people didn't give a shit about whether or not he embracings.

Yeah, Sammy still felt the need later that year to address a less than warm audience at Jesse Jackson's Push Conference, a gathering of social justice activists.

Yeah, Sammy still felt the need later that year to address a less than warm audience at Jesse Jackson's Push Conference, a gathering of social justice activists.

Man, disagree if you will with my politics.

Man, disagree if you will with my politics.

It was a dramatic appearance.

It was a dramatic appearance.

But I will not allow anyone to take away the fact.

But I will not allow anyone to take away the fact.

That I am black.

That I am black.

It's moving because he's honest with his audience.

It's moving because he's honest with his audience.

That's Larry Maslon again.

That's Larry Maslon again.

Basically, he's saying, whatever you think of me and Richard Dixon. You know I'm a black man. You know what I've been through in the last forty years.

Basically, he's saying, whatever you think of me and Richard Dixon. You know I'm a black man. You know what I've been through in the last forty years.

I'm right, ah, rather wrong.

I'm right, ah, rather wrong.

If you don't want to take me, fine, but I'm going to put me out there. I gotta be me. What more of a statement can you have than that?

If you don't want to take me, fine, but I'm going to put me out there. I gotta be me. What more of a statement can you have than that?

I gotta be me, gotta be me?

I gotta be me, gotta be me?

What else can I be?

What else can I be?

It seems like showbiz for him was kind of like a rocket ship that took him on a voyage and helped him sort of overcome so many obstacles.

It seems like showbiz for him was kind of like a rocket ship that took him on a voyage and helped him sort of overcome so many obstacles.

His talent is a rocket ship, but gravity was being black in America, and that's what brought him back to Earth time and time again. This is his own words. I want to be so good that no one will notice I'm black. That's not really possible, is it?

His talent is a rocket ship, but gravity was being black in America, and that's what brought him back to Earth time and time again. This is his own words. I want to be so good that no one will notice I'm black. That's not really possible, is it?

What kind no.

What kind no.

Lives are they?

Lives are they?

Do?

Do?

You have a favorite Sammy song?

You have a favorite Sammy song?

That whispered Empty were Birds?

That whispered Empty were Birds?

What kind of fool am I? That's Dion Warwick's favorite Sammy song. It's about someone unable to find lasting love.

What kind of fool am I? That's Dion Warwick's favorite Sammy song. It's about someone unable to find lasting love.

That's the story he tells from the very first note. I mean, you cannot but believe every single word he's giving you. He floored me with that.

That's the story he tells from the very first note. I mean, you cannot but believe every single word he's giving you. He floored me with that.

What time because he was forever on tour and on the road. He never could sustain the relationship because he was never there for more than two weeks.

What time because he was forever on tour and on the road. He never could sustain the relationship because he was never there for more than two weeks.

Leslie Brickis wrote what kind of fool Am I? With Anthony Newley for the musical Stop the World? I Want to Get Off? But Sammy made it famous when he sings it. There's a great performance in nineteen sixty two on Andy Williams Show, and it's just so plaintive, almost anguished.

Leslie Brickis wrote what kind of fool Am I? With Anthony Newley for the musical Stop the World? I Want to Get Off? But Sammy made it famous when he sings it. There's a great performance in nineteen sixty two on Andy Williams Show, and it's just so plaintive, almost anguished.

What.

What.

Am well? He wasn't good act to too. But it also may have been a little bit of autobiography in there.

Am well? He wasn't good act to too. But it also may have been a little bit of autobiography in there.

You know, why can I cast away.

You know, why can I cast away.

This mask of play.

This mask of play.

And live my life? How do you make it thresh? Whatever I walk on that stage with that night, I try to translate into that rendition of the song, and it's a true, honest feeling.

And live my life? How do you make it thresh? Whatever I walk on that stage with that night, I try to translate into that rendition of the song, and it's a true, honest feeling.

I Sammy's romantic history was tumultuous. After Kim Novak. There was a short marriage to the African American actress Lay White, and then he married the white Swedish model and actress My brit That wedding was such a scandal he got disinvited from the JFK inaugural. Yes, that might have had something to do with his hugging Nixon. Later on, he and my had two kids before splitting up.

I Sammy's romantic history was tumultuous. After Kim Novak. There was a short marriage to the African American actress Lay White, and then he married the white Swedish model and actress My brit That wedding was such a scandal he got disinvited from the JFK inaugural. Yes, that might have had something to do with his hugging Nixon. Later on, he and my had two kids before splitting up.

My wife left me.

My wife left me.

You know, I took the kids.

You know, I took the kids.

Nothing was more important than being a star.

Nothing was more important than being a star.

So I've lost them.

So I've lost them.

I lost every ounce of what was valuable.

I lost every ounce of what was valuable.

I'd made the wrong choices.

I'd made the wrong choices.

Sammy was married three times in all, and dated plenty in between. Cheeta Rivera met Sammy when they worked together on the musical Mister Wonderful.

Sammy was married three times in all, and dated plenty in between. Cheeta Rivera met Sammy when they worked together on the musical Mister Wonderful.

And I was a snob when they asked me to do it. I went, he's from nightclubs. I mean, what's he going to do on a stage?

And I was a snob when they asked me to do it. I went, he's from nightclubs. I mean, what's he going to do on a stage?

You know?

You know?

And boy did I did? I eat my words?

And boy did I did? I eat my words?

And you were lovers? You were boyfriends and friend and what was that like? It was fabulous.

And you were lovers? You were boyfriends and friend and what was that like? It was fabulous.

He's as talented in that area as he was as he was otherwise.

He's as talented in that area as he was as he was otherwise.

But things got he did on one occasion.

But things got he did on one occasion.

I know this doesn't sound too crude, but we must have had some words which I don't remember ever having with him, but I remember he took his.

I know this doesn't sound too crude, but we must have had some words which I don't remember ever having with him, but I remember he took his.

Eye out, that would be his glass eye.

Eye out, that would be his glass eye.

The words that are in my head are is this what you want now? That sounds like an hour interview in itself. I know how dramatic that sounds, but I do remember that, and I'm not even sure that we were alone.

The words that are in my head are is this what you want now? That sounds like an hour interview in itself. I know how dramatic that sounds, but I do remember that, and I'm not even sure that we were alone.

Okay, sidebar. I was obsessed with glass eyes growing up. A relative of mine actually had one, or maybe his was rubber, I can't remember. It was a fake eye anyway. Recently I spoke with the fabulous Sandy Duncan. She performed with Sammy but never dated him, and she talked about the rumors that she had a glass eye.

Okay, sidebar. I was obsessed with glass eyes growing up. A relative of mine actually had one, or maybe his was rubber, I can't remember. It was a fake eye anyway. Recently I spoke with the fabulous Sandy Duncan. She performed with Sammy but never dated him, and she talked about the rumors that she had a glass eye.

Contrary to urban myth, I do not have a glass eye, so that'll put this to rest.

Contrary to urban myth, I do not have a glass eye, so that'll put this to rest.

But she did lose sight in one eye, and Sammy reached out to her.

But she did lose sight in one eye, and Sammy reached out to her.

She was very concerned about my having lost my vision through a brain tumor when I was twenty four, and he made contact immediately.

She was very concerned about my having lost my vision through a brain tumor when I was twenty four, and he made contact immediately.

Do you think that there is something in the recovery for him and for you that, actually, I don't know, made you even better as an entertainer.

Do you think that there is something in the recovery for him and for you that, actually, I don't know, made you even better as an entertainer.

I don't know if any better as an entertainer, but I certainly developed a discipline that nothing stops you. I've never missed a show in my life. I just didn't let it bother me. I had to get up and get out and do it.

I don't know if any better as an entertainer, but I certainly developed a discipline that nothing stops you. I've never missed a show in my life. I just didn't let it bother me. I had to get up and get out and do it.

So he was very helpful.

So he was very helpful.

What kind of fool am I?

What kind of fool am I?

Well, of course Sammy did fall in love and stay in love with his audience. I know it's a cliche. Well here comes another one. He's just so at home on stage. If you look at videos of him performing on variety shows, he does this thing where he'll end a big number and then he just sort of doubles over with laughter. He's had that much fun, almost like a kid showing off to his friends. But make no mistake, it might all look and sound off the couff. He knows exactly what he's doing with your.

Well, of course Sammy did fall in love and stay in love with his audience. I know it's a cliche. Well here comes another one. He's just so at home on stage. If you look at videos of him performing on variety shows, he does this thing where he'll end a big number and then he just sort of doubles over with laughter. He's had that much fun, almost like a kid showing off to his friends. But make no mistake, it might all look and sound off the couff. He knows exactly what he's doing with your.

Kind of mission.

Kind of mission.

May I simply stated how very wonderful and thrilled and.

May I simply stated how very wonderful and thrilled and.

Scared I am.

Scared I am.

You had to see this man's own a stage and an audience. He actually owned you. He put you into him.

You had to see this man's own a stage and an audience. He actually owned you. He put you into him.

Dion Warwick wasn't just his friend. She studied him. Well, that is a really interesting word when you say he owned the audience. What does that mean?

Dion Warwick wasn't just his friend. She studied him. Well, that is a really interesting word when you say he owned the audience. What does that mean?

When he worked on that stage, he knew that we were in the palm of his hand.

When he worked on that stage, he knew that we were in the palm of his hand.

People have to trust you.

People have to trust you.

For Sammy, this relationship with the audience was deeply personal.

For Sammy, this relationship with the audience was deeply personal.

People don't trust you. You ain't got to shut it and They've invested years in me, so I'm part of the family as long as I don't let them down.

People don't trust you. You ain't got to shut it and They've invested years in me, so I'm part of the family as long as I don't let them down.

Do you think that he was pretty much always happy on stage?

Do you think that he was pretty much always happy on stage?

Yeah, that was just domain.

Yeah, that was just domain.

We heard the bereze through the Trees.

We heard the bereze through the Trees.

Here's Leslie Brickis again.

Here's Leslie Brickis again.

Nineteen seventy seven New Year's Eve and he and Eliza Manelli did it at midnight New Year's Eve act, which went on for three hours. We went up to Sammy's Sweet afterwards and he said, let's do it all again, and they did the whole show again for just four people and it was another three hours.

Nineteen seventy seven New Year's Eve and he and Eliza Manelli did it at midnight New Year's Eve act, which went on for three hours. We went up to Sammy's Sweet afterwards and he said, let's do it all again, and they did the whole show again for just four people and it was another three hours.

What is that?

What is that?

Was that a need to perform or was that just pure.

Was that a need to perform or was that just pure.

Joy or was it joy more than anything?

Joy or was it joy more than anything?

Joy joy?

Joy joy?

He was so high on the audience reaction that the only way he could come down was to perform more.

He was so high on the audience reaction that the only way he could come down was to perform more.

I want to hear it one moon Dion Warwick told me that he described applause as nourishment.

I want to hear it one moon Dion Warwick told me that he described applause as nourishment.

Yes, that was that. That was breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Yes, that was that. That was breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Wo You know, people romanticize the entertainer who just gives one, but then the cliche is, you know, they give, they give, they give, but there was nothing left for themselves, and you know.

Wo You know, people romanticize the entertainer who just gives one, but then the cliche is, you know, they give, they give, they give, but there was nothing left for themselves, and you know.

But no, no, no, no no no, he gay, but he used. He enjoyed every penny that he ever earned. Sammy Davis Junior enjoyed it period.

But no, no, no, no no no, he gay, but he used. He enjoyed every penny that he ever earned. Sammy Davis Junior enjoyed it period.

That's Willie Brown again. Now it turns out that what kind of fool am I might also describe Sammy Davis Junior's relationship with money.

That's Willie Brown again. Now it turns out that what kind of fool am I might also describe Sammy Davis Junior's relationship with money.

My most expensive pocket watch with the chain came from Sammy Davis change.

My most expensive pocket watch with the chain came from Sammy Davis change.

And that's you think it just made him feel good to be that generous.

And that's you think it just made him feel good to be that generous.

I think it was that way. I think he wanted to share his wealth.

I think it was that way. I think he wanted to share his wealth.

Sammy Davis was one of the worst people I ever saw him any kind of money. He had no idea what money was and what it was worth.

Sammy Davis was one of the worst people I ever saw him any kind of money. He had no idea what money was and what it was worth.

That's Sammy's former agent Larry Auerback. He told me a lot of things, including an amazing story about Elvis that I'm not allowed to repeat.

That's Sammy's former agent Larry Auerback. He told me a lot of things, including an amazing story about Elvis that I'm not allowed to repeat.

It my whole life story for his cut on anything You're doing. It's a podcast that's even worth Okay.

It my whole life story for his cut on anything You're doing. It's a podcast that's even worth Okay.

One thing he made incredibly clear Sammy was bad with money.

One thing he made incredibly clear Sammy was bad with money.

I was going to London on vacation. Next thing I know, he put a lovely leather case and then it was a night time chamer, which was the highlight of the day, and I said, well, am I going to do it this? I literally felt that he had no idea what he was spending or it was what it meant.

I was going to London on vacation. Next thing I know, he put a lovely leather case and then it was a night time chamer, which was the highlight of the day, and I said, well, am I going to do it this? I literally felt that he had no idea what he was spending or it was what it meant.

Almost everyone I talked to had a story about Sammy giving them a ridiculously expensive present, and.

Almost everyone I talked to had a story about Sammy giving them a ridiculously expensive present, and.

I already had a go Watch. I didn't need a go watch. He had this impulse to spend money.

I already had a go Watch. I didn't need a go watch. He had this impulse to spend money.

Are you bad with money?

Are you bad with money?

No?

No?

I think I'm pretty good with it.

I think I'm pretty good with it.

Sammy himself talked about his spending habits with Dick Cabot.

Sammy himself talked about his spending habits with Dick Cabot.

And I'm entitled to blow maybe five ten thousand dollars out of the year.

And I'm entitled to blow maybe five ten thousand dollars out of the year.

Just blow it.

Just blow it.

Yeah, where are you going to do that?

Yeah, where are you going to do that?

Next day? When he died, he owed more money to the Irs than any single individual in history up to that point.

Next day? When he died, he owed more money to the Irs than any single individual in history up to that point.

He had to impress people on stage, on off. You know, he'd wear the most outrageous clothing. He had six rings on his hand. You saw the pictures.

He had to impress people on stage, on off. You know, he'd wear the most outrageous clothing. He had six rings on his hand. You saw the pictures.

Sure, some people are going to hear that and think was he compensating for something?

Sure, some people are going to hear that and think was he compensating for something?

Yes? I think he was compensating for what he wasn't given at the beginning, that he had no start in life, and it was largely show he was showing off.

Yes? I think he was compensating for what he wasn't given at the beginning, that he had no start in life, and it was largely show he was showing off.

I think he was sheltered by his uncle and his father. He was now had some freedom, and he saw an opportunity to give gifts. Why not?

I think he was sheltered by his uncle and his father. He was now had some freedom, and he saw an opportunity to give gifts. Why not?

Okay, that's interesting though, giving extravagant gifts. I mean, what do you think he wanted from that? Nothing? I grew up with the Sammy of the nineteen seventies. Artistically, this wasn't a high point for him, But what.

Okay, that's interesting though, giving extravagant gifts. I mean, what do you think he wanted from that? Nothing? I grew up with the Sammy of the nineteen seventies. Artistically, this wasn't a high point for him, But what.

Did I know?

Did I know?

Oh, fast, fast fast.

Oh, fast, fast fast.

I loved hearing him sing commercial jingles.

I loved hearing him sing commercial jingles.

They can laugh, but put an extra wing on the house.

They can laugh, but put an extra wing on the house.

This was the Sammie of Talk to the Animals, my favorite single on my Sammy Greatest Hits album. I still dance around my apartment to.

This was the Sammie of Talk to the Animals, my favorite single on my Sammy Greatest Hits album. I still dance around my apartment to.

It with a cheetah.

It with a cheetah.

What an it would be.

What an it would be.

And of course candy Man. Now, at first Sammy didn't like Handy Man. It was originally from the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but he liked that it went to number one. He's only number one. Let's just say Sammy knew how to turn lemons into groovy lemon pie, make.

And of course candy Man. Now, at first Sammy didn't like Handy Man. It was originally from the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but he liked that it went to number one. He's only number one. Let's just say Sammy knew how to turn lemons into groovy lemon pie, make.

A groovy lemon pie.

A groovy lemon pie.

The candy Man.

The candy Man.

He does something I think is very brave, which he never makes fun of the material. It's total commitment. I see that he did a cover of Chico and the Man of the cheeko on the Man These song, And that's one of the things where you go, oh God, and then you start listening. It's really good.

He does something I think is very brave, which he never makes fun of the material. It's total commitment. I see that he did a cover of Chico and the Man of the cheeko on the Man These song, And that's one of the things where you go, oh God, and then you start listening. It's really good.

Yeah, it's really good.

Yeah, it's really good.

Chico, it's good.

Chico, it's good.

Yeah.

Yeah.

He did Maud too.

He did Maud too.

He covered the themes on to mad I.

He covered the themes on to mad I.

Have to listen to that. Lady Could Diver was a freedom ride up.

Have to listen to that. Lady Could Diver was a freedom ride up.

Yeah, Lady godive Or was a freedom right up.

Yeah, Lady godive Or was a freedom right up.

She didn't care of the whole world.

She didn't care of the whole world.

Look, I check any cynicism at the door.

Look, I check any cynicism at the door.

When he starts performing, well, you check your cynicism because you know immediately he's bearing his soul to you. It's not an act. He's not too cool for school, right. Sinatra had that right, a little bit of a distance, there's no distance there.

When he starts performing, well, you check your cynicism because you know immediately he's bearing his soul to you. It's not an act. He's not too cool for school, right. Sinatra had that right, a little bit of a distance, there's no distance there.

I don't think.

I don't think.

Sammy had an ounce of irony in him, that kind of detached look at me irony. He was like all in as a performer. And maybe the problem is not Sammy's enthusiasm, but certain generations skittishness about enthusiasm.

Sammy had an ounce of irony in him, that kind of detached look at me irony. He was like all in as a performer. And maybe the problem is not Sammy's enthusiasm, but certain generations skittishness about enthusiasm.

Right, fear that will make them look uncool. Right. And Dion Warwick says he was as enthusiastic and playful off stage as on, and.

Right, fear that will make them look uncool. Right. And Dion Warwick says he was as enthusiastic and playful off stage as on, and.

I started having in my rider a misspact Man.

I started having in my rider a misspact Man.

Machine, Miss pac Man, which is much better than pac Man by the way.

Machine, Miss pac Man, which is much better than pac Man by the way.

Yeah, it was the cocktail table type, the.

Yeah, it was the cocktail table type, the.

One the flat one, so that right, you can sit across from each other.

One the flat one, so that right, you can sit across from each other.

Yep.

Yep.

Turns out Dion Warwick and Sammy Davis Junior both loved playing Miss pac Man and I beat him up. That is fantastic.

Turns out Dion Warwick and Sammy Davis Junior both loved playing Miss pac Man and I beat him up. That is fantastic.

He would get up and stop around how to be.

He would get up and stop around how to be.

Very easily.

Very easily.

But the Sammy of the seventies also had edge. When he kissed Archie Bunker on the cheek on all in the family, it made headlines. What I hadn't seen until recently was his appearance from nineteen seventy five on the Carol Burnett Show. And this is a sketch where you play a woman eleanor Simpson.

But the Sammy of the seventies also had edge. When he kissed Archie Bunker on the cheek on all in the family, it made headlines. What I hadn't seen until recently was his appearance from nineteen seventy five on the Carol Burnett Show. And this is a sketch where you play a woman eleanor Simpson.

You let's not talk.

You let's not talk.

About poor little o me. That's right, that's the.

About poor little o me. That's right, that's the.

One Carol told me all about it on the phone.

One Carol told me all about it on the phone.

Well, she's was a passive, aggressive racist.

Well, she's was a passive, aggressive racist.

Johnny, your diction.

Johnny, your diction.

It was just perfect.

It was just perfect.

Sammy plays this entertainer, so she was in the audience. Now he's this big star and she's all excited but still has that underlying prejudice.

Sammy plays this entertainer, so she was in the audience. Now he's this big star and she's all excited but still has that underlying prejudice.

And I tell you you just tossed off those polysyllables like you were born to them.

And I tell you you just tossed off those polysyllables like you were born to them.

They grew up together because his mother was their maid.

They grew up together because his mother was their maid.

I know she just couldn't wait to come back in and work for you again.

I know she just couldn't wait to come back in and work for you again.

She was talking about when they were kids, and she said, Oh, and we used to play hide and go seek. Oh that was such fun. But it wasn't good in the dark.

She was talking about when they were kids, and she said, Oh, and we used to play hide and go seek. Oh that was such fun. But it wasn't good in the dark.

Honey.

Honey.

You could just be standing right in front of me and I never would have known it.

You could just be standing right in front of me and I never would have known it.

Lash you smile.

Lash you smile.

Sammy doesn't actually talk much during the scene. He doesn't really need to. His look says it all. Mostly he's just biting his tongue, struggling to be gracious until he's finally hot enough. O Gee.

Sammy doesn't actually talk much during the scene. He doesn't really need to. His look says it all. Mostly he's just biting his tongue, struggling to be gracious until he's finally hot enough. O Gee.

But Sammy loved that sketch.

But Sammy loved that sketch.

And do you think he loved it because he could relate to it somehow?

And do you think he loved it because he could relate to it somehow?

Perhaps you remember all.

Perhaps you remember all.

The fun we used to have when we was kids.

The fun we used to have when we was kids.

Do you remember that?

Do you remember that?

I am beginning to remember a lot of things.

I am beginning to remember a lot of things.

Hey, let me ask you. There's gotta be a reason you remember that sketch in such detail.

Hey, let me ask you. There's gotta be a reason you remember that sketch in such detail.

It was because there were no jokes in there. It was all character.

It was because there were no jokes in there. It was all character.

You know, something Melani. I think you're right.

You know, something Melani. I think you're right.

I am a little tight, oh that there was an underlying truth.

I am a little tight, oh that there was an underlying truth.

Some people would say that the one great hit he had was keny Man, But mister bo Jingles is this definition of Sammy Davis.

Some people would say that the one great hit he had was keny Man, But mister bo Jingles is this definition of Sammy Davis.

That's Willie Brown. I have to confess I always thought mister Bojangles, our third SAMI song was about Bill Bojangles Robinson, the great African American tap dancer who died penniless in nineteen forty nine. In fact, mister Bojangles, and you may have known, this was originally a country music song. The writer Jerry Jeff Walker says it's about a guy he met in a New Orleans prison, and Walker never really thought the song would go anywhere.

That's Willie Brown. I have to confess I always thought mister Bojangles, our third SAMI song was about Bill Bojangles Robinson, the great African American tap dancer who died penniless in nineteen forty nine. In fact, mister Bojangles, and you may have known, this was originally a country music song. The writer Jerry Jeff Walker says it's about a guy he met in a New Orleans prison, and Walker never really thought the song would go anywhere.

When I got to Atlantic Records, they said, who held would want a four and a half minute song about a old drunk and a dead dog and six eight times right right?

When I got to Atlantic Records, they said, who held would want a four and a half minute song about a old drunk and a dead dog and six eight times right right?

Apparently everyone dan.

Apparently everyone dan.

The song spoke to Sammy. He'd been struggling for years with drugs and alcohol and dance, dance, dance, please dance.

The song spoke to Sammy. He'd been struggling for years with drugs and alcohol and dance, dance, dance, please dance.

I got the fear at that time I was going to die. I was going to wind up like mister Buchang, a drunk without recognition without anything, and the song helped motivate the three hundred and sixty mister.

I got the fear at that time I was going to die. I was going to wind up like mister Buchang, a drunk without recognition without anything, and the song helped motivate the three hundred and sixty mister.

Jang Goose.

Jang Goose.

When he was on stage, totally dark on stage, Why can't you wear in a bullet And all you'd get it is a spotlight and then the light would go out and you'd see him take two or three steps and he'd be in another circle of light, still continuing and tell them the story.

When he was on stage, totally dark on stage, Why can't you wear in a bullet And all you'd get it is a spotlight and then the light would go out and you'd see him take two or three steps and he'd be in another circle of light, still continuing and tell them the story.

And mister James until he danced, dance, dance. Nothing for me to that you would be, I mean, just overwhelmed.

And mister James until he danced, dance, dance. Nothing for me to that you would be, I mean, just overwhelmed.

After Sammy was diagnosed with cancer, the doctors told him he needed surgery, but surgery would involve removing his voice box. As far as Sammy was concerned, that wasn't an option.

After Sammy was diagnosed with cancer, the doctors told him he needed surgery, but surgery would involve removing his voice box. As far as Sammy was concerned, that wasn't an option.

So I'm just okay watching cartoons. I come down to get a soda from the living room.

So I'm just okay watching cartoons. I come down to get a soda from the living room.

That's Manny Davis, Sammy's son with his third wife, Alchevi's. He remembers the procession of dignitaries coming through their home during Sammy's final months.

That's Manny Davis, Sammy's son with his third wife, Alchevi's. He remembers the procession of dignitaries coming through their home during Sammy's final months.

They got Jesse Jackson in the living room, they got Franks and I just come over to say hello. You just have all these celebrities coming around all the time because they knew what was happening to Sammy, and I didn't.

They got Jesse Jackson in the living room, they got Franks and I just come over to say hello. You just have all these celebrities coming around all the time because they knew what was happening to Sammy, and I didn't.

Here's Kim Novak again. When is the last time that you saw him?

Here's Kim Novak again. When is the last time that you saw him?

Well, when it was sick, you know, And I went to the hospital to see him.

Well, when it was sick, you know, And I went to the hospital to see him.

And what was that like?

And what was that like?

Oh?

Oh?

It was hot. I didn't know what. I don't know what to say.