Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990) was an American singer, dancer, actor, comedian, film producer and television director.entertainer. He was born in Harlem, New York City. Davis became hugely successful as a stage singer and recording artist and when asked to play at segregated places (where African-Americans were not allowed) he refused. Because of this some popular venues began to allow African-Americans to attend just so they could have Daver popular black musicians play. Before that black singers like Davis and Nat King Cole could play at the hot and casinos but not stay or gamble there.
Sammy Davis Jr. | |
---|---|
Born | Samuel George Davis, Jr. December 8, 1925 |
Died | May 16, 1990 Beverly Hills, California, U.S. | (aged 64)
Cause of death | Throat cancer |
Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California |
Occupation |
|
Years active | 1927–1989 |
Spouse(s) | Loray White (m. 1958–1959) May Britt (m. 1960–1968) Altovise Davis (m. 1970–1990) |
Children | 4 |
Parent(s) | Sammy Davis, Sr. Elvera Sanchez |
Website | www |
Davis led an unhealthy lifestyle of drinking, smoking and c of the most popular musicians and actors of the time. He converted to Judaism[1] while in the hospital in 1954 and 1955. He was also a member of the Rat Pack with friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
The Kennedy Center honored Davis in 1987.[2]
Davis died of throat cancer in Beverly Hills, California.
Sammy Davis Jr. Media
Will Mastin Trio in zoot suits
Davis and host Steve Allen rehearsing for the premiere of The Steve Allen Show in 1956
Davis with his third wife, Altovize Gore, in 1986
Davis and May Britt in 1960
Davis during the 1963 March on Washington
In the Yellow Oval Room of the White House with President Richard Nixon, March 4, 1973
References
- ↑ Jewish Virtual Library
- ↑ "List of Kennedy Center Honorees". Kennedy-center.org. Retrieved 2010-01-07.