Born on December 8th, 1925, in Harlem, New York, Davis was the son of two vaudeville performers, Sammy Davis Sr. and Elvera Sanchez. He began performing at an early age and was soon discovered by the famous vaudeville duo, Will Mastin Trio, who became his mentors and opened the doors to the world of show business for him.
In the 1940s, Davis gained attention with his tap-dancing skills and soon began to make a name for himself as a singer and actor. His breakthrough came when he starred in the 1955 film “Porgy and Bess,” alongside Dorothy Dandridge. The movie caught the attention of Hollywood and soon after, he was offered roles in several other films such as “Anna Lucasta” and “Ocean’s 11.”
In addition to his film work, Davis made numerous television appearances, including guest spots on popular variety shows such as “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Dean Martin Show.” He was also a regular on the popular sitcom, “I Dream of Jeannie,” where he played himself.
But it was Davis’s singing career that truly propelled him to stardom. His silky smooth voice captured the hearts of audiences around the world, and he recorded numerous hit albums throughout his career. Some of his most popular songs include “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” “The Candy Man,” and “What Kind of Fool Am I?”
Although he was a successful artist and adored by fans, Davis still faced discrimination and racism throughout his life. He was a prominent figure during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and used his platform to advocate for equality and social justice. He even faced opposition from within the entertainment industry when he converted to Judaism, which caused controversy and backlash at the time.
Despite the obstacles he faced, Davis continued to perform on stage and screen well into his seventies. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Honors. In 1989, he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his immense contribution to music.
Looking back on his legacy, Davis’s impact on American popular culture cannot be overstated. He paved the way for future generations of Black artists and performers, breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way. His talent, charm, and undeniable charisma will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come.