Sammy Davis, Jr.

Samuel George "Sammy" Davis, Jr. was born on December 8, 1925 in New York City. His father, Sammy Davis, Sr. was an entertainer and his mother, Elvera Sanchez was a tap dancer. Sammy's parents were both vaudeville dancers and as an infant he was raised by her paternal Grandmother. His parents separated when he was three years old and he went on tour with his dad. Davis learned his dance skills from his dad and Will Mastin who led the dance troupe his father worked in. The three of them became the Will Mastin Trio.

During his stint in the service he continued to be an entertainer, serving in the Special Services unit. When he was discharged he rejoined the Will Mastin dance act playing to audiences around Portland, Oregon. In 1959 Sammy became a member of the Rat Pack led by Frank Sinatra and originally included Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford and Shirley MacLaine. The fast living friends called themselves the Clan and then the Summit but the media has always referred to them as the Rat Pack.

Sammy was a headliner who packed the 'house' in Las Vegas for many years. In the 50's he and other black entertainers were allowed to perform on stage but were not allowed to stay at the hotels or to gamble in any of the casinos. As he gained recognition and stardom he refused to perform in places where black entertainers were being barred. His demands eventually led to the integration of Miami Beach nightclubs and Las Vegas casinos.

Sammy was an actor, comedian, singer, dancer, impressionist and musician and combined these talents when entertaining in clubs and casinos. He was also a talented photographer who enjoyed taking pictures of his family and friends.

On November 19, 1954 Sammy was involved in an automobile accident that almost killed him. He lost his left eye as a result of the accident and wore a patch for several months until he was fitted with a glass eye which he wore the rest of his life. Davis died in Beverly Hills, California on May 16, 1990 of complications from throat cancer. It was reported that he could have been saved but refused the surgery that would have taken his voice. He was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery next to his father and Will Mastin, a trio even in death.