Yes I Can: The Sammy Davis Jr Story
Onstage, nobody could match the wham of Sammy Davis Jr. Best known now as arguably the coolest member of the Rat Pack, Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the world's great entertainers, a guy capable of funny impersonations, heartwarming ballads, and lively jazz-inspired songs--usually in the same set. Granted, Sinatra's vocal skills overshadowed Davis on record, but what other musician has found such success as a writer, Broadway star, vocalist, dancer,andcomedian (all the while helping to break down racial barriers)? WithYes I Can! The Sammy Davis Jr. Story, Rhino Records has assembled an impressive four-CD package of the crooner's greatest moments. On "Smile, Darn Ya, Smile" (a track that's been out of print for 45 years), the 23-year-old vocalist shows little of the grace, style, and vocal warmth he would bring to such classics as "Hey There," "The Candy Man," and "I've Gotta Be Me." The first three CDs feature all of Davis's hits (and a few tracks meant for completists) from his vast 1949-78 output. But the fourth disc of live performances shows Sammy in his true glory. For those of us who loved his portion ofThe Summit in Concert(that out-of-control relic of Rat Pack extravagance), this disc reveals the rest of the story: Sammy Davis Jr. knew how to perform like no other. Whether singing aWest Side Storymedley or tossing impersonations into "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby," it's clear that there will never be another performer like Sammy Davis Jr. Sure, there aresingle CD compilationsfeaturing most of the singer's hits, but this package tells the whole story.--Jason Verlinde