Samuel George Davis Jr. was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on December 8, 1925. Davis began his performing career as a vocalist, dancer and actor with a talent for magic and comedy. He quickly made a name for himself on Broadway and then throughout the US from coast to coast, appearing in leading roles in musicals such as " advance tickets for new york city - book your reservations today!", " Camelot", " Sergeant Bilko" and " Damn Yankees". In 1960 he starred in the first all-black production of "West Side Story". That same year he was bestowed with the prestigious Kennedy Award at the White House. With his trademark slicked back hair and boyish good looks, Davis became one of America's most recognisable entertainers and an international star.