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 Davis and 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.

Davis led an unhealthy lifestyle of drinking, smoking and cocaine of the most popular musicians and actors of the time. He converted to JudaismJewish Virtual Library 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.

Davis died of throat cancer in Beverly Hills, California.

 References 

Other websites

Sammy Davis, Jr.'s Grave

Category:1925 births
Category:1990 deaths
Category:Actors from New York City
Category:African-American actors
Category:African-American musicians
Category:American movie actors
Category:American movie producers
Category:American television actors
Category:Cancer deaths in Los Angeles County, California
Category:Converts to Judaism
Category:Deaths from throat cancer
Category:Jewish American actors
Category:Jewish American musicians
Category:Jewish businesspeople
Category:Kennedy Center honorees
Category:Musicians from New York City
Category:Singers from New York City
Category:People from Harlem