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Stage Name |
Birth Name |
| Sammy Davis Jr. |
Samuel George "Sammy" Davis, Jr. |
African American entertainer and only child to vaudeville dancers Sammy Davis Sr. and Elvera Sanchez. Sammy was primarily a dancer and singer, but was also known for his impersonations of actors and other celebrities. Davis started as a child vaudevillian who became known for his performances on Broadway and Las Vegas.
At the age of three, Davis began his career in vaudeville with his father as his teacher and "uncle" as "the Will Mastin Trio," as well as started his movie career. Toured nationally, and after military service, returned to the trio. Davis. He went on to become a world famous recording artist, television and film star. Davis was also a member of Frank |
| Sinatra's "Rat Pack".
Davis was the victim of racism throughout his life, and was a large financial supporter of civil rights causes. Davis died of throat cancer in 1990. |
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Birth Place |
Birth Date |
Spouse |
Offspring |
| New York City |
12/8/1925 – 5/16/1990 |
Loray White |
1 Daughter |
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May Brit |
3 Adopted children |
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Lola Falana |
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Dance Types |
Dance Partners |
Music Titles |
| Ballroom |
Gene Kelly |
1969 - I've Gotta Be Me (#1 Hit) |
| Jazz |
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1972 - the Candy Man (#1 Hit) |
| Jitterbug |
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1976 - Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow (Baretta theme) |
| Tap |
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Night Clubs |
Theaters |
Stage |
| Many Las Vegas Clubs |
n/a |
1956 - Golden Boy |
| 1951 - Ciro's |
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1956 - Mr. Wonderful |
| Frontier Casino (Vegas) |
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Films |
Television |
Publications |
| 1954 - Six Bridges to Cross |
1962 - Judy Garland Show |
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| 1956 - Meet me In Las Vegas (Frankie & Johnny Clip) |
1964 - Hollywood Palace |
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| 1960 - Oceans 11 [DVD] |
1964 - Movin' With Nancy |
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| 1962 - Sergents Three |
1965 - Dean Martin Show |
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| 1964 - Robin and the Seven Hoods |
1966 - The Sammy Davis Jr. Show |
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| 2001 - The Rat Pack [DVD] |
1967 - Danny Thomas Hour |
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| Tap |
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Awards |
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Spingarn Medal (NAACP) |
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2001 - Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award |
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1987 - Kennedy Center Honors |
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1962 Grammy Award Nominee |
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Burlesque 