Why Me ?

His title is poignant--it could mean, "Why am I discriminated against just for being black?" or it could mean, "Why did God single me out for such stardom and an extraordinary life?" Both of these themes weave throughout the book. Sammy was part of a show-biz trio with his father and "uncle" Will Mastin. He began performing at a very young age, and these two kind men managed to shelter him against racism until he entered the Army. Then, literally from day one, he faced the worst of racial hatred and ostracism, which lasted well into his famous years. He had his nose broken three times. He could play in a Las Vegas club, but had to find accommodations elsewhere. He could not enter the casinos where he played. When he married the blonde and beautiful May Britt, there were still states that had miscegenation on the books, so they could not travel together legally. But little short, one-eyed Sammy was determined to beat the odds. "If I'm a star," he figured, "I can break down these doors." But he didn't have an easy time of it. The whites thought he was too black, and the blacks thought he was too Uncle Tom. He was all set to perform at JFK's inauguration, when he was suddenly "uninvited." He became personal friends with MLK, Jr. and RFK, only to see them gunned down. His marriage to May died because he was the "always on" guy, drinking and whoring and never there for their three kids. He HAD to live up to his "swinger" image, and he felt that stardom was the only hedge against his being deemed a second-class citizen. He then met Altovise, a black woman whom he married. It seems as though she had a much better tolerance for his over-the-top lifestyle than May did. But he still ended up $1M in arrears to the IRS, which he eventually paid off. (He was always good at earning money, but even better at spending it.) He was a brilliant star, good at singing and dancing. telling jokes, and playing the trumpet and drums. Frank Sinatra was his lifelong friend, giving him breaks and encouraging him every step of the way. And Sammy championed RFK as the best president that we could have had during our times for civil rights. This book ends four years before his death, but the cause of death was throat cancer--too much singing and smoking and drinking killed him in the end. But what a ride!

In simple, down-to-earth prose, the late Sammy Davis, Jr. tells his moving life story, from playing cheap theatres in the 1920s South as a five-year-old with his uncle, to the magnificent fame he achieved decades later. Before he became universally beloved, Davis had to endure, and overcome, brutal bigotry. The best line of the book is when he asks, "How do you kill an idea?" His answer: "With a better idea." Go read it.

Fascinating personal account of show business, racism, politics and famous personalities from the 40s to the 80s. Shows how excess (Sammy) or even the appearance of excess (Dean Martin) is useful (necessary?) for the publicity that makes one a star.

I really enjoyed this book, I had no idea what the blacks in the US had to go through, having grown up in Australia. Sammy had a big chip on his shoulder which he carried throughout his life but it is understandable when you read what he went through. This isn't just a boring story of a star's life, it is a fascinating look at racism, politics, being rich beyond your dreams and in debt for millions - a great read.

Mr Davis'is revealed to be much more than performer. We find Sammy to be an activist, comedian, swinger, a great human being. His friendship with Frank Sinatra is shown to be pivotal in his giving up drugs. Another laugh and cry book.