Sammy Davis Jr. was an American singer, dancer, actor, comedian, film producer & television director. He was also part of the famous "Rat Pack", led by his friend Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop & Peter Lawford. He appeared in many movies, television & performed in Las Vegas. Sammy had some great songs such as "Hey There", "Something’s Gotta Give", "That’s Entertainment", "Me & My Shadow", "I've Gotta Be Me", "The Candy Man", "Birth Of The Blues" etc.
Gregory Hines does a beautiful tribute to Sammy, and then the two of them danced together. It was one of Sammy Davis Jr's last appearances. Very touching.
Jerry Jeff Walker wrote this in 1968. Walker said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" to conceal his true identity from the police. Mr. Bojangles had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his performing dog who was killed by a car, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.The homeless "Mr. Bojangles", who was white, had taken his pseudonym from Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878-1949), a black entertainer.
Well explained ! I looked into it and found those videos of the real Mr B dancing with Shirley Temple in a movie and realized the guy in the song is not him, but another guy using the nickname.
Dave Bromberg who used to play guitar with Jerry Jeff, does an amazing cover and talks about how Jerry Jeff came to write the song. Heard Jerry Jeff sing in not long before he died. Rest In Peace Mr. Walker.
CANDY MAN, I GOTTA BE ME, and WHAT KIND OF FOOL AM I? are all part of the collection of Sammy Davis Jr.'s magical voice. He was out there a long time breaking through when the road wasn't as always as it us by today's standards. Listen, watch, and learn.
The song "In the Ghetto" was first offered to Sammy. He told the writer he couldn't do it justice because he never experienced that kind of life and said they should give it to Elvis. Sammy and Elvis were friends.
Mac Davis tells it differently....Elvis called Mac and asked if he had any more songs, as they were working on a new album. This was after the success of "memories" (which he wrote for the Comeback Special). According to Mac he had a list of like 19 songs. First 2 on the list was "in the ghetto" and "don't cry daddy". Elvis liked those 2 and recorded them.
@@fittrad3r687 Different memories? There is a video of Sammy being interviewed and telling the story. It think it is in the Elvis and the Black Community video.
I'm 70, I was raised on Sammy Davis Jr ,Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Gene Kelly, if it wasn't records playing ,it was a movie Dad had us watching the great talents these gentlemen had was something else! I so enjoyed watching you kinda sway like you wanted to get up and dance! So very glad you enjoyed this! Your eyes and smiles showed that to me in this video
at age 7, Sammy was already a star, tap dancing in the movies. You can see him singing and dancing at 7 to "Ill be glad when your dead you rascal you." hilarious, and he was always great through the years.
As mentioned, song by Jerry Jeff Walker from Texas and his experience in a parish jail meeting Bojangles. The tune was the biggest radio hit for the iconic country-folk-rock ensemble, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The best version, however, comes from Jerry Jeff’s friend, compatriot, minstrel, David Bromberg, a highly unique entertainer.
Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century. So many from his generation were of the same caliber. Dancer, singer, actor, comedian, musician; this was what an entertainer did for a living. Miss Britt, you missed out on experiencing some of the greatest entertainers between 1930 and 1990 and some of the greatest music from 1955 to 1995. Fortunately, most of it is available online for you to enjoy. I'm in my mid 60's and I enjoy your reaction to these greats from the mid 1900's. Enjoy and learn.
Sammy Davis Jr. was an American Treasure, and the greatest entertainer that ever stepped on a stage!!! He kept your attention and left you wanting more!!! An icon and a legend 👏 he will never be forgotten ♥️!!!
I just love Sammy Davis Jr. As you can tell by my profile pic. He had that old Hollywood type of feel to himself, eloquence, respect, warmth, and kindness. I can say that cause I have seen many interviews, concerts on yt, variety shows, etc. I wish I got to see this amazing man perform but I am far too young. RIP Sammy Davis Jr, THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER EVER!!!! ❤👑
Sammy Davis jr. started performing around age 3 after learning to tap joining his father and an uncle. The trio was named the Will Mastin Trio. Young Sammy became an accomplished dancer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and comedian. Sammy jr's nick name is Mr. Entertainment. He has been playing in films since 1933 when he was 8 years old. I grew up listening to the music of Sammy and his Rat Pack bothers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, literally, as I was born in 48. Our radio was always going with big band music and early rock and roll. There was a real life Bojangles, Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson not the Bojangles of the song but highly respected dancer, actor and activist whose career spanned 39 years, 1890-1949. He was the first black performer to appear in a Hollywood film in an interracial dance team. The film was the 1935 "The Little Colonel" with 7 year old Shirley Temple as his dance partner. He also taught Shirley to tap. Their dance included Bill's signature routine, the stair dance. He would tap up and down stairs in a rhythmically complex sequence of steps. As an activist he persuaded the Dallas Police Department to hire its first black policeman. His biography is worth reading. Wikipedia has a good biography on him as well. Bill was highly regarded by his entertainment contemporaries both black and white
I’m amazed no one has made a movie of this amazing performer. He was onstage as a toddler with his parents in Burlesque. A great dancer actor, he was part of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack of Vegas. He married a beautiful white actress but the powers that were threatened their lives so they annulled it. He is a amazing story
Sammy Davis was a life-long performer, literally singing and dancing professionally since he could stand on his feet ❤ So much a performer, at his last on screen appearance, not long before his death from cancer Gregory Hines did this number in tribute to Sammy and presented him with a pair of tap shoes...to everyone's surprise, Sammy put them on, got out of his wheelchair and danced with Hines a few steps and STILL outdanced him 🤩 Hines immediately dropped to his knees and bowed to his idol 🥰
Years ago I read Sammy Davis Jr's book: "Yes I Can". He started out at a very young age ( maybe 8 or so ) in Vaudeville with his father and uncle I believe in an act called The Will Matson Trio. He became the star of the act and went on to stardom, overcoming many obstacles including losing an eye in a car accident. You should check out some early footage of him doing some amazing dancing.
No auto-tune, no explosions or smoke on stage. No massive backup dancing crew, just him. What's been unfortunate for all of us. Auto-tone and all the other fakery have given us big stars today who don't have 5% of the talent of a man like Sammy Davis and many others.
I love your reactions and your respect! Sammy Davis, Jr. started as a child with his father and uncle! He was a multi talented person. He sang, danced, acted, etc.!!!!
You should see the clip of the film musical Robin and the Seven Hoods, with most of the Rat Pack of Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and their friend Bing Crosby. The clip is called You’ve Either Got Or You Haven’t Got Style.
I grew up with my dad's mom in the house. She was born in 1922. I grew up watching modern stuff but also "classic" or "old" stuff like movies from the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, etc. music - big band, jazz, blues, motown from that same range of time and I'm SO thankful folks even older than me and folks younger can go back now and discover this stuff online. It's not to knock modern stuff. I love modern music just as much and there are plenty of great modern musicians, dancers, actors, etc. BUT there is something classy and other worldly about performers like Sammy who had to learn how to entertain people without mics, without expensive props and stage design, and just be WILDLY great entertainers. Kudos to you for diving into such a gem of a performer and performance!
Yes, he was truly incomparable in So Many talents! Loved everything he did! I truly think the Dean Martin Roast of Sammy Davis Jr. was the greatest of all the greats. Gregory Hines did such a great tribute him.God Rest them Both. Great review, Britt!
I so miss these days, I grew when many of the old Vuadville entertainers were still around, the ones that could do it all with class some of them even got their own shows. What a great time.
I'm 72 and the only Mr Bojangle I am aware or is Mr Bill Bojangles Robinson a Dancer from the 30s and 40s movies. He is famous for dancing with Shirley Tample in her movies.
Jerry Jeff Walker ( country artist) met the man in a New Orleans jail cell in 1965. Jerry was arrested for public intoxication. The man told this story to him and the others in the holding cell, and did do some dancing. He was white, and used the name Mr. Bojangles to hide his identity from the police.
@BrittReacts I am 55 and grew up loving Sammy Davis Jr! He dazzled my little self with his tap dancing, drumming, vocals and all around entertainer abilities. Might I suggest his tap "duet" with Gregory Hines. ❤
Sammy could do anything from childhood to adulthood...Legendary Man and performer.You mentioned his acting on stage. Well he was in a lot of movies and TV shows as well as his great singing. He was great at singing and acting.
Mr Davis was amazing and wonderful! I loved watching him in movies and TV when I was young ! There are no entertainers like this anymore! Thank you for this reaction!
There is a later performance of this song when Sammy was much older. For me, in that performance, you get the sense that he wasn't singing about someone he encountered. He had become Mr. Bojangles and was singing about himself. Quite striking, if you ask me.
Sammy Davis Jr. Was such a great entertainer! He could dance. He could tap dance, he could sing! I saw a part of his nightclub act where he also did impersonatiions of other great singers of the time! He acted both serious roles and comedic roles!
Country /folk singer / sound writer "Jerry Jeff Walker "wrote the song "Mr. Bojangles" based on a man he met while he was in jail for public intoxication. The man was a homeless street performer who was actually a white man, he'd perform his dancing to help to lighten the mood in their jail cell. He assumed the name "Mr. Bojangles" based off of real tap dancer, actor, & singer "Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. So, the story goes, Jerry Jeff Walker at one time was actually in jail with a street performer who called himself "Mr. Bojangles". Isn't it great how Sometimes, songs often write themselves through any experience. Nice reaction Britt.
@@Nomad-vv1gk That is correct. Was written by Jerry Jeff Walker. David Bromberg does a fantastic version of the song. I am just very curious how Sammy came to know it?
@brittreacts - thank you. Your reaction to this video made me just about cry. I remember Sammy and this song. Though I admit, I never really listened to it until I saw your reaction video. And it just about broke my heart listening to him sing. God what an entertainer he was. Thank you.
This was so Sammy’s Song! He was such an incredible all-around entertainer. He could do it all, sing, dance, act, everything. This song never fails to get to me.
Mr. Davis was the greatest all-around male performer in modern history. Singer, dancer (especially tap), drummer, Broadway and Hollywood actor, comic, raconteur, and even quick-draw shooter. Please react to him singing "Who Can I Turn To", live.
Beyond singing and dancing, he was a serious actor. In his stage act he included comedy impressions and was quite incredible, he also had a passion for 'quick draw', the old west style of drawing your pistol out quickly. He was clocked as one the fastest ever and included this at times in his stage act, in TV dramas, and in competitions/demonstrations with other actors.cowboys. He was a performer and entertainer that excited audiences with all he did.
Britt...we miss Sammy...he was a little odd but could sing and dance beautifully. Tons of talent. He started dancing with his relatives when he was six years old. I met him and Frank Sinatra when I was growing up in Palm Springs, maybe 1960,. on the street. Absolutely amazing !
Thank you for reacting to this song. One of my all-time favorites. Have heard other performers/singers this but do not remember Sammy singing it. I really liked his cover and performance of this great song. Sammy is and was one of the greats!
A true legend! And as you said, a pure entertainer! I took Miss the classic variety type shows that I grew up with. They provided us with some of the best... Music, comedy, dancing...total entertainment! ❤❤❤❤❤
I adored this man as a child, and had the fortune of watching him on live TV several times and with the “Rat Pack” -they were truly entertaining and absolutely hilarious together. They would smoke and drink cocktails and be totally raunchy. I’m sure you can find old live footage and they used to do ‘roasts’ of each other and other celebrities. ♥️♥️♥️ as a child watching it was great!😊
SDJ is regarded as one of the greatest tap dancers that ever lived. You should try to track down stuff with him and Gregory Hines dancing. They did a movie called "Tap" and danced together at Sammy's 60th anniversary special.
This song has been done by a number of performers, but Sammy Davis Jr was hands-down the best. I saw him once in an interview say that he originally didn't want to do the song because he was afraid he would one day be that "Mr. Bojangles " has-been drunkard. Maybe that's why he did the song so well. As for why you're crying... I can't hear this song without bawling. Every time they get to the part where the dog dies, I'm a mess.
I remember watching Sammy as a kid and so many others of that era. As a kid we knew these people were special--but when I look at the entertainment landscape today---I really fully now appreciate what we have lost from that era.
If you check out "Old Time Movie Stars dance to Uptown Funk" the first clip is Bojangles Robinson dancing with Shirley Temple. Bojangles was born in 1878 and passed away in 1949 at the age of 71.
You are looking at a man who had his start as a child in vaudeville in the 1930s. He surpassed his father and uncle in the Will Mastin Trio and carried them in the act for years. Mr. Davis was a magnificent performer. His likes as a performer can never be duplicated. There is no longer the common culture and and the performance opportunity that vaudeville provided. Every town in the country had at least one vaudeville theater and performers like Sammy Davis traveled on the vaudeville circuits year round.
I grew up in the 70's so I remember hearing Sammy Davis Jr. on the radio and seeing him on talk shows. He was a great singer and actor also a very funny man.
Britt, I’m so happy you get it! 😄 Sammy Davis, Jr. was a staple of the ‘70’s growing up! He was part of the famous “Rat Pack” (Sinatra, Martin, Lawford)…did these variety shows, Dean Martin Roasts, Telethons, etc.! He was, just like you said, an entertainer…sang, acted, danced, did it all…Guy was suave, did things w/ panache, and was comedy gold too!! What a nostalgic reaction! Kudos!
Britt Reacts, you are the best!!! I always wanted someone to react to this particular performance of Sammy and you're the only one who has . . . and you didn't disappoint with your reaction either. It was an absolute joy watching you watch him. Wasn't he incredible?
Variety tv shows were popular when I was growing up so Sammy Davis Jr. made regular appearances in our living rooms. He was mesmerizing. I always loved him & this song always made me cry. Still does. I cried for Mr. Bojangles..I cried for his dog..I cried over his grief... "After 20 years he still grieves.."...been there, done that, still doing it. Mr. Davis was so cool & was an unforgettable member of The Rat Pack. Btw, Brit, he was good friends with another charter member of the PDC.👀 He loved Elvis, not just for his talent but for his friendship as well. They had a real Mutual Admiration Society going on. Talk about 2 individuals with Major League Talent. Whew! 🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵
One of my favorite all time entertainers- one of the true greats! I remember reading Yes I Can, his initial autobiography, when I was 15. I’m 65 now. So happy to see you react to him. So much more to him! I invite you to read his book. ❤❤❤
Love Your shirt Britt Sammy Davis Jr. was awesomely incredible...grew up watching him...live and reruns Back un the day when he was Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin The Ratt Pack, performed in Las Vegas. Segregation said he didnt have a private bathroom, dressing room or equal pay , time in stage. Frank and Dean said "If you don't treat Sammy with respect and equality then Ya don't have any of us!! We are a pack, Ratt Pack or the FabFour!!!" Sammy was treated equal with dressing room bathroom money equality...making theRatt Pack or Fab Four !!! Google great true story of legends. ❤Sammy RIP SAMMY DAVIS JR. We can enjoy you in Heaven one day soon ❤❤❤😊 🎶 🎵 🎶 🎵
I saw Sammy Davis in concert with Frank Sinatra in Detroit. I was lucky. We were in the first row of regular seating just beyond the cocktail tables that surrounded the stage. Sammy was one of the greatest all-round performers; Sing, dance, act ... and one of the greatest tap-dancers. You should see more of his work. The show in Detroit I saw them at (Frank, Sammy and Dean Martin used to tour together) was the very first show that their other touring partner Dean missed due to personal troubles ... Dino never got well again ... and it was before Liza Minnelli took over for Dino's spot on the rest of the tour ... so I just missed Dino and also Liza. Bojangles is a tear jerker. Everyone's gone now. Getting older is an exercise in loss. I miss the old days.
there is a couple of things that I think you will find interesting Britt. One, do research on the orginal "Rat Pack" very interesting history involving Sammy Davis Jr. with his two buddies Frank Sanatra and Dean Martin. The three went everywhere together and sometimes could not get in places due to Sammy being black so his buddies would not go in either. Also long after what seemed like the end of his career, Sammy came out with his last song before the end of his life called "The Candy Man" A fun and uplifting song to listen to.
Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was a Broadway superstar and one of the greatest tap dancers ever, influencing generations of tap dancers to come. You can watch him on TH-cam. He was a wonderful performer. As far as Sammy Davis, Jr., goes, he was one of the most talented-and multi-talented-entertainers; he could sing, dance, act, do comedy, anything.
I saw Sammy (together with Liza and Sinatra) doing this song live in 1989 in Amsterdam during the Ultimate Event concerts. Sammy, for me, by far was the world's greatest entertainer❤
I am such a fan of Sammy! He could not only sing and dance but was a good actor too. Fun fact, he was very good at fancy western gun shooting. Such an all around super talented man.
Sammy Davis Jr. was an American singer, dancer, actor, comedian, film producer & television director. He was also part of the famous "Rat Pack", led by his friend Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop & Peter Lawford. He appeared in many movies, television & performed in Las Vegas. Sammy had some great songs such as "Hey There", "Something’s Gotta Give", "That’s Entertainment", "Me & My Shadow", "I've Gotta Be Me", "The Candy Man", "Birth Of The Blues" etc.
Sammy was an icon in his day! He was a super star!
loved 'candy man' from my teenage years
Gregory Hines does a beautiful tribute to Sammy, and then the two of them danced together. It was one of Sammy Davis Jr's last appearances. Very touching.
That was so great
yes! i've seen it and sammy sitting in the front row watching.
I miss Gregory too.
Also, the whole movie Tap. Sammy's final role. Gregory. So much tap dance history and stuffs. Please, please, everyone, watch this.
Jerry Jeff Walker wrote this in 1968. Walker said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" to conceal his true identity from the police. Mr. Bojangles had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his performing dog who was killed by a car, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.The homeless "Mr. Bojangles", who was white, had taken his pseudonym from Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878-1949), a black entertainer.
Well explained ! I looked into it and found those videos of the real Mr B dancing with Shirley Temple in a movie and realized the guy in the song is not him, but another guy using the nickname.
Thank's for the info! I love Jerry Jeff, saw him once. Night Riders Lament is a favorite.
Well penned!
Yes I saw Jerry Jeff perform several times when David Bromberg played in his band. David still frequently plays this song in his show.
Dave Bromberg who used to play guitar with Jerry Jeff, does an amazing cover and talks about how Jerry Jeff came to write the song. Heard Jerry Jeff sing in not long before he died. Rest In Peace Mr. Walker.
CANDY MAN,
I GOTTA BE ME,
and WHAT KIND OF FOOL AM I?
are all part of the collection of Sammy Davis Jr.'s magical voice. He was out there a long time breaking through when the road wasn't as always as it us by today's standards. Listen, watch, and learn.
It's rarely mentioned, but "the Eye of the Sparrow" (Theme from "Baretta") was great as well!
@@quixote6942 Don't do the crime if you can't do the time. :-D
Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity.
@@unangbasso oh yes
His rendition of what kind of fool am I? Is my absolute favourite. The ending vocals *chef's kiss!
This one brought tears to this old man's eyes. Sammy was one of a kind.....
Sammy Davis Jr. is about as good as good gets in the history of entertainment.
And that’s understated
The song "In the Ghetto" was first offered to Sammy. He told the writer he couldn't do it justice because he never experienced that kind of life and said they should give it to Elvis. Sammy and Elvis were friends.
I never knew that. Thanks for sharing!😊
Mac Davis tells it differently....Elvis called Mac and asked if he had any more songs, as they were working on a new album. This was after the success of "memories" (which he wrote for the Comeback Special). According to Mac he had a list of like 19 songs. First 2 on the list was "in the ghetto" and "don't cry daddy". Elvis liked those 2 and recorded them.
@@fittrad3r687 true !
@@kabeloreid7586 it's a Mac Davis song actually. 😊
@@fittrad3r687 Different memories? There is a video of Sammy being interviewed and telling the story. It think it is in the Elvis and the Black Community video.
I'm 70, I was raised on Sammy Davis Jr ,Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Gene Kelly, if it wasn't records playing ,it was a movie Dad had us watching the great talents these gentlemen had was something else! I so enjoyed watching you kinda sway like you wanted to get up and dance! So very glad you enjoyed this! Your eyes and smiles showed that to me in this video
at age 7, Sammy was already a star, tap dancing in the movies. You can see him singing and dancing at 7 to "Ill be glad when your dead you rascal you." hilarious, and he was always great through the years.
As mentioned, song by Jerry Jeff Walker from Texas and his experience in a parish jail meeting Bojangles. The tune was the biggest radio hit for the iconic country-folk-rock ensemble, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The best version, however, comes from Jerry Jeff’s friend, compatriot, minstrel, David Bromberg, a highly unique entertainer.
@@stevenklyce3555 but could they dance like Sammy, or wistle? Love their versions too
Yes, 1935 or 38?
I think that Sammy met Robinson as a Kid coming up.
Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century. So many from his generation were of the same caliber. Dancer, singer, actor, comedian, musician; this was what an entertainer did for a living.
Miss Britt, you missed out on experiencing some of the greatest entertainers between 1930 and 1990 and some of the greatest music from 1955 to 1995. Fortunately, most of it is available online for you to enjoy. I'm in my mid 60's and I enjoy your reaction to these greats from the mid 1900's. Enjoy and learn.
Anything Sammy and Dean Martin is just gold. The whole Rat Pack was amazingly entertaining.
He was a great singer, actor, and man. I was lucky to see him on television as I was growing up.
Sammy Davis Jr. was an American Treasure, and the greatest entertainer that ever stepped on a stage!!! He kept your attention and left you wanting more!!! An icon and a legend 👏 he will never be forgotten ♥️!!!
I just love Sammy Davis Jr. As you can tell by my profile pic. He had that old Hollywood type of feel to himself, eloquence, respect, warmth, and kindness. I can say that cause I have seen many interviews, concerts on yt, variety shows, etc. I wish I got to see this amazing man perform but I am far too young. RIP Sammy Davis Jr, THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER EVER!!!! ❤👑
Sammy Davis jr. started performing around age 3 after learning to tap joining his father and an uncle. The trio was named the Will Mastin Trio. Young Sammy became an accomplished dancer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and comedian. Sammy jr's nick name is Mr. Entertainment. He has been playing in films since 1933 when he was 8 years old. I grew up listening to the music of Sammy and his Rat Pack bothers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, literally, as I was born in 48. Our radio was always going with big band music and early rock and roll. There was a real life Bojangles, Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson not the Bojangles of the song but highly respected dancer, actor and activist whose career spanned 39 years, 1890-1949. He was the first black performer to appear in a Hollywood film in an interracial dance team. The film was the 1935 "The Little Colonel" with 7 year old Shirley Temple as his dance partner. He also taught Shirley to tap. Their dance included Bill's signature routine, the stair dance. He would tap up and down stairs in a rhythmically complex sequence of steps. As an activist he persuaded the Dallas Police Department to hire its first black policeman. His biography is worth reading. Wikipedia has a good biography on him as well. Bill was highly regarded by his entertainment contemporaries both black and white
I’m amazed no one has made a movie of this amazing performer. He was onstage as a toddler with his parents in Burlesque. A great dancer actor, he was part of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack of Vegas. He married a beautiful white actress but the powers that were threatened their lives so they annulled it. He is a amazing story
He had the purest voice imaginable. He sang from a place deep within yet still showbizzy.
He had to put up with a lot of crap but kept his sweetness.
Sammy Davis was a life-long performer, literally singing and dancing professionally since he could stand on his feet ❤
So much a performer, at his last on screen appearance, not long before his death from cancer
Gregory Hines did this number in tribute to Sammy and presented him with a pair of tap shoes...to everyone's surprise, Sammy put them on, got out of his wheelchair and danced with Hines a few steps and STILL outdanced him 🤩
Hines immediately dropped to his knees and bowed to his idol 🥰
Years ago I read Sammy Davis Jr's book: "Yes I Can". He started out at a very young age ( maybe 8 or so ) in Vaudeville with his father and uncle I believe in an act called The Will Matson Trio. He became the star of the act and went on to stardom, overcoming many obstacles including losing an eye in a car accident. You should check out some early footage of him doing some amazing dancing.
One of my All time favorites this and the Candy man can
The man could do it all, when Hollywood had real talents.
No auto-tune, no explosions or smoke on stage. No massive backup dancing crew, just him. What's been unfortunate for all of us. Auto-tone and all the other fakery have given us big stars today who don't have 5% of the talent of a man like Sammy Davis and many others.
Thank you for this wonderful comment, real star quality is very rare, but definitely this man had it.
You should react to Sammy as a kid dancing with his uncle and dad. He steals the show. Talent = Sammy Davis Jr. !
I love your reactions and your respect! Sammy Davis, Jr. started as a child with his father and uncle! He was a multi talented person. He sang, danced, acted, etc.!!!!
Sammy Davis Jr a great all around performer
You should see the clip of the film musical Robin and the Seven Hoods, with most of the Rat Pack of Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and their friend Bing Crosby. The clip is called You’ve Either Got Or You Haven’t Got Style.
I grew up with my dad's mom in the house. She was born in 1922. I grew up watching modern stuff but also "classic" or "old" stuff like movies from the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, etc. music - big band, jazz, blues, motown from that same range of time and I'm SO thankful folks even older than me and folks younger can go back now and discover this stuff online. It's not to knock modern stuff. I love modern music just as much and there are plenty of great modern musicians, dancers, actors, etc. BUT there is something classy and other worldly about performers like Sammy who had to learn how to entertain people without mics, without expensive props and stage design, and just be WILDLY great entertainers. Kudos to you for diving into such a gem of a performer and performance!
He also sang the theme song from the Baretta TV show. Great song.
Did you just say make me feel all the feels ! lol , That was cute. God bless
Yes, he was truly incomparable in So Many talents! Loved everything he did!
I truly think the Dean Martin Roast of Sammy Davis Jr. was the greatest of all the greats. Gregory Hines did such a great tribute him.God Rest them Both.
Great review, Britt!
I so miss these days, I grew when many of the old Vuadville entertainers were still around, the ones that could do it all with class some of them even got their own shows. What a great time.
Sammy was one of the greatest entertainers to ever live.
I'm 72 and the only Mr Bojangle I am aware or is Mr Bill Bojangles Robinson a Dancer from the 30s and 40s movies. He is famous for dancing with Shirley Tample in her movies.
Jerry Jeff Walker ( country artist) met the man in a New Orleans jail cell in 1965. Jerry was arrested for public intoxication. The man told this story to him and the others in the holding cell, and did do some dancing. He was white, and used the name Mr. Bojangles to hide his identity from the police.
@@leannmiller7153 Bill (Mr. Bojangles) Robinson never spent a day in jail in his life. The JJ Walker song's use of "Mr Bojangles" is misleading.
@@unknownrider3071 I know. JJ Walker said the man used Mr. Bojangles name to hide his identity from the police. Look it up.
Sammy did it all and did it splendidly. I was blessed to meet him once and he was so nice. 😊
I always thought he was the best all around entertainer of my 81 year lifetime. He was one of the Rat Pack fun to watch. 10:27
Watching you react to this is special. You are so right to observe how unique Sammy Davis, Jr. is in entertainment. He was a star!! Thank you.
@BrittReacts I am 55 and grew up loving Sammy Davis Jr! He dazzled my little self with his tap dancing, drumming, vocals and all around entertainer abilities. Might I suggest his tap "duet" with Gregory Hines. ❤
Sammy could do anything from childhood to adulthood...Legendary Man and performer.You mentioned his acting on stage. Well he was in a lot of movies and TV shows as well as his great singing. He was great at singing and acting.
Mr Davis was amazing and wonderful! I loved watching him in movies and TV when I was young ! There are no entertainers like this anymore! Thank you for this reaction!
Sammy Davis Jr was one of the greatest of all time. You nailed it when you said he was a performer. He could do it all. Act, sing, and dance.
There is a later performance of this song when Sammy was much older. For me, in that performance, you get the sense that he wasn't singing about someone he encountered. He had become Mr. Bojangles and was singing about himself. Quite striking, if you ask me.
There is nothing in the life of Mr. Davis that parallels the lyrics of this song. You obviously know nothing about the life of Mr. Davis.
Sammy Davis Jr. Was such a great entertainer! He could dance. He could tap dance, he could sing! I saw a part of his nightclub act where he also did impersonatiions of other great singers of the time! He acted both serious roles and comedic roles!
He is so captivating as a performer....you can't take your eyes off of him....he commands your attention while he shares his soul. 💓💓💓💓
This is my favorite preformance of this song. He preformed this in his shows. To me this one is the best. Great reaction
My favorite is"The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band" version
Country /folk singer / sound writer "Jerry Jeff Walker "wrote the song "Mr. Bojangles" based on a man he met while he was in jail for public intoxication. The man was a homeless street performer who was actually a white man, he'd perform his dancing to help to lighten the mood in their jail cell. He assumed the name "Mr. Bojangles" based off of real tap dancer, actor, & singer "Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. So, the story goes, Jerry Jeff Walker at one time was actually in jail with a street performer who called himself "Mr. Bojangles". Isn't it great how Sometimes, songs often write themselves through any experience. Nice reaction Britt.
This man was one of the greatest entertainers of all time. He could do it all.
This song is not about Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
@@Nomad-vv1gk That is correct. Was written by Jerry Jeff Walker. David Bromberg does a fantastic version of the song. I am just very curious how Sammy came to know it?
Sammy was one of the great entertainers. A true song and dance man. A superb actor. An amazing quick draw artist.
Sammy Davis, Jr. was pure class.
SDJ was the goat when I was very young. Please don't ever forget his extra ordinary talent.
Sammy is an icon in music and showmanship. One of the
Greats
@brittreacts - thank you. Your reaction to this video made me just about cry. I remember Sammy and this song. Though I admit, I never really listened to it until I saw your reaction video. And it just about broke my heart listening to him sing. God what an entertainer he was. Thank you.
This was so Sammy’s Song! He was such an incredible all-around entertainer. He could do it all, sing, dance, act, everything. This song never fails to get to me.
Incredible song. The Nitty gritty dirt band did my very favorite version. Glad you got to hear this.
Lets applauded M.J. once again for incorporating and paying tribute this mans legacy throughout his own historic musical contribution.
Britt -- really enjoyed your review of MR. Davis and his song -- but the look on your face was oooohhh so good
Mr. Davis was the greatest all-around male performer in modern history. Singer, dancer (especially tap), drummer, Broadway and Hollywood actor, comic, raconteur, and even quick-draw shooter. Please react to him singing "Who Can I Turn To", live.
SPot on! I total treasure! Just the greatest entertainer to ever grace us with thier presence!
Beyond singing and dancing, he was a serious actor. In his stage act he included comedy impressions and was quite incredible, he also had a passion for 'quick draw', the old west style of drawing your pistol out quickly. He was clocked as one the fastest ever and included this at times in his stage act, in TV dramas, and in competitions/demonstrations with other actors.cowboys. He was a performer and entertainer that excited audiences with all he did.
Britt...we miss Sammy...he was a little odd but could sing and dance beautifully. Tons of talent. He started dancing with his relatives when he was six years old. I met him and Frank Sinatra when I was growing up in Palm Springs, maybe 1960,. on the street. Absolutely amazing !
Thank you for reacting to this song. One of my all-time favorites. Have heard other performers/singers this but do not remember Sammy singing it. I really liked his cover and performance of this great song. Sammy is and was one of the greats!
Sammy is one of the greatest thanks for this one.
Couldn't agree more!
Since I was a little girl I cry when he sings this song.
Didn't understand the song but you can feel it when he performs.
A true legend! And as you said, a pure entertainer! I took Miss the classic variety type shows that I grew up with. They provided us with some of the best... Music, comedy, dancing...total entertainment! ❤❤❤❤❤
I adored this man as a child, and had the fortune of watching him on live TV several times and with the “Rat Pack” -they were truly entertaining and absolutely hilarious together. They would smoke and drink cocktails and be totally raunchy. I’m sure you can find old live footage and they used to do ‘roasts’ of each other and other celebrities. ♥️♥️♥️ as a child watching it was great!😊
Well said!
SDJ is regarded as one of the greatest tap dancers that ever lived. You should try to track down stuff with him and Gregory Hines dancing. They did a movie called "Tap" and danced together at Sammy's 60th anniversary special.
They just don't make them like that any more!! Brilliant performance, great reaction!! Loved it!!
Oh what a man ... haven't heard this one in years, but love it. RIP Sammy.
Sammy is considered the greatest all-around song and dance man, ever. They don't make em like that anymore. Great review.
This song has been done by a number of performers, but Sammy Davis Jr was hands-down the best. I saw him once in an interview say that he originally didn't want to do the song because he was afraid he would one day be that "Mr. Bojangles " has-been drunkard. Maybe that's why he did the song so well.
As for why you're crying... I can't hear this song without bawling. Every time they get to the part where the dog dies, I'm a mess.
Sammy didn’t write this song , it’s not autobiographical, Sammy is just singing it and performing the heck out of it!!!
Sammy was great!!!!
It was emotional,because he was a beautiful entertainer.
I remember watching Sammy as a kid and so many others of that era. As a kid we knew these people were special--but when I look at the entertainment landscape today---I really fully now appreciate what we have lost from that era.
If you check out "Old Time Movie Stars dance to Uptown Funk" the first clip is Bojangles Robinson dancing with Shirley Temple. Bojangles was born in 1878 and passed away in 1949 at the age of 71.
one of my favourite songs, by one of my favourite singers! thanks so much for this! big love to all people :)
He was a dancer, a singer, an actor. So talented.
Legendary singer, dancer and member of the Rat Pack.
This was one of my favorite songs back in the day...nobody did it better than Sammy..Bravo ...
My mum (who was white and Jewish) absolutely adored this “one-eyed, black, Jewish man” - actor, singer,dancer and the very definition of charisma
His religion was Judaism, that didn't change his ethnicity. He was an American-Hispanic.
You are looking at a man who had his start as a child in vaudeville in the 1930s. He surpassed his father and uncle in the Will Mastin Trio and carried them in the act for years. Mr. Davis was a magnificent performer. His likes as a performer can never be duplicated. There is no longer the common culture and and the performance opportunity that vaudeville provided. Every town in the country had at least one vaudeville theater and performers like Sammy Davis traveled on the vaudeville circuits year round.
Love Sammy❤❤❤ He's a good actor as well
I grew up in the 70's so I remember hearing Sammy Davis Jr. on the radio and seeing him on talk shows. He was a great singer and actor also a very funny man.
Such a beautiful, talented man he will always be missed.
Britt, I’m so happy you get it! 😄 Sammy Davis, Jr. was a staple of the ‘70’s growing up! He was part of the famous “Rat Pack” (Sinatra, Martin, Lawford)…did these variety shows, Dean Martin Roasts, Telethons, etc.! He was, just like you said, an entertainer…sang, acted, danced, did it all…Guy was suave, did things w/ panache, and was comedy gold too!! What a nostalgic reaction! Kudos!
Oh wow!
Britt Reacts, you are the best!!! I always wanted someone to react to this particular performance of Sammy and you're the only one who has . . . and you didn't disappoint with your reaction either. It was an absolute joy watching you watch him. Wasn't he incredible?
He once said that this is a fictional song, not the life story of the real mr bojangles. Sammy davis was the ultimate entertainer of his time.
Variety tv shows were popular when I was growing up so Sammy Davis Jr. made regular appearances in our living rooms. He was mesmerizing.
I always loved him & this song always made me cry. Still does. I cried for Mr. Bojangles..I cried for his dog..I cried over his grief...
"After 20 years he still grieves.."...been there, done that, still doing it.
Mr. Davis was so cool & was an unforgettable member of The Rat Pack.
Btw, Brit, he was good friends with another charter member of the PDC.👀
He loved Elvis, not just for his talent but for his friendship as well. They had a real Mutual Admiration Society going on.
Talk about 2 individuals with Major League Talent. Whew!
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One of my favorite all time entertainers- one of the true greats! I remember reading Yes I Can, his initial autobiography, when I was 15. I’m 65 now. So happy to see you react to him. So much more to him! I invite you to read his book. ❤❤❤
Love Your shirt Britt
Sammy Davis Jr. was awesomely incredible...grew up watching him...live and reruns
Back un the day when he was Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin The Ratt Pack, performed in Las Vegas.
Segregation said he didnt have a private bathroom, dressing room or equal pay , time in stage. Frank and Dean said "If you don't treat Sammy with respect and equality then Ya don't have any of us!! We are a pack, Ratt Pack or the FabFour!!!"
Sammy was treated equal with dressing room bathroom money equality...making theRatt Pack or Fab Four !!!
Google great true story of legends.
❤Sammy RIP SAMMY DAVIS JR.
We can enjoy you in Heaven one day soon ❤❤❤😊 🎶 🎵 🎶 🎵
I saw Sammy Davis in concert with Frank Sinatra in Detroit. I was lucky.
We were in the first row of regular seating just beyond the cocktail tables that surrounded the stage.
Sammy was one of the greatest all-round performers; Sing, dance, act ... and one of the greatest tap-dancers. You should see more of his work.
The show in Detroit I saw them at (Frank, Sammy and Dean Martin used to tour together) was the very first show that their other touring partner Dean missed due to personal troubles ... Dino never got well again ... and it was before Liza Minnelli took over for Dino's spot on the rest of the tour ... so I just missed Dino and also Liza.
Bojangles is a tear jerker.
Everyone's gone now. Getting older is an exercise in loss. I miss the old days.
Sammy Davis Jr is a legend
I came across this song and performance by Sammy about 15 years ago and been obsessed with it ever since.
Mr, Davis had the respect of his generation.
He loved Elvis Presley. Watch the echo will never die Elvis in the black community. Sammy is in this as well Whitney houst
Im glad your appreciating the talent, of the greatest enterainer that ever lived ,sammy davis jr.
there is a couple of things that I think you will find interesting Britt. One, do research on the orginal "Rat Pack" very interesting history involving Sammy Davis Jr. with his two buddies Frank Sanatra and Dean Martin. The three went everywhere together and sometimes could not get in places due to Sammy being black so his buddies would not go in either. Also long after what seemed like the end of his career, Sammy came out with his last song before the end of his life called "The Candy Man" A fun and uplifting song to listen to.
Sammy was the coolest of a whole cool generation of entertainers. Smooth, that voice, those moves. So effortless. That's cool.
One of the greatest.
Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was a Broadway superstar and one of the greatest tap dancers ever, influencing generations of tap dancers to come. You can watch him on TH-cam. He was a wonderful performer. As far as Sammy Davis, Jr., goes, he was one of the most talented-and multi-talented-entertainers; he could sing, dance, act, do comedy, anything.
I saw Sammy (together with Liza and Sinatra) doing this song live in 1989 in Amsterdam during the Ultimate Event concerts. Sammy, for me, by far was the world's greatest entertainer❤
I am such a fan of Sammy! He could not only sing and dance but was a good actor too. Fun fact, he was very good at fancy western gun shooting. Such an all around super talented man.
His dancing was an Inspiration
Glass eye and all.