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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You need to react to Dean Martin celebrity roast so many famous celebrities roasting each other from days gone by including Sammy Davis, Junior, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and so many other hilarious people you should really check it out
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 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 love Sammy Davis Jr and am happy you did this video. Have you ever watched the real Bojangles Robinson? TH-cam has a number of clips of him with tiny Shirley Temple and they are so fantastic! I understand that they became lifelong friends. Please treat yourself to some of those clips or, even better, the movies. Maybe The Little Colonel...
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
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 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
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 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 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!
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 🥰
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
You should also check out cannonball run from the year 1981 Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior are two celebrities of many and they’re dressed up as priests the whole movie is a blast
@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. ❤
@@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?
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 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.
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 ❤❤❤😊 🎶 🎵 🎶 🎵
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!😊
I just adore Sammy brilliant performer was unique and an outstanding talent and dancer but the best entertainer in the world? I respect your thoughts but the greatest to ever set foot on a stage was wearing those Blue Suede Shoes goes by one name Elvis
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 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!!!! ❤👑
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 !
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.
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.
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! ❤❤❤❤❤
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.
Bo Jangles Robinson was a very famous tap dancer and was in many movies. If you haven’t seen him dance down the steps with Shirley Temple, you’ve missed a fabulous performance, by both of them! Apparently they did it in ONE TAKE! This song is about his later life when he was down and out. Sad…🥺
I love your smile as you watch Sammy, he was just a beautiful talented person. Thanks for reviewing and appreciating his fine articulated stage 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 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?
@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.
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.
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!
Not a bad cover by Sammy, but his great songs were "What Kind Of Fool Am I" and "Who Can I Turn To, both written by Anthony Newley (who also wrote the silly children's song "Candy Man" which, unfortunately, was Sammy's biggest hit), and Sammy's great cover of "I Gotta Be Me". These songs are where you get to hear both the emotion and his incredible range and power. A 5'5" ball of dynamite, Sammy, who could play almost every instrument in a big band orchestra, was the greatest solo entertainer of all time.
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. ❤❤❤
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
Anything Sammy and Dean Martin is just gold. The whole Rat Pack was amazingly entertaining.
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.
You need to react to Dean Martin celebrity roast so many famous celebrities roasting each other from days gone by including Sammy Davis, Junior, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and so many other hilarious people you should really check it out
The roasts were great..
Goosebumps everytime I just adore Sammy Davis Jr.I thought he danced with Shirley Temple I must be mixed up will someone let me know.Thanks guys.❤
Sammy Davis Jr. is about as good as good gets in the history of entertainment.
And that’s understated
He was a great singer, actor, and man. I was lucky to see him on television as I was growing up.
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.
well said... he was awesome, I'm old enough to have lived through his time on this earth.
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 ♥️!!!
This one brought tears to this old man's eyes. Sammy was one of a kind.....
I love Sammy Davis Jr and am happy you did this video. Have you ever watched the real Bojangles Robinson? TH-cam has a number of clips of him with tiny Shirley Temple and they are so fantastic! I understand that they became lifelong friends. Please treat yourself to some of those clips or, even better, the movies. Maybe The Little Colonel...
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
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.
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
You should react to Sammy as a kid dancing with his uncle and dad. He steals the show. Talent = Sammy Davis Jr. !
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
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.
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.
The man could do it all, when Hollywood had real talents.
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!
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 🥰
Did you just say make me feel all the feels ! lol , That was cute. God bless
BRAVO, Tears in my eyes for some reason 😂😂😂
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 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 was a genius and a singer and dancer big part of the rat pack under much love
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.
Sammy is one of the greatest thanks for this one.
Couldn't agree more!
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. 💓💓💓💓
Sammy was one of the great entertainers. A true song and dance man. A superb actor. An amazing quick draw artist.
There is a famous dancer who danced with Shirley Temple. He was called Bill Bojangles Robinson, look him up.
This song isn't about Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
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.
He also sang the theme song from the Baretta TV show. Great song.
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!
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!
One of my All time favorites this and the Candy man can
Sammy Davis Jr a great all around performer
This was great Britt! Do yourself a favor and listen to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band sing this great song! Hits you in the feels. Stay blessed girl 😊
He was great and one hell of an artist/ Put him with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Wow is all I can say.
Sammy did it all and did it splendidly. I was blessed to meet him once and he was so nice. 😊
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.
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.
You should also check out cannonball run from the year 1981 Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior are two celebrities of many and they’re dressed up as priests the whole movie is a blast
@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. ❤
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?
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.!!!!
SDJ was the goat when I was very young. Please don't ever forget his extra ordinary talent.
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.
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 ❤❤❤😊 🎶 🎵 🎶 🎵
Please try and find his movies. He was with a group called the Rat Pack. Look for him. Sammy was awesome. ❤ miss the talent.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
You should review the scene from "The Little Conolel" with Mr. Bogangles dancing with Shirley temple on a stair case.
I liked his song Candyman❤️
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!
Lets applauded M.J. once again for incorporating and paying tribute this mans legacy throughout his own historic musical contribution.
He loved Elvis Presley. Watch the echo will never die Elvis in the black community. Sammy is in this as well Whitney houst
I just adore Sammy brilliant performer was unique and an outstanding talent and dancer but the best entertainer in the world? I respect your thoughts but the greatest to ever set foot on a stage was wearing those Blue Suede Shoes goes by one name Elvis
They just don't make them like that any more!! Brilliant performance, great reaction!! Loved it!!
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 is an icon in music and showmanship. One of the
Greats
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!!!! ❤👑
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 !
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.
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!
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! ❤❤❤❤❤
Legend 🎉👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
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.
Bo Jangles Robinson was a very famous tap dancer and was in many movies. If you haven’t seen him dance down the steps with Shirley Temple, you’ve missed a fabulous performance, by both of them! Apparently they did it in ONE TAKE! This song is about his later life when he was down and out. Sad…🥺
Shirley Temple and Bo Jangles…FANTASTIC!
th-cam.com/video/wtHvetGnOdM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IrbKIFxmo7nVRbOw
And has nothing to do with this
@@chrischar9428 snarky comment…
whether you know it or not, they called Bill Robinson “Bojangles”. Look it up.
Whether this song was written about him or not.
@@sally7210 when did I say he wasn't. The songwriter said as much
I love your smile as you watch Sammy, he was just a beautiful talented person. Thanks for reviewing and appreciating his fine articulated stage presence.
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.
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!!!!
I adore sammy. I love his tap dancing. You should check out his movie he was in called tap with Gregory hines. Its a dance drama film.
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.
Oh what a man ... haven't heard this one in years, but love it. RIP Sammy.
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?
Sammy was one of the greatest entertainers to ever live.
Britt you should check out Bill Robinson and Shirley Temple dancing on the staircase from an old movie. The Little Colonel is one I remember
Incredible song. The Nitty gritty dirt band did my very favorite version. Glad you got to hear this.
@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.
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
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.
He comes to mind anytime i hear certain trigger words than bring about the 70's for me, in my own little world lol
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!
Not a bad cover by Sammy, but his great songs were "What Kind Of Fool Am I" and "Who Can I Turn To, both written by Anthony Newley (who also wrote the silly children's song "Candy Man" which, unfortunately, was Sammy's biggest hit), and Sammy's great cover of "I Gotta Be Me". These songs are where you get to hear both the emotion and his incredible range and power. A 5'5" ball of dynamite, Sammy, who could play almost every instrument in a big band orchestra, was the greatest solo entertainer of all time.
It was emotional,because he was a beautiful entertainer.
oh, hon, this dance performance has nothing on a.bunch more of his performances. he had fantastic moves!
Sammy Davis was a very talented entertainer and was part of the original rat pack loved him.
one of my favourite songs, by one of my favourite singers! thanks so much for this! big love to all people :)
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. ❤❤❤
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.
You can see him dance with Shirley Temple and alone his staircase dance is famous. Plenty of clips on TH-cam.