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Biography

Sammy Davis, Jr.: Mr. Entertainment

Sammy Davis Jr. literally grew up on the stage, starting in the '20s as the youngest member of the famed Wil Mastin Trio. His career as a song-and-dance man spanned the decades and included chart-topping records, sold-out Broadway shows and starring roles in Hollywood movies. Biography celebrates this beloved showman, from the origins of his unique "flash" dance style to his final tour with rat pack superstars Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Sammy Davis, Jr.: Mr. Entertainment would be useful for classes on American History, African American History and American Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Vocabulary

• allegiance
• aptitude
• carcinoma
• chemotherapy
• derogatory
• desecrate
• fetish
• jovial
• mezuzah
• notorious
• pulverize
• versatility

Discussion Questions

1. Why is Sammy Davis Jr. called "Mr. Entertainment?" How is this nickname a testament to his many and varied talents?
2. Sammy Davis' childhood was unique and different from most people's childhood. How was his childhood unique? How did his childhood experiences determine the course of his life and his career?
3. Sammy Davis Jr. grew up during the era of Jim Crow and racial segregation. How did Sammy Davis Jr.'s father try to protect him from the evils of racism?
4. Although African American entertainers were welcome on the stages of Las Vegas in the 1940s and the 1950s, they still encountered prejudice. How did prejudice affect the lives and careers of African American entertainers in this period?
5. Sammy Davis Jr. was in a serious accident in which he lost his left eye. How did this accident affect Sammy Davis Jr.'s life?
6. One of the reasons for Sammy Davis Jr.'s popularity was his ability to transcend both African American and white culture. How was he able to balance both black and white worlds?
7. Fame and fortune have their price. What were the pitfalls of fame and fortune that Sammy Davis Jr. fell into? How did excess almost cost him his life?
8. Sammy Davis Jr. had relationships with several white women and married a white woman. Why were these relationships so controversial? Why did his personal life upset some people? What did racism and prejudice have to do with these controversies?
9. How did Sammy Davis Jr. use his talent to further advance civil rights for African Americans and to break down color barriers?

Extended Activities

1. Write an obituary for Sammy Davis Jr. that chronicles the highlights of his life and his career.
2. Create a timeline for the life of Sammy Davis Jr. that illustrates the advances for civil rights made by African Americans.
3. Write an essay in which you compare the contributions of Sammy Davis Jr. to racial harmony and civil rights with other civil right leaders of his era.