Early life
Samuel George "Sammy" Davis, Jr. was born in New York City, New York to Elvera Sanchez (1905-2000)[1], a Puerto Rican tap dancer, and Sammy Davis, Sr. (1900-1988), an African-American entertainer. The couple were both dancers in vaudeville. As an infant, he was raised by his paternal grandmother. When he was three years old, his parents split up. His father, not wanting to lose custody of his son, took him on tour. During his lifetime Sammy Davis, Jr. stated that his mother was Puerto Rican and born in San Juan.[2] As a child he learned how to dance from his father and his "uncle" Will Mastin, who led the dance troupe his father worked for. Davis joined the act as a young child and they became the Will Mastin Trio. Throughout his long career, Davis included the Will Mastin Trio in his billing.
Mastin and his father had shielded him from racism. Snubs were explained as jealousy, for instance. When Davis served in the United States Army during World War II however, he was confronted by strong racial prejudice. As he said later, "Overnight the world looked different. It wasn't one color anymore. I could see the protection I'd gotten all my life from my father and Will. I appreciated their loving hope that I'd never need to know about prejudice and hate, but they were wrong. It was as if I'd walked through a swinging door for eighteen years, a door which they had always secretly held open."
Career
While in the service, however, he joined an integrated entertainment Special Services unit, and found that the spotlight removed some of the prejudice. "My talent was the weapon, the power, the way for me to fight. It was the one way I might hope to affect a man's thinking," he said.[3]
Sammy Davis, Jr. (left) with Roy Wilkins (right) at the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C.
After he was discharged, Davis rejoined the dance act which played at a wide variety of spots around Portland Oregon, and began to achieve success on his own as he was singled out for praise by critics. The next year, he released his second album. The next move in his growing career was to appear in the Broadway show Mr. Wonderful in 1956.
In 1959, he became a member of the Rat Pack, which was led by his old friend Frank Sinatra, and included such fellow performers as Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Shirley MacLaine. Initially, Sinatra called the gathering of fast-living friends "the Clan," but Sam voiced his opposition, saying that it invoked thoughts about the Ku Klux Klan. Sinatra renamed the group "the Summit"...but nevertheless, the media kept on calling it the Rat Pack all along.
Davis was a headliner at The Frontier Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada for many years, yet was required to accept accommodations in a rooming house on the west side of the city, rather than reside with his peers in the hotels, as were all black performers in the 1950s. For example, no stage dressing rooms were provided for black performers, so they were required to wait outside by the swimming pool between acts. [4]
During his early years in Las Vegas, he and other African-American artists like Nat King Cole and Count Basie could entertain on the stage, but often could not reside at the hotels at which they performed, and most definitely could not gamble in the casinos or go to the hotel restaurants and bars. After he achieved superstar success, Davis refused to work at venues which would practice racial segregation. His demands eventually led to the integration of Miami Beach nightclubs and Las Vegas casinos. Davis was particularly proud of this accomplishment. [5]
Although James Brown would claim the title of "Hardest Working Man in Show Business," the argument could be made that Sammy Davis, Jr. deserved it more. For example, in 1964 he was starring in Golden Boy at night and shooting his own New York-based afternoon talk show during the day. When he could get a day off from the theater, he would either be in the studio recording new songs, or else performing live, often at charity benefits as far away as Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas, or doing television variety specials in Los Angeles. Even at the time, Sam knew he was cheating his family of his company, but he couldn't help himself; as he later said, he was incapable of standing still.
Although still a huge draw in Las Vegas, Davis' musical career had sputtered out by the latter years of the 1960s, although he had a #11 hit (#1 on the Easy Listening singles chart) with "I've Gotta Be Me" in 1969. An attempt to update his sound and reconnect with younger people resulted in some embarrassing "hip" musical efforts with the Motown record label.[6] But then, even as his career seemed at its nadir, Sammy had an unexpected worldwide smash hit with "Candy Man". Although he didn't particularly care for the song and was chagrined that he was now best known for it, Davis made the most of his new opportunity and revitalized his career. Although he enjoyed no more Top 40 hits, he did enjoy some extra popularity with his performance of the theme song from the T.V. series Baretta (1975-1978) which was not released as a single but was given extensive radio play and he remained a successful live act beyond Vegas for the remainder of his career. He would still occasionally land television and film parts, including high profile visits to the All in the Family series playing himself. In the 1970s, he also appeared in a series of memorable commercials in Japan for Suntory whiskey.
On December 11, 1967, NBC broadcast a musical-variety special entitled Movin' With Nancy. In addition to the Emmy Award-winning musical performances, the show is famous for Nancy Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. greeting each other with a kiss, one of the first black-white kisses in U.S. television history.[7]
In Japan, Davis appeared in television commercials for coffee, and in the U.S. he joined Sinatra and Martin in a radio commercial for a Chicago car dealership.
Davis was one of the first male celebrities to admit to watching television soap operas, particularly the shows produced by the American Broadcasting Company. This admission led to him making a cameo appearance on General Hospital and playing the recurring character Chip Warren on One Life to Live for which he received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1980. He was also a game show fan, making a cameo on the ABC version of Family Feud in 1979, and hosting a question with Richard Dawson watching from the sidelines. He appeared on Tattletales with third wife Altovise Davis in the 1970s. He also made a cameo during an episode of the NBC version of Card Sharks in 1981.
Davis was an avid photographer who enjoyed shooting family and acquaintances. His body of work was detailed in a 2007 book by Burt Boyar. "Jerry [Lewis] gave me my first important camera, my first 35 millimeter, during the Ciro's period, early '50s," Boyar quotes Davis. "And he hooked me." Davis used a medium format camera later on to capture images. Again quoting Davis, "Nobody interrupts a man taking a picture to ask... 'What's that nigger doin' here?' ". His catalogue of photos include rare shots of his father dancing onstage as part of the Will Mastin Trio. Also, intimate snapshots of close friends: Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Nat "King" Cole and Marilyn Monroe. His political affiliations also were represented in his images of: Robert Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. His most revealing work comes in photographs of wife May Britt and their three children, Tracey, Jeff and Mark.
(Credit Wikipidia.org)
If My Friends Could See Me Now
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That little gang of mine
I'm eatin' fancy chow and drinkin' fancy wine
I'd like those stumble bums to see for a fact
The kind of top-drawer, first-rate chums I attract
All I can say is "Wow-ee, look-a where I am"
Tonight I landed, pow!
Right in a pot of jam
They'd never believe me
If my friends could see me now!
If they could see me now
My little dusty group
Traipsin' round this million dollar chicken coop
I'd hear those thrift shop cats say, "Brother get him!
Draped on a bedspread made from three kinds of skin!"
All I can say is "Wow!"
Wait till the riff and raff
See just exactly how she signed her autograph
What a build up, holy cow!
They'd never believe me
If my friends could see me now!
If they could see me now alone with Mrs. V
Who's waitin' on me like she was a maitre'd
I hear my buddies sayin', "Wow, what gives?
Tonight he's living just like the other half lives!"
To think the highest brow which I must say is she
Should pick the lowest brow which there's no doubt is me
What a step up, wow, holy cow!
They'd never believe it
If my friends could see me, if my friends could see me
If my friends could see me now!
Take a look at me now, take a look at me now
Sammy Davis Jr.'s song "If My Friends Could See Me Now" is a declaration of triumph and self-satisfaction. The singer is reveling in his newfound success and luxury, reflecting on how far he has come from his previous humble beginnings. He imagines the reactions of his old friends and acquaintances to his current lifestyle, perhaps expecting jealousy, disbelief, or admiration. The lyrics glow with excitement and enthusiasm, as if the singer can't believe his good fortune and wants to share his happiness with the world.
The first stanza paints a picture of extravagance, with the singer enjoying "fancy chow and drinkin' fancy wine." He contrasts his current companions with his "little gang" from before, implying that he has traded up in social status. The second stanza takes this theme further, with the singer being envied by "thrift shop cats" who can't believe he's ended up in a "million dollar chicken coop." He mentions a bedspread made from "three kinds of skin," a clear symbol of luxury and excess. The final stanza introduces a female character, Mrs. V, who is treating the singer like a "maitre'd." Once again, the singer plays up the contrast between his low status and Mrs. V's high status, imagining his buddies exclaiming over the unexpected pairing.
Throughout the song, we get a sense that the singer is almost in disbelief at how his life has turned out. He keeps repeating "Wow" and "Holy cow," as if he can barely believe his own eyes. There's an infectious joy and exuberance to the lyrics that makes it impossible not to feel happy for the singer, even if we don't necessarily envy him.
Line by Line Meaning
Super, if they could see me now
I am so happy with where I am right now that it would be amazing if my friends could see me and join me here.
That little gang of mine
My group of friends from my past that would not understand the level of luxury that I am experiencing now.
I'm eatin' fancy chow and drinkin' fancy wine
I am enjoying high-end and expensive food and drinks.
I'd like those stumble bums to see for a fact
I really want those who have doubted or underestimated me to witness my success.
The kind of top-drawer, first-rate chums I attract
I have been able to associate myself with high-caliber and prominent individuals.
All I can say is "Wow-ee, look-a where I am"
I am so impressed and amazed by my current situation.
Tonight I landed, pow!
I am experiencing a significant and remarkable turn of events that I did not anticipate.
Right in a pot of jam
I have found myself in an extremely favorable situation.
What a setup, holy cow!
This situation is beyond amazing and surprising.
They'd never believe me
My friends from the past would never believe that I am experiencing such a high level of success and luxury.
My little dusty group
The same group of friends from my past that would not understand my current success and luxury.
Traipsin' round this million dollar chicken coop
I am enjoying the high-end and luxurious environment that I am currently surrounded by.
I'd hear those thrift shop cats say, "Brother get him!
My friends from the past would be surprised and amazed that I am associated with such an affluent crowd.
Draped on a bedspread made from three kinds of skin!"
I am experiencing high-end and luxurious amenities that I never thought possible.
Wait till the riff and raff
I cannot wait until my friends from my past see my current situation.
See just exactly how she signed her autograph
They will be so impressed when they witness the level of success and luxury that I am now experiencing.
What a build up, holy cow!
This situation is beyond what I imagined or expected.
They'd never believe me
My friends from the past would be in disbelief that I am experiencing such a high level of success and luxury.
If they could see me now alone with Mrs. V
If my past friends witnessed me spending time with such a high-end individual as Mrs. V they would be amazed.
Who's waitin' on me like she was a maitre'd
Mrs. V treats me with a level of respect typically reserved for a high-end restaurant maître d'.
I hear my buddies sayin', "Wow, what gives?
My past friends would be questioning how I am living such a luxurious life.
Tonight he's living just like the other half lives!"
My current situation is beyond what my past friends would have thought possible for me.
To think the highest brow which I must say is she
It is surprising to think that someone of Mrs. V's high societal standing would associate with me.
Should pick the lowest brow which there's no doubt is me
It is even more surprising that Mrs. V has chosen to associate with someone like me who comes from a lower social class.
What a step up, wow, holy cow!
The level of success and luxury that I am experiencing is beyond my wildest dreams.
They'd never believe it
My friends from the past would never believe that I am experiencing such a high level of success and luxury.
If my friends could see me, if my friends could see me
If only my friends from the past could witness my current success and luxury.
If my friends could see me now!
I wish that my friends from the past could see where I am now in my life.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Cy Coleman, D. Fields
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tey Chhorn
If they could see me now
That little gang of mine
I'm eatin' fancy chow and drinkin' fancy wine
I'd like those stumble bums
To see for a fact
The kind of top-drawer, first-rate chums I attract
All I can say is "Wow-ee!"
Look-a where I am
Tonight I landed, POW!
Right in a pot of jam
What a setup, holy cow!
They'd never believe it
If my friends could see me now!
If they could see me now
My little dusty group
Traipsin' round this million dollar chicken coop
I'd hear those thrift shop cats say, "Brother get her!
Draped on a bedspread made from three kinds of fur!"
All I can say is "Wow!"
Wait till the riff and raff
See just exactly how
He signed his autograph
What a build up, holy cow!
They'd never believe it
If my friends could see me now!
If they could see me now
Alone with Mr. V
Who's waitin' on me like he was a maitre'd
I hear my buddies sayin', "Crazy, what gives?
Tonight she's living like the other half lives!"
To think the highest brow
Which I must say is he
Should pick the lowest brow
Which there's no doubt is me
What a step up, holy cow!
They'd never believe it
If my friends could see me now!
They'd never believe it!
They'd never believe it!
If my friends could see me now!
Hi girls, it's me! Charity!
Brian C
Timeless song performed to perfection
Vegonia Lozano
if only if only they could bring music like this back
Steven Williams
Maxine Barry stars in th
Kole Berdinoch
They don't need to. It's right here.
sovaine
This style of music will last forever:-):-):-):-)
glammer
I've got a playlist of stuff from the same sessions. My dad had a couple of albums on Reprise, which were his best work. A lot of them have the same style of starting quietly and just building until he's rocking out at the end. This is on The Most Beautiful Songs of Sammy Davis. The other album is a Treasury of Golden Hits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qRgzQNq4Ps&list=PLGOiJw43mmeEk2ra1oPH4I6dVPgHdoMtH
Tey Chhorn
If they could see me now
That little gang of mine
I'm eatin' fancy chow and drinkin' fancy wine
I'd like those stumble bums
To see for a fact
The kind of top-drawer, first-rate chums I attract
All I can say is "Wow-ee!"
Look-a where I am
Tonight I landed, POW!
Right in a pot of jam
What a setup, holy cow!
They'd never believe it
If my friends could see me now!
If they could see me now
My little dusty group
Traipsin' round this million dollar chicken coop
I'd hear those thrift shop cats say, "Brother get her!
Draped on a bedspread made from three kinds of fur!"
All I can say is "Wow!"
Wait till the riff and raff
See just exactly how
He signed his autograph
What a build up, holy cow!
They'd never believe it
If my friends could see me now!
If they could see me now
Alone with Mr. V
Who's waitin' on me like he was a maitre'd
I hear my buddies sayin', "Crazy, what gives?
Tonight she's living like the other half lives!"
To think the highest brow
Which I must say is he
Should pick the lowest brow
Which there's no doubt is me
What a step up, holy cow!
They'd never believe it
If my friends could see me now!
They'd never believe it!
They'd never believe it!
If my friends could see me now!
Hi girls, it's me! Charity!
QueenKiki
SHE SHE SHE SHE SHE
Stephen Whiteman
The Greatest Entertainer Ever Thank You so Much Sammy
Stanbily 🐑
You are joking, right? Haha! Michael Jackson is.