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Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr.
When Sammy Davis, Jr. published his autobiography in 1965, it was an immediate long-running bestseller as well as a revelation. Yes I Can describes Sammy Davis's personal conviction, the view of success that both propelled him to stardom from ghetto obscurity and served as his armor against racism.
611 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1965
68 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
Sammy Davis Jr.
22 books22 followersSamuel George "Sammy" Davis, Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990) was an American entertainer. Primarily a dancer and singer, he also had many acting roles on stage and screen, and was noted for his impersonations of actors and other celebrities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 17, 2025
"What have I got? No looks, no money, no education. Just talent... I've got to be a star. I have to be a star like another man has to breathe."
Someone posted today they read this book that brought up a memory.
I still remember seeing this book so often in my parents bedroom when I was a teenager. I was attracted to the yellow print of the title, but had no idea who SDJ was
at that time or what the words "Yes I Can" meant. Flipping the paperback over to read the description (no clue what the word "synopsis" meant either ) I decided to borrow their book. There were plenty of sentences I didn't understand because you see; growing up in Detroit at the age of twelve or thirteen I knew very little about what SDJ was referring to when he wrote about always wanting to be an entertainer and why. He wrote about stories of racism and prejudice that happened to him. This made no sense to me. I had white friends, black friends, green ones and blue ones. My school was a complete mix of kids and teachers; we are the same.
Evidently not. One day as I was walking home from school two kids ran up to me pointing their fingers screaming "You're a Jew, get off this block -that, sort of reminded me what I had been reading except for the part of being jewish. Umm..whats wrong with being jewish.
When I got home I told my mother and had to admit her book was in my room.
She gave me the cliff note version but explained some connections with prejudices. She said SDJ was jewish too. Ha, that..never received a second thought from me. If you read the book you will learn why he converted.
What a fabulous book. He was determined to be different and receive the empowerment and respect of people- he earned on his own merit.
"Real success is not on the stage, but off the stage as a human being, and how you get along with your fellow man." Sammy Davis, Jr.
Someone posted today they read this book that brought up a memory.
I still remember seeing this book so often in my parents bedroom when I was a teenager. I was attracted to the yellow print of the title, but had no idea who SDJ was
at that time or what the words "Yes I Can" meant. Flipping the paperback over to read the description (no clue what the word "synopsis" meant either ) I decided to borrow their book. There were plenty of sentences I didn't understand because you see; growing up in Detroit at the age of twelve or thirteen I knew very little about what SDJ was referring to when he wrote about always wanting to be an entertainer and why. He wrote about stories of racism and prejudice that happened to him. This made no sense to me. I had white friends, black friends, green ones and blue ones. My school was a complete mix of kids and teachers; we are the same.
Evidently not. One day as I was walking home from school two kids ran up to me pointing their fingers screaming "You're a Jew, get off this block -that, sort of reminded me what I had been reading except for the part of being jewish. Umm..whats wrong with being jewish.
When I got home I told my mother and had to admit her book was in my room.
She gave me the cliff note version but explained some connections with prejudices. She said SDJ was jewish too. Ha, that..never received a second thought from me. If you read the book you will learn why he converted.
What a fabulous book. He was determined to be different and receive the empowerment and respect of people- he earned on his own merit.
"Real success is not on the stage, but off the stage as a human being, and how you get along with your fellow man." Sammy Davis, Jr.
May 1, 2022
For ME this book was totally fantastic. I think almost anyone will appreciate it like mad. I have a personal connection to the book and perhaps it is for this reason I choose five rather than four stars. I think this is true of most books and most readers. The five star books are those we feel a strong connection to.
I am not necessarily thrilled with biographies of stars, which this of course is. It is an autobiography of Sammy Davis Jr. written in collaboration with Burt and Jane Boyar, both were his close friends. It is Burt that reads the audiobook, his wife having now passed away. What we hear are words spoken from the heart. This is not just anyone reading the text. It is beautifully read with deep emotion.
Back to the book. We follow Sammy from when he started performing with his father and uncle at the age of three. It does not cover his whole life. It goes up to and through his marriage to the blonde Swedish actress, May-Britt Wilkins in 1960, and the birth of their first child, Tracy. This is where it concludes. It does not cover the end of their marriage, eight years later. I don’t find this all that important. I had already come to understand the difficulty of marrying one such as Sammy. What is made clearly evident is Sammy’s personality, his devotion to a cause and the unbelievable race discrimination that so dominated America at this time. The discrimination of the era is mind boggling. Most of us know of this even before picking up the book. Nevertheless, one is shocked to the core. It was all so illogical, so unjust. Details of events remain hard to believe and emotionally upsetting. A book can be perceived intellectually. The writing is topnotch, enabling one to go a step further and perceive the events on an emotional level.
The dialogues are pitch perfect. They put you back in the mid-20th century. It is easy to relate to not only Sammy but also May-Britt.
The reader comes to know not only Sammy in and out, but also his close, close friend, Frank Sinatra. The facts help you truly understand what they did for each other.
I adored the chapter describing Sammy’s performance before the Queen of England. Your heart melts and then when you hear of the mishap of the clothing, you start laughing. I’m telling you, this is so funny! The reason why this book is as successful as it is is because it gets personal, and as previously stated, the era is superbly described.
Humor is blended with that which is serious.
I connect to this book because my mom tested Judaism and considered conversion. Sammy did convert. My mom didn’t, but we kids went to synagogue services, practiced Jewish holidays and learned a bit of Hebrew. The Judaic principles and beliefs that guided Sammy were taught to me. I wonder if my mom didn’t talk to the rabbi Sammy refers to. There are incidents in the book my mom spoke of. They moved her, and they moved me. One example--it was thought that “the colored woman coming out of the house could be nothing but a maid.” That woman was Sammy’s grandmother! This is / was disturbing, upsetting for both me and my mom. I didn’t know my mom was referring to incidents in this book! I see that this book has influenced my life by influencing my mom. It has been kind of a shock, coming upon the book now many years after my mom’s death. Memories of things she said, clearly taken from this book, flood back.
In any case, I think the book will act as a trip down memory lane for those of us who lived in the US, and particularly NYC, during the 1950s and 60s.
Forget that Sammy Davis Jr. was a star. That is not the important thing. This book is excellent because it puts racial discrimination on a personal level. It makes a reader comprehend its idiocy and the hurt it inflicts. I dare you to read this book and not be moved. Unfortunately, this book remains relevant still today.
Five stars to both the book and its audio narration.
Thank you, Nigeyb for bringing this book to my attention.
I am not necessarily thrilled with biographies of stars, which this of course is. It is an autobiography of Sammy Davis Jr. written in collaboration with Burt and Jane Boyar, both were his close friends. It is Burt that reads the audiobook, his wife having now passed away. What we hear are words spoken from the heart. This is not just anyone reading the text. It is beautifully read with deep emotion.
Back to the book. We follow Sammy from when he started performing with his father and uncle at the age of three. It does not cover his whole life. It goes up to and through his marriage to the blonde Swedish actress, May-Britt Wilkins in 1960, and the birth of their first child, Tracy. This is where it concludes. It does not cover the end of their marriage, eight years later. I don’t find this all that important. I had already come to understand the difficulty of marrying one such as Sammy. What is made clearly evident is Sammy’s personality, his devotion to a cause and the unbelievable race discrimination that so dominated America at this time. The discrimination of the era is mind boggling. Most of us know of this even before picking up the book. Nevertheless, one is shocked to the core. It was all so illogical, so unjust. Details of events remain hard to believe and emotionally upsetting. A book can be perceived intellectually. The writing is topnotch, enabling one to go a step further and perceive the events on an emotional level.
The dialogues are pitch perfect. They put you back in the mid-20th century. It is easy to relate to not only Sammy but also May-Britt.
The reader comes to know not only Sammy in and out, but also his close, close friend, Frank Sinatra. The facts help you truly understand what they did for each other.
I adored the chapter describing Sammy’s performance before the Queen of England. Your heart melts and then when you hear of the mishap of the clothing, you start laughing. I’m telling you, this is so funny! The reason why this book is as successful as it is is because it gets personal, and as previously stated, the era is superbly described.
Humor is blended with that which is serious.
I connect to this book because my mom tested Judaism and considered conversion. Sammy did convert. My mom didn’t, but we kids went to synagogue services, practiced Jewish holidays and learned a bit of Hebrew. The Judaic principles and beliefs that guided Sammy were taught to me. I wonder if my mom didn’t talk to the rabbi Sammy refers to. There are incidents in the book my mom spoke of. They moved her, and they moved me. One example--it was thought that “the colored woman coming out of the house could be nothing but a maid.” That woman was Sammy’s grandmother! This is / was disturbing, upsetting for both me and my mom. I didn’t know my mom was referring to incidents in this book! I see that this book has influenced my life by influencing my mom. It has been kind of a shock, coming upon the book now many years after my mom’s death. Memories of things she said, clearly taken from this book, flood back.
In any case, I think the book will act as a trip down memory lane for those of us who lived in the US, and particularly NYC, during the 1950s and 60s.
Forget that Sammy Davis Jr. was a star. That is not the important thing. This book is excellent because it puts racial discrimination on a personal level. It makes a reader comprehend its idiocy and the hurt it inflicts. I dare you to read this book and not be moved. Unfortunately, this book remains relevant still today.
Five stars to both the book and its audio narration.
Thank you, Nigeyb for bringing this book to my attention.
March 19, 2022
When Yes I Can (1965), Sammy Davis Jr.'s autobiography, is good it's really good. It's particularly strong on his childhood as a vaudeville performer and his time in the US army during World War Two. You won't be surprised to discover he encountered a lot of racism but you may be surprised at just how extreme it was. Jaw droppingly so. Much of it echoed apartheid era South Africa. Not suprisingly it defined his life. Understandably Sammy Davis Jr. goes into a lot of detail and it is the primary theme of the book. It's an important story which needed to be told.
Despite these hurdles, and because Sammy Davis Jr. was an incredible man with extraodinary talent, he became a major star. I had no idea just what a massive star he was once he'd finally broken through. It's a great tale. That he was also painfully honest, self aware and intelligent just makes this book even better.
He also lived an eventful life whilst living through turbulent times and that further elevates this wonderful autobiography. The book was actually written by Sammy Davis Jr.'s close friends Burt and Jane Boyar who must get a lot of credit for the book's success.
Were it not for a few sections that were repetitive and dragged a bit, this would have been a five star read. It's undoubtedly a seminal celebrity memoir which still fascinates and packs a punch almost 60 years since it was published in 1965.
If any of that piques your interest then I would urge you to read it.
4/5
When Sammy Davis, Jr. published his autobiography in 1965, it was an immediate long-running bestseller as well as a revelation. Yes I Can describes Sammy Davis's personal conviction, the view of success that both propelled him to stardom from ghetto obscurity and served as his armour against racism.
Despite these hurdles, and because Sammy Davis Jr. was an incredible man with extraodinary talent, he became a major star. I had no idea just what a massive star he was once he'd finally broken through. It's a great tale. That he was also painfully honest, self aware and intelligent just makes this book even better.
He also lived an eventful life whilst living through turbulent times and that further elevates this wonderful autobiography. The book was actually written by Sammy Davis Jr.'s close friends Burt and Jane Boyar who must get a lot of credit for the book's success.
Were it not for a few sections that were repetitive and dragged a bit, this would have been a five star read. It's undoubtedly a seminal celebrity memoir which still fascinates and packs a punch almost 60 years since it was published in 1965.
If any of that piques your interest then I would urge you to read it.
4/5
When Sammy Davis, Jr. published his autobiography in 1965, it was an immediate long-running bestseller as well as a revelation. Yes I Can describes Sammy Davis's personal conviction, the view of success that both propelled him to stardom from ghetto obscurity and served as his armour against racism.
March 8, 2008
I read this in 7th grade. Imagine that, a little white suburban girl in 1973 COMPLETELY INFATUATED with the 40- or 50-something black member of the rat pack. I still remember huge parts of Yes I Can, especially the part where Sammy gets into a car accident and helps the lady out of the other car, all the while his eyeball was dangling down onto his cheek. That's the sort of image sticks with you. It was very gallant of Sammy Davis Jr. to take care of the lady in the other car before looking out for his own eyeball, don't you think? Sammy Davis Jr. was so cool.
September 11, 2011
I still think of things that Sammy Davis talked about in his book.
June 20, 2010
What a powerful and insightful autobiography! Sammy Davis Jr. found success as America sorted through anguished incidents of violence and matter-of-fact racism. The chronicle of his life within that context, when civil rights was overtaking Jim Crow, makes this autobiography a real page-turner.
From his start as a child onstage in vaudeville, where back doors were the norm for "coloreds," to his success as an adult on Broadway, in films, television and in nightclubs, eventually gave him access front doors, but not without extraordinary effort. I remain in awe of the performer who could do it all, and do it so well, while facing constantly adverse conditions.
I read recently that actor Denzel Washington owns the film rights to Sammy's story, with an eye toward directing its film version. Let's hope the movie is as terrific as Sammy's own recollection and documentation of how it all looked and felt. Until then, it's great to have this book around!
From his start as a child onstage in vaudeville, where back doors were the norm for "coloreds," to his success as an adult on Broadway, in films, television and in nightclubs, eventually gave him access front doors, but not without extraordinary effort. I remain in awe of the performer who could do it all, and do it so well, while facing constantly adverse conditions.
I read recently that actor Denzel Washington owns the film rights to Sammy's story, with an eye toward directing its film version. Let's hope the movie is as terrific as Sammy's own recollection and documentation of how it all looked and felt. Until then, it's great to have this book around!
May 14, 2014
Holy schnikes. This book effin rocks! I bought this tattered used copy off a street vendor in NYC, let it sit on my bookshelf for a year and after reading just the first few pages it just blew my mind. It felt like I was reading an insanely well-crafted pot boiler and can't put the thing down. There was no moment of the book where I was bored.
On the other hand, I just started reading Rita Moreno's memoir and while interesting it's got a lot of fat and I found myself totally skimming through whole pages.
If you have any passing interest in Sammy or American vaudeville/nightclub showbiz than you won't be disappointed in this book AT ALL!
Another great related read is Jerry Lewis' memoir of his time with Dean Martin. A close second.
The book ends with the birth of his first child to May Britt and I'd love to read about the last half of his life. Can anybody recommend a proper biography on Sammy written by a good author?
On the other hand, I just started reading Rita Moreno's memoir and while interesting it's got a lot of fat and I found myself totally skimming through whole pages.
If you have any passing interest in Sammy or American vaudeville/nightclub showbiz than you won't be disappointed in this book AT ALL!
Another great related read is Jerry Lewis' memoir of his time with Dean Martin. A close second.
The book ends with the birth of his first child to May Britt and I'd love to read about the last half of his life. Can anybody recommend a proper biography on Sammy written by a good author?
November 5, 2024
The autobiography of a great entertainer and a sad account of the prejudices he had to deal with. Especially frightening were the steps he had to take to protect his family.
February 5, 2013
Informative, very well written, and so damn moving. A terrific read! This is far from the typical celeb bio.
June 12, 2014
“I have to be a star like another man has to breathe.” ~ Sammy Davis Jr.
I really enjoyed this. It was honest, vulnerable, and covered a good deal of his life...Being raised in show business by his father and "uncle," his stint in the Army, his early career and breaks, the loss of his eye, his conversion to Judaism, his scandalous affairs, his first and second marriage, his friends in and out of show business, his debt, and much more.
But the theme threaded from cover to cover was racism and how he endured and survived it. He wanted nothing more than to be seen as the best performer; being the "best negro performer" was simply not good enough. He pushed his way through the bigotry and hate and was supported by people who loved me...but couldn't quite understand was he was going through because they had never walked in his skin. He stood up for what he believed in...but he often stood alone. He was so talented that doors did open for him eventually, but only after much heartache and humiliation.
"For me, hate held unknown quantity. It might take a different form, but essentially there was nothing they could do or say that hadn't already been done and said. And above all, I had the experience of surviving it." ~ Sammy Davis Jr.
I really enjoyed this. It was honest, vulnerable, and covered a good deal of his life...Being raised in show business by his father and "uncle," his stint in the Army, his early career and breaks, the loss of his eye, his conversion to Judaism, his scandalous affairs, his first and second marriage, his friends in and out of show business, his debt, and much more.
But the theme threaded from cover to cover was racism and how he endured and survived it. He wanted nothing more than to be seen as the best performer; being the "best negro performer" was simply not good enough. He pushed his way through the bigotry and hate and was supported by people who loved me...but couldn't quite understand was he was going through because they had never walked in his skin. He stood up for what he believed in...but he often stood alone. He was so talented that doors did open for him eventually, but only after much heartache and humiliation.
"For me, hate held unknown quantity. It might take a different form, but essentially there was nothing they could do or say that hadn't already been done and said. And above all, I had the experience of surviving it." ~ Sammy Davis Jr.
August 7, 2020
"Yes I Can" was a very entertaining and insightful autobiography from one of the dearly missed multi-talents of the entertainment industry in Sammy Davis, Jr. I myself was a youngster when he passed, but the unique aura, timeless sense of "cool" and enduring charm and celebrity left a mark on me. His affiliation with the Rat Pack, his many loves (of which I believe that Las Vegas should have claim), signature tunes ("Candy Man," and my father's personal favorite, "I Gotta Be Me") and incredible tap skills were the trademarks of his persona. This book is a great introduction to the man behind the persona, and the story of the sacrifices and stumbles he made to what at that point was a starkly magnificent slice of stardom by age 35.
"Yes I Can" very much mirrors the life and ascent to stardom of Mr. Davis, in that it is a long, epic journey at which near the last quarter of the book, much of the renown trademarks of "Mr. Wonderful" (a nod to his collaboration with George Gilbert -- which was new to me) himself break through and shed a familiar light to the reader (the Rat Pack affiliation, his history and enduring friendship with the late Frank Sinatra is given a loving and thorough analysis from their first meeting).
Many moons ago, a fellow I worked with in a stage production talked with me about Mr. Davis and his talent for mimicry, which was a big fixture in his live show. Said gentleman burned me a copy of one of his records, and Sammy gives great attention to both the novelty of his ability and even the process by which he'd entertain his audiences with them.
If you have ever entertained the idea of performing to an audience (or have done so with some varying results), it's as much as a study in craft as a story of a career's origin. Mr. Davis very generously lends his mental process about connecting with an audience, albeit through song, dance, or the like. He offers advice both his own and of other giants in the industry about taking to your craft in the ever-evolving and moving arena of entertainment.
He knows how fortunate he is to have attained his avenue of success, and how all too susceptible he was to meeting certain pratfalls (a great analysis he makes is how the desire to succeed in a creative way of life can impede one's much needed development in the personal/romantic life).
As a story of a turbulent time in race relations, Mr. Davis provides a first hand perspective on the struggles of being an entertainer of color in an age where many opportunities were denied him in spite of any inherent talent. His philosophy is an affecting one, which he devotes many pages to his hope that one day, he'll be seen and judged by his peers and audience not simply as a great black entertainer, but a great entertainer period.
Keeping family at heart, the book gives loving focus to the trio he was originally in with his father and uncle prior to his breakout solo success. Honest and vulnerable, and never admonishing the talents of Mr. Davis, Sr or Mr. Will Mastin, Sammy offers his perspective on an ageless dilemma in the performing arts: the specter of burgeoning transition to the prospective success of an individual career and its effect on the dynamic of an established group/ensemble act.
Chameleonic in his many phases, "Yes I Can" shows you the numerous transitions he makes through his life. The awareness of his race, and the damning status is belies him is jarring and truthful. Though he (like many) served in the military, the obstacles akin to his being an outsider ethnically at a fractious time in society (that some would say is being revisited in the current day) are presented effectively. The reflections he shares are gems, and the angst and befuddlement he elaborates on about them are understandable (in this reader's case)
A classy and an effortlessly hip man garbed in wit, the conversational exchanges Mr. Davis features in the book give it a screenwriter's feel ---- in some ways, in strikes like a biopic in waiting. I'm curious to know how Jane and Burt Boyar assisted in the writing process and bringing the various conversations to life.
It's full of splendid archived photos as well.
Please forgive my length here, but the book is an interesting chronicle of the interesting life of a truly fascinating and thoughtful entertainer. There are numerous scars from the trails that he blazes in the limelight, including the controversy of his marriages, his connection with and embrace of Judaism (which feels honest, and is a great nod to an enduring sect of spirituality), his crossover success (another timeless parable for any performer --- especially if said performer is a minority), his involvement with the civil rights movement, and so much more.
The waxing and waning of stardom, as well as the necessary tug of war with the press, reading a crowd, knowing your venues ---- the perspective that is offered in this book could give it the subtitle "Yes You Can"
I've only grazed upon the surface here. There's a lot more to Mr. Davis' story that by book's end was about half of his life. Ever at his heart is his maker, and his family. You'll learn about the Davis family he was born into and the extended family that is at the cusp of arrival near the end of the book.
It's a great introduction to many celebrities and movers and shakers of days gone by, and his interactions with them crackle with pathos, humor, and heart.
If you've wanted to learn more about Mr. Davis short of going to his museum (which hopefully will be an achieved milestone of mine if travel resumes safe normalcy in the days go), this book would be a great way to go. You'll learn much more about him, and even about what drew you to him. He shares wonders and warts all the same, and if you can endure the journey, a connection will be made in these 600 plus pages that can help you in your own.
"Yes I Can" very much mirrors the life and ascent to stardom of Mr. Davis, in that it is a long, epic journey at which near the last quarter of the book, much of the renown trademarks of "Mr. Wonderful" (a nod to his collaboration with George Gilbert -- which was new to me) himself break through and shed a familiar light to the reader (the Rat Pack affiliation, his history and enduring friendship with the late Frank Sinatra is given a loving and thorough analysis from their first meeting).
Many moons ago, a fellow I worked with in a stage production talked with me about Mr. Davis and his talent for mimicry, which was a big fixture in his live show. Said gentleman burned me a copy of one of his records, and Sammy gives great attention to both the novelty of his ability and even the process by which he'd entertain his audiences with them.
If you have ever entertained the idea of performing to an audience (or have done so with some varying results), it's as much as a study in craft as a story of a career's origin. Mr. Davis very generously lends his mental process about connecting with an audience, albeit through song, dance, or the like. He offers advice both his own and of other giants in the industry about taking to your craft in the ever-evolving and moving arena of entertainment.
He knows how fortunate he is to have attained his avenue of success, and how all too susceptible he was to meeting certain pratfalls (a great analysis he makes is how the desire to succeed in a creative way of life can impede one's much needed development in the personal/romantic life).
As a story of a turbulent time in race relations, Mr. Davis provides a first hand perspective on the struggles of being an entertainer of color in an age where many opportunities were denied him in spite of any inherent talent. His philosophy is an affecting one, which he devotes many pages to his hope that one day, he'll be seen and judged by his peers and audience not simply as a great black entertainer, but a great entertainer period.
Keeping family at heart, the book gives loving focus to the trio he was originally in with his father and uncle prior to his breakout solo success. Honest and vulnerable, and never admonishing the talents of Mr. Davis, Sr or Mr. Will Mastin, Sammy offers his perspective on an ageless dilemma in the performing arts: the specter of burgeoning transition to the prospective success of an individual career and its effect on the dynamic of an established group/ensemble act.
Chameleonic in his many phases, "Yes I Can" shows you the numerous transitions he makes through his life. The awareness of his race, and the damning status is belies him is jarring and truthful. Though he (like many) served in the military, the obstacles akin to his being an outsider ethnically at a fractious time in society (that some would say is being revisited in the current day) are presented effectively. The reflections he shares are gems, and the angst and befuddlement he elaborates on about them are understandable (in this reader's case)
A classy and an effortlessly hip man garbed in wit, the conversational exchanges Mr. Davis features in the book give it a screenwriter's feel ---- in some ways, in strikes like a biopic in waiting. I'm curious to know how Jane and Burt Boyar assisted in the writing process and bringing the various conversations to life.
It's full of splendid archived photos as well.
Please forgive my length here, but the book is an interesting chronicle of the interesting life of a truly fascinating and thoughtful entertainer. There are numerous scars from the trails that he blazes in the limelight, including the controversy of his marriages, his connection with and embrace of Judaism (which feels honest, and is a great nod to an enduring sect of spirituality), his crossover success (another timeless parable for any performer --- especially if said performer is a minority), his involvement with the civil rights movement, and so much more.
The waxing and waning of stardom, as well as the necessary tug of war with the press, reading a crowd, knowing your venues ---- the perspective that is offered in this book could give it the subtitle "Yes You Can"
I've only grazed upon the surface here. There's a lot more to Mr. Davis' story that by book's end was about half of his life. Ever at his heart is his maker, and his family. You'll learn about the Davis family he was born into and the extended family that is at the cusp of arrival near the end of the book.
It's a great introduction to many celebrities and movers and shakers of days gone by, and his interactions with them crackle with pathos, humor, and heart.
If you've wanted to learn more about Mr. Davis short of going to his museum (which hopefully will be an achieved milestone of mine if travel resumes safe normalcy in the days go), this book would be a great way to go. You'll learn much more about him, and even about what drew you to him. He shares wonders and warts all the same, and if you can endure the journey, a connection will be made in these 600 plus pages that can help you in your own.
February 6, 2017
WHAT A BOOK
I am staggered by how this was published in the 60s while being such an indictment of American racism. Staggered.
**update**
After sleeping on it I now think it is a 5 star read. My criticism is that it is too long and needed a sympathetic edit. But honestly that may have also ruined the book and whitewashed it so five stars it is!
I am staggered by how this was published in the 60s while being such an indictment of American racism. Staggered.
**update**
After sleeping on it I now think it is a 5 star read. My criticism is that it is too long and needed a sympathetic edit. But honestly that may have also ruined the book and whitewashed it so five stars it is!
January 16, 2020
Everybody has a different opinion when it comes to the greatest entertainer of all time. The Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, etc. but I don't think there SHOULD be any argument as to who the most talented entertainer of all time is. Mr. Show Business himself, Sammy Davis Jr. The Greatest Entertainer of All Time. The name really deserves no introduction but I was blown away by how many of my friends and coworkers had no idea who he was. The closest I got was, "I think I've heard of him." He wasn't Al Jolson, folks! The man passed in 1990 so to me there should be no excuse why folks young and old don't know who the man was. I guess in this fleeting, fast-paced world we live, it's easy to let the past become something less than a memory. I've met kids who are on the cusp of adulthood who know little or nothing of September 11 so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. I should mention that I am 36 years young so while I'm no spring chicken I'm not collecting social security yet either.
I digress. Let me break it down. Rather than state world-class this or world-class that, I'll preface it by stating that he was world class in the following:
Singing. Comedy. Film. Television. Music. Dance. Author.
All the while he did it as a Jewish black man with one eye during the Jim Crow era.
Like come on, people. Anyway, this book charts birth to around the age of 40 so there is a lot more I could say for Mr. Davis but I'll keep it to the scope of Yes I Can. From very humble roots through his second marriage to May Britt and everything in between. The everything in between is what I really enjoyed. From the early vaudeville shows to the tours he, his father, and his uncle would complete. But it wasn't all rosy. I don't know what it is about racism that makes it so cringey. I'm not sure if it's our American history and the atrocities tied to the racism, I don't know if it's the senselessness of judging someone by their skin color over all else, or I don't know if there is something within us that makes us feel guilty about the outgrouping we've done ourselves, intentionally or otherwise, be it because of race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, whatever. I think it's probably all of the above and then some. I think human beings in general are designed to be kind, tolerant, and accepting and hatred is an unnatural emotion. I also think human beings need to engage in communalism and at a certain point, the tribe becomes too large and so we lash out at others who are different as a subconscious need to protect the tribe, the resources, etc. This is obviously a complicated dance but it's made a lot easier when we allow others to be classified as lesser beings because of a, b, or c. Nevertheless, the racism and prejudice Sammy Davis Jr. endured seems almost unparalleled when we look back on events of the latter 20th Century.
There are whole sections that are very hard to read. One that stands out to me was when during WW2, Sammy enlisted in the army and was immediately ostracized. While the other black member in his platoon become overly obedient and subservient as a means to survive, Sammy opted to defend himself and was beaten badly for it several times. In one instance he was tricked and taken to a remote barrack on the base where he was savagely beaten, stripped naked, painted white, and had "Coon" written on his forehead. Another time, some other members of the platoon acknowledged his talents and offered him a beer which was actually a bottle of their urine.
Next there is the overt but not quite physically violent racism. Refused cabs, threats of arrest for being in the wrong neighborhood in spite of having a written "pass," sneers, leers, requests to have him ousted from restaurants and so forth. Desegregation didn't mean things changed overnight. Sure a restaurant couldn't refuse someone for being black but they could refuse them for not having a reservation. There were many different tricks people used to keep Jim Crow era ideals alive. Sammy would have to lay on the floors of his luxury cars while his friends drove him to the homes of prominent white women in Hollywood who shared nothing more than a friendship with him. May Britt, a white woman, would nearly be Sammy's undoing as death threats abounded for both of them. Racism in America is alive and well but I am grateful that we have made some progress in what we will tolerate and entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr. were instrumental pioneers in getting the ball rolling.
There are parts of the book that I didn't enjoy. There is a lot of redundancy and grandstanding that got old. Sammy ran up significant debt during the early years of his career with lavish and largely unnecessary purchases. One could make a successful drinking game for every "Baby, I'm a star!" line. I figured it would come around eventually and while it somewhat did, his lesson seemed fairly watered down and he spent less lavishly but still exuded the grandiosity. The one part of the book that I found very frustrating was near the end after he and Britt were married. He would suggest the night prior that the two of them go to see a movie, or go to a restaurant, or see one of his performances, whatever. Each time he would wake up, remember the death threats and fear for the safety of his wife and tell her that she couldn't go and needed to stay at home or in the hotel. I think that is valid but it happened so many times in the last hundred or so pages that it felt like gaslighting. Each time she would visibly express her sadness, accept, and wait for it to happen again. I get it, it was a credible threat in a precarious time but after awhile it's stopped moving the narrative along and just seemed mean.
Sammy Davis Jr was an amazing man and it's unfortunate that as the older generations go so may the memory of this legendary man. There is so much more that I didn't touch one and at over 600 pages it would be hard to do so. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't know who he was would read this review but in the off chance that you do, please go on YouTube or wherever you get your content and check him out. His rich voice that was never tarnished in spite of a four pack a day smoking habit. The graceful effortlessness in which he tap-danced. Even an interview to see someone articulate and wise beyond his years in spite of never receiving any formal education. I'm grateful that even though I missed his heyday, I was still able to experience a once in a lifetime talent.
I digress. Let me break it down. Rather than state world-class this or world-class that, I'll preface it by stating that he was world class in the following:
Singing. Comedy. Film. Television. Music. Dance. Author.
All the while he did it as a Jewish black man with one eye during the Jim Crow era.
Like come on, people. Anyway, this book charts birth to around the age of 40 so there is a lot more I could say for Mr. Davis but I'll keep it to the scope of Yes I Can. From very humble roots through his second marriage to May Britt and everything in between. The everything in between is what I really enjoyed. From the early vaudeville shows to the tours he, his father, and his uncle would complete. But it wasn't all rosy. I don't know what it is about racism that makes it so cringey. I'm not sure if it's our American history and the atrocities tied to the racism, I don't know if it's the senselessness of judging someone by their skin color over all else, or I don't know if there is something within us that makes us feel guilty about the outgrouping we've done ourselves, intentionally or otherwise, be it because of race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, whatever. I think it's probably all of the above and then some. I think human beings in general are designed to be kind, tolerant, and accepting and hatred is an unnatural emotion. I also think human beings need to engage in communalism and at a certain point, the tribe becomes too large and so we lash out at others who are different as a subconscious need to protect the tribe, the resources, etc. This is obviously a complicated dance but it's made a lot easier when we allow others to be classified as lesser beings because of a, b, or c. Nevertheless, the racism and prejudice Sammy Davis Jr. endured seems almost unparalleled when we look back on events of the latter 20th Century.
There are whole sections that are very hard to read. One that stands out to me was when during WW2, Sammy enlisted in the army and was immediately ostracized. While the other black member in his platoon become overly obedient and subservient as a means to survive, Sammy opted to defend himself and was beaten badly for it several times. In one instance he was tricked and taken to a remote barrack on the base where he was savagely beaten, stripped naked, painted white, and had "Coon" written on his forehead. Another time, some other members of the platoon acknowledged his talents and offered him a beer which was actually a bottle of their urine.
Next there is the overt but not quite physically violent racism. Refused cabs, threats of arrest for being in the wrong neighborhood in spite of having a written "pass," sneers, leers, requests to have him ousted from restaurants and so forth. Desegregation didn't mean things changed overnight. Sure a restaurant couldn't refuse someone for being black but they could refuse them for not having a reservation. There were many different tricks people used to keep Jim Crow era ideals alive. Sammy would have to lay on the floors of his luxury cars while his friends drove him to the homes of prominent white women in Hollywood who shared nothing more than a friendship with him. May Britt, a white woman, would nearly be Sammy's undoing as death threats abounded for both of them. Racism in America is alive and well but I am grateful that we have made some progress in what we will tolerate and entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr. were instrumental pioneers in getting the ball rolling.
There are parts of the book that I didn't enjoy. There is a lot of redundancy and grandstanding that got old. Sammy ran up significant debt during the early years of his career with lavish and largely unnecessary purchases. One could make a successful drinking game for every "Baby, I'm a star!" line. I figured it would come around eventually and while it somewhat did, his lesson seemed fairly watered down and he spent less lavishly but still exuded the grandiosity. The one part of the book that I found very frustrating was near the end after he and Britt were married. He would suggest the night prior that the two of them go to see a movie, or go to a restaurant, or see one of his performances, whatever. Each time he would wake up, remember the death threats and fear for the safety of his wife and tell her that she couldn't go and needed to stay at home or in the hotel. I think that is valid but it happened so many times in the last hundred or so pages that it felt like gaslighting. Each time she would visibly express her sadness, accept, and wait for it to happen again. I get it, it was a credible threat in a precarious time but after awhile it's stopped moving the narrative along and just seemed mean.
Sammy Davis Jr was an amazing man and it's unfortunate that as the older generations go so may the memory of this legendary man. There is so much more that I didn't touch one and at over 600 pages it would be hard to do so. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't know who he was would read this review but in the off chance that you do, please go on YouTube or wherever you get your content and check him out. His rich voice that was never tarnished in spite of a four pack a day smoking habit. The graceful effortlessness in which he tap-danced. Even an interview to see someone articulate and wise beyond his years in spite of never receiving any formal education. I'm grateful that even though I missed his heyday, I was still able to experience a once in a lifetime talent.
January 30, 2022
I enjoyed Part 1 of this book (rags to riches). If I'd stopped there it probably would've been 5 stars. But after that, the rest is the book is a very long slog of narcissism.
July 31, 2020
I read Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis Jr. not long after it was published in 1965. I was 13 or 14 years old and I would say it made the most profound impression on me, more than any other book I had read up to that point, with the exception perhaps, of Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl. I was aware, even as a child, of racial injustice, though I would not have had those words to use back then, and reading about Sammy Davis Jr.’s life played a significant role in sensitizing me.
Early on in the book he describes the tragic car accident, as a young man, that caused him to lose his left eye. He wore a patch for a while until he was fitted with a glass eye which I remember being quite obvious when you looked at him. My father also had a glass eye, though we were never told why, but it made me pay more attention to this part of Sammy’s story. SDJ was exposed to show business as a toddler when he sang and danced along with his father and uncle on the vaudeville stages in Harlem. I have always associated tap dance with him and I still have some of his songs (What Kind of a Fool Am I comes to mind), on my playlists. What made such a huge impression on me was the hatred he was exposed to, for example, by soldiers in the Army who would let him know “what any smart nigger should expect” and proceed to unmercifully beat and humiliate him, after which he was called upon to entertain these very same soldiers.
Sammy Davis Jr. says in his book, “I have to be a star like another man has to breathe. I’ve got to get so big, so powerful, so famous that the day will come when they’ll look at me and see a man, and then somewhere along the way they’ll notice he’s a Negro.” Meanwhile he couldn’t stay in the hotels he performed in and sometimes had to face the indignity of entering through a back door. SDJ courted controversy among whites and among African Americans. He converted to Judaism, which resonated with me as a Jewish person, but, along with his marriage to a white woman, May Britt (who also converted) was not so popular with many in the public who sent hundreds of life-threatening phone calls and letters.
Yes I Can weighed in at 630 pages, but what I remember when finishing the book was not how long it had been but rather how sad I felt that it was over. I remember sobbing and then falling asleep with the book tucked away in my arms. I loved reading that book and by association, I loved the man Sammy Davis Jr. I remember as I got older and I would see Sammy on the late night shows, likely the Johnny Carson show, and he’d be leaning on Johnny’s desk laughing and making wise-cracks, and I found him so much less appealing. I think it was also in his “Candy Man” days and he lost me. But it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change how a book can make such a strong impression on a young teenage girl, that will not only last a lifetime, but will help to form the person she was then and who she was to become. So I am grateful that Yes I Can: the Story of Sammy Davis Jr. came into my life at such an impressionable time.
Early on in the book he describes the tragic car accident, as a young man, that caused him to lose his left eye. He wore a patch for a while until he was fitted with a glass eye which I remember being quite obvious when you looked at him. My father also had a glass eye, though we were never told why, but it made me pay more attention to this part of Sammy’s story. SDJ was exposed to show business as a toddler when he sang and danced along with his father and uncle on the vaudeville stages in Harlem. I have always associated tap dance with him and I still have some of his songs (What Kind of a Fool Am I comes to mind), on my playlists. What made such a huge impression on me was the hatred he was exposed to, for example, by soldiers in the Army who would let him know “what any smart nigger should expect” and proceed to unmercifully beat and humiliate him, after which he was called upon to entertain these very same soldiers.
Sammy Davis Jr. says in his book, “I have to be a star like another man has to breathe. I’ve got to get so big, so powerful, so famous that the day will come when they’ll look at me and see a man, and then somewhere along the way they’ll notice he’s a Negro.” Meanwhile he couldn’t stay in the hotels he performed in and sometimes had to face the indignity of entering through a back door. SDJ courted controversy among whites and among African Americans. He converted to Judaism, which resonated with me as a Jewish person, but, along with his marriage to a white woman, May Britt (who also converted) was not so popular with many in the public who sent hundreds of life-threatening phone calls and letters.
Yes I Can weighed in at 630 pages, but what I remember when finishing the book was not how long it had been but rather how sad I felt that it was over. I remember sobbing and then falling asleep with the book tucked away in my arms. I loved reading that book and by association, I loved the man Sammy Davis Jr. I remember as I got older and I would see Sammy on the late night shows, likely the Johnny Carson show, and he’d be leaning on Johnny’s desk laughing and making wise-cracks, and I found him so much less appealing. I think it was also in his “Candy Man” days and he lost me. But it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change how a book can make such a strong impression on a young teenage girl, that will not only last a lifetime, but will help to form the person she was then and who she was to become. So I am grateful that Yes I Can: the Story of Sammy Davis Jr. came into my life at such an impressionable time.
December 28, 2013
This is an amazing story about possibly the best performer in history. It was more than his talent that made him so impressive. As someone who was a victim of racial bias, had the strength to overcome and thrive, with a positive attitude, and a view of racial issues that would be considered wise and evolved, even by today's standards.
May 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I feel like I got to know the good and the bad of SDJr. Bummer that it stopped after the birth of his first child. This is not just about a black guy trying to make it in a world that often mistreated him because of the color of his skin. You also learn a lot about how deep poverty can leave scars no matter how much wealth you ultimately gain. Great book!
February 23, 2012
This was a pivotal book for me. So much heart here. I learned about Sammy Davis Jr.'s experience in the army, his rise to fame, and difficult experiences with discrimination. His childhood stories are engaging and fun too.
May 21, 2012
Read this when I was but 15 years old.
Found his story to be thought-provoking.
Was especially intrigued by his statement
that he would consider racism on the wane
when Blacks were depicted on TV and film as
ordinary respectable people with good jobs
and not just waiters, maids and flunkeys.
Found his story to be thought-provoking.
Was especially intrigued by his statement
that he would consider racism on the wane
when Blacks were depicted on TV and film as
ordinary respectable people with good jobs
and not just waiters, maids and flunkeys.
February 21, 2016
This is an early biography of Sammy Davis, Jr. that well captures the events of his life in show business from his childhood on. It details the racism he experienced and the acclaim he achieved. He was an incredibly talented man who left a wonderful legacy of music.
February 1, 2008
Oh hell yeah. Sammy D tells a special story of love won and lost and the majesty of living large from the 50s through the 70s. He's a good storyteller, and he has an epic story to tell.
April 10, 2010
Sammy Davis Jr and racism. This is a good book, well worth reading.
August 16, 2010
one of my favorite books of all time: I LOVE stories about people overcoming obstacles through a winning combination of talent + Judaism + sex + hard-earned confidence!
July 13, 2011
Read this when I was in 8th grade & loved it... it seemed to strike a chord about what a person can do with determination & faith in oneself. Great book, even 50+ years later.
July 20, 2011
Loved it loved it loved it! I knew OF Sammy Davis Jr but just decided to take this out of the library one day and could not put it down.
July 29, 2016
Very interesting and inspirational story of a truly talented entertainer. Recommended.
May 1, 2012
Great read! Opens eyes into how black people were actually treated in the Hollywood scene back in the day. Without sounding like a sobstory! This is a man who DID!
November 29, 2023
I’m 49 yo, I discovered Sammy only at 47 yo. When I was young I’ve heard about the rat pack and some of its members. Gaining up in age, my record collection was expanding and also my musical taste. I have a lot of albums of Sinatra and Martin…but none of Sammy Davis Jr.
Covid hit and I revisited a couple of the rat pack albums, I was astonished of the voice of Sammy Davis Jr. So I bought a box set of 10 of his albums… wonderful material.
Time to read upon him… this leads me to this book.
It is for sure one of the best bios I’ve ever read. What a story, what a life. I have only 1 “negative” remark to say about this biography.
A lot of it is told by means of conversations. How can he remember all those deep conversations he had ???
Once I got over the conversation style of the bio, it was a great read. I knew about the segregation and the racism, but to read that even famous people have to endure that every day was an eye-opener.
Just a shame that the bio doesn’t cover his complete life.
He tells quite a lot about his performances, it’s a bit a shame he does not tell about his recording sessions. But hey, if he should do all that, the bio would be 1000+ pages. Not a problem for me, but for the general public the bio as is, is already quite big.
A must read for a Sammy fan, a must read for one who wants to read upon the out and open racism in the USA in that time period. A recommended read for those who like to read great bios about great entertainers.
Covid hit and I revisited a couple of the rat pack albums, I was astonished of the voice of Sammy Davis Jr. So I bought a box set of 10 of his albums… wonderful material.
Time to read upon him… this leads me to this book.
It is for sure one of the best bios I’ve ever read. What a story, what a life. I have only 1 “negative” remark to say about this biography.
A lot of it is told by means of conversations. How can he remember all those deep conversations he had ???
Once I got over the conversation style of the bio, it was a great read. I knew about the segregation and the racism, but to read that even famous people have to endure that every day was an eye-opener.
Just a shame that the bio doesn’t cover his complete life.
He tells quite a lot about his performances, it’s a bit a shame he does not tell about his recording sessions. But hey, if he should do all that, the bio would be 1000+ pages. Not a problem for me, but for the general public the bio as is, is already quite big.
A must read for a Sammy fan, a must read for one who wants to read upon the out and open racism in the USA in that time period. A recommended read for those who like to read great bios about great entertainers.
January 9, 2021
PLEASE NOTE: THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE KINDLE VERSION ONLY!!!
I read this book back in the 1960s when I was a teenager & loved it. It is an excellent book, well written by an inspiring and very, very talented man.
That said, whoever prepared the Kindle version totally butchered it. There is hardly a sentence, much less a paragraph that doesn't have some kind of error in it. Errors that are more than overlooked typos. At least half the time the word "the" is "die". Then there are the capital "U"s instead of double "ll"s. Worst are words that are totally incomprehensible, so bad that one can't even puzzle out what they should be in the context of the sentence. And there are random symbols thrown in to further add to the confusion. Such as "b[iiM|" which is actually "bring".
Buy the paperback - don't bother with the Kindle version!
I read this book back in the 1960s when I was a teenager & loved it. It is an excellent book, well written by an inspiring and very, very talented man.
That said, whoever prepared the Kindle version totally butchered it. There is hardly a sentence, much less a paragraph that doesn't have some kind of error in it. Errors that are more than overlooked typos. At least half the time the word "the" is "die". Then there are the capital "U"s instead of double "ll"s. Worst are words that are totally incomprehensible, so bad that one can't even puzzle out what they should be in the context of the sentence. And there are random symbols thrown in to further add to the confusion. Such as "b[iiM|" which is actually "bring".
Buy the paperback - don't bother with the Kindle version!
July 20, 2025
The incredible story of Sammy Davis Jr. The showman was born in a Harlem tenement, grew up in vaudeville from the age of 3 and never went to school. His talents as a mime, comedian, trumpet player, drummer, pianist and vibraphonist as well as singer and dancer were shaped from his childhood and made him one of the nation's first black performers to gain mainstream acclaim.
The triumphs were all the more laudable in the cold light of the disgusting, incessant racism he endured, especially in the army, and punctuated by sometimes ugly controversies - abuse and slurs by whites, particularly over his marriage to a white actress, May Britt; resentment by blacks over what they viewed as his white life style, and widespread skepticism over his mid-1950's conversion to Judaism. Yet he triumphed.
The triumphs were all the more laudable in the cold light of the disgusting, incessant racism he endured, especially in the army, and punctuated by sometimes ugly controversies - abuse and slurs by whites, particularly over his marriage to a white actress, May Britt; resentment by blacks over what they viewed as his white life style, and widespread skepticism over his mid-1950's conversion to Judaism. Yet he triumphed.
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