In Black and White

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For decades, he was a prominent figure in American show business, embodying a golden age of entertainment. Despite a lifetime career, he often remained hidden behind the persona he meticulously crafted and protected. This illuminating biography delves into the extraordinary life of Sammy Davis, Jr., revealing the man beyond the icon. With meticulous detail, the narrative transports us to the vaudeville era, where a four-year-old Sammy first captivated audiences. His journey included a motherless childhood on the road, performing in a segregated America alongside his father and showman Will Mastin, all while navigating the challenges of the Depression and the decline of vaudeville. Fueled by ambition and a need for applause, Sammy ascended the nightclub scene of the 1940s and 1950s, eventually making his mark on Broadway, in Hollywood, and Las Vegas. The biography also highlights the racial tensions of the time, as Sammy straddled the worlds of black and white America, often facing discrimination in venues where he performed. His involvement in the civil rights movement and friendships with notable figures, alongside personal romances that drew public scrutiny, further illustrate his complex identity. Through extensive research and interviews, this work offers a sweeping cultural history of 20th-century black entertainment, celebrating the legacy of a remarkable performer and the America he navigated.