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Every few generations, society has the perk of witnessing a courageous artist blossom and rise to the top, forever leaving a mark on our culture and changing the way we think and look at many different issues. Over the past 70 years, few artists have been as courageous and progressive as the great Sammy Davis Jr.. With unquestionable talent, and a heart of gold, Sammy was not only an inspiration but a leader in all respects. Born into show business to an entertainer and a tap dancer, Sammy often had to hide his cultural roots which were African American and Cuban. Around the 1950's Sammy had to begin telling everybody he was Puerto Rican for fear of the Cuban backlash that was sweeping the country at that time, on top of the negative stereotypes of African Americans in the early 1900's. But Sammy didn't see this the same way many others did, Sammy thought it was his mission to use his talents to change the way a man thinks for the better.
In the army, Davis was put into an integrated entertainment special services unit. Here he wowed and danced his way into the hearts of even the most prejudiced Americans of the time, reinforcing his belief that racism was a shallow thing indeed. After being discharged Sammy went back to Oregon to contribute to his families Dance routines, over time he ended up releasing 7 solo albums. His solo success contributed to Universal pictures hiring him to sing the intro to the hit motion picture "Six Bridges To Cross" in 1954.
In 1959 Sammy followed his good friend Frank Sinatra to the city of Las Vegas, there Sinatra formed what would be call the Rat Pack! But at first it was called "The Clan", Sammy voicing his opposition to the name for obvious reasons led Sinatra to again change the name to "The Summit" and The Rat Pack was born. Early on in Sammy's career though, he was still forced by most casinos to wait outside by the pool between shows, and they would force him to stay in a hostel on the Westside of town in between shows. African American entertainers at the time were not allowed even as much as a dressing room, not even dining in the casinos restaurants or drinking in the lounges were permitted.
As Sammy's career skyrocketed and he became more and more in demand, Davis eventually had the power to pick and choose. He left every venue that segregated this way in the dust, and with good friends like Sinatra and Elvis, his words became pretty hefty around town. Soon an entire wave of integration hit Vegas with the help of other progressive entertainers, casinos began to loosen up and Vegas was quickly becoming known as a place for everybody no matter your creed or color. Undoubtedly the cosmopolitan atmosphere has become one of the biggest draws for the city of Las Vegas, and with all the contributions this town has made to civil rights nationally, it must always be remembered it could have never have happened without the late, great Sammy Davis Jr..
So come and see one of the greatest entertainers the country has ever known live on stage with the rest of "Sinatra's Summit", only at "VEGAS! The Show" today!
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