An artist from birth, Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the greatest. Here is his story.

SYNOPSIS:

Sammy was born to vaudevillians in a time of great poverty in America.

Unable to give up her dream of success in show business, Sammy Jr.’s mother abandons her family and goes on the road leaving Sammy Jr. to be raised by his father, grandmother, and uncle.

Sammy’s father, also a vaudevillian, along with his uncle, Will Maston, takes a three-year-old Sammy on the road with them.

A smart idea by Will paints Sammy as a midget Al Jolson and places him on the lap of a serious singer making faces as she sang. This starts Sammy’s career in show business.

Watching the vaudeville acts from an early age leads the way for Sammy to become a great multi-talented entertainer. At an early age, he learns every act in the vaudeville show.

Singing and dancing are his main talents but playing the drums and trumpet are also in the mix. He adds impersonations.

Racism is shielded from Sammy when they are denied service in a white section of a restaurant.

Being on the road for several years has high points and low points never reaching the heights of the entertainment world Sammy craves.

The attack on Pearl Harbor sparks Sammy’s patriotism and he enlists in the Army putting the Will Mastin Trio on hold.

The racism in the military is a shock to Sammy. He is spat on, beaten, his body was painted white. He was treated less than human. With the shows at the Officer's Club and with the help of some good people, he makes it through his tour.

After his stint in the Army, the Will Mastin Trio is regenerated. For the next few years, the ups and downs ensue.

An audition with Mickey Rooney gives the trio the boost they need.

Years of struggling are over with the endorsement of the biggest star of his time, Frank Sinatra.

SAMMY