Samuel George Davis Jr. was born December 8, 1925 in Harlem NY and died on May 16, 1990 (or did he)

Sammy Davis Jr. known as Smokey to his pals Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin was in my opinion the most talented member of Summit (Frank never liked the term Rat Pack and the Summit is the top of the mountain). He could dance, sing, act, do impressions, and play lots of instruments (too many to list).  His career started at the age of 7 when he performed with his father and uncle as part of the Will Mastin Trio.

He faced racism and segregation throughout his career, The Sands Casino wouldn’t let Sammy stay at the hotel, but with the help (strong armed the casino) Frank Sinatra insisted that he stay in the hotel or Frank would not perform and tell all his friends not to perform. They let Sammy Stay.  Sammy was playing golf one day and Jack Benny asked him what his handicap was, Sammy responded “I am a one eyed Black Jew isn’t that enough” Sammy’s nick name by members of the Summit was Smokey.  Many thought it was because he was black but in actuality it was because he smoked about 5 packs of cigarettes a day.

So let us all take a moment and listen to one of Sammy’s Songs or watch him dance and say “Thanks Smokey”