SAMMY is one of the finest books to be published about one of Americas enduring legends singer/actor Sammy Davis Jr.(1925 - 1990). His first memoir YES I CAN was published in 1965 followed in 1980 by a second memoir WHY ME? Boyar has essentially revised Davis' memoirs and added much new information from unpublished interviews which will shock and enlighten people who read this excellent book. Boyar has also added a new prologue and epilogue both of which offer insights into Davis.

This book is detailed and the reader will find an abundance of information. What many readers are unaware of was the fact that Sammy Davis Jr. along with his friend Frank Sinatra were leaders in the struggle for racial equality. That Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis enjoyed each other's company and mutually admired each other's singing abilities is another fact often overlooked. Both men were devoted friends and both men each had their share of personal crosses to carry!

What is strikingly wonderful about this autobiographical reading adventure is the way in which Sammy details his life as a black performer in segregated America. It is an honest and painful story and should be read by many.

There are of course his stories concerning membership in Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack and his friendship with Sinatra. But there are also stories about how he handled his love affairs and relationships with film stars such as Kim Novak among others his marriage in 1960 to Swedish actress May Britt his surprising conversion to Judaism and his closeness to the Kennedy Family. There is also his later closeness to Richard Nixon which caused much controversy. He speaks of his problems with drugs and alcohol.

Nothing is left out. Sammy also discusses his later troubled relationship with the Kennedys his feelings towards the emerging black movement his marriage coming to an end with May Britt and his open marriage with Altovise Davis.

What really shines about this book is the honest voice of Sammy Davis Jr. telling it exactly and precisely as it was what happened to him what his part in happenings was whether forced upon him or taken openly by personal choice and the humaneness of a man oftentimes at odds with his desires and success! The book reads quickly and there are enough stories in here to make many many movies of the week. In this case the stories are all true.

If you are a general reader or a reader who enjoys music or a reader who likes contemporary social history SAMMY is the book for you. You will discover SAMMY won"t let you put it down each page almost turning by itself as you read about an American singing legend whose name was Sammy Davis Jr. This is a fascinating look at a man and his times! An excellent nonfiction work for anybody's home library collection! A five-star reading experience!'SAMMY is one of the finest books to be published about one of Americas enduring legends singer/actor Sammy Davis Jr.(1925 - 1990). His first memoir YES I CAN was published in 1965 followed in 1980 by a second memoir WHY ME?'