Sammy Davis Jr - Ol' Man River

[@hhm28061953]

It is the best Version I ever heard - free from trivial make-up its, brutal, honest - bravissimo Sammy - you still belong to the greatest of all-time

[@curtisneilson5829]

Hans-Horst Mueller Paul Robeson

[@moss8448]

bravo well said....

[@joshbarela7669]

Hans-Horst Mueller I'm particularly fond of Ramey Samuel's version

[@arturolopezportillocontrer4902]

Curtiss Nelson; Exactly! Paul Robeson! The best! Also Samuel Ramey!

[@quiquibud4]

think paris 85 better but both great

[@TheJazzyVaudevillian]

Sammy Davis, Jr. was one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived.

[@trishlangford5773]

Not one of. THE greatest. Ever.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Luigiano]

Top 2!!!

[@malkyboy1234]

Please never remove this, it's pure class

[@JoeBrahh]

hey, i realise this is literally half a decade old (wow that's scary) but for anyone that stumbles onto this comment I just wanted to say I'll never remove this vid and I have it backed up, so if it ever gets taken down I'll make sure it's uploaded again

[@SandersonRose]

Classic 100% nothing to top this

[@michele9271]

I have watched this at least 100 times over the years and I never get sick of it. He is a gift. His talent is a gift to us! Thankfully we have some awesome videos to cherish

[@andreww.8709]

Same here Michele, it is such an accomplished performance.

[@pinball1970]

@@andreww.8709 It's simply stunning. So much there to go into but you have to start with the talent.Not many singers, Sinatra included could do what he did. Just brilliant

[@hc9082]

Truly the very best performance of this song. The talent this man had is on a totally different level. Thankfully we have videos

[@masayoshifkui8428]

Yes, he is a gift.

[@masayoshifkui8428]

American has many gifted peoples too.

[@DesmarGuevara]

I want to give Sammy millions and millions of likes. No one like him.

[@josvandencamp8441]

One million likes from the Netherlands.

[@peterkelsey5841]

This man, Sammy Davis Jr, is on a completely different level to any other born individual.

[@darnellmagruder283]

Oh yes Pete, He could sing, dance, play musical instruments, he could do impressions, he could entertain 2 hours straight and you'd swear he just started his set. HE WAS THE MAN!!!!!

[@helenjosten8570]

Absolutely ❤️

[@markbeames7852]

Bullshit. Listen to Paul Robeson. Additionally - Sinatra didn't change the lyrics like Sammy did.

[@timfarmer]

@@markbeames7852 spell his name right if you’re such a fan

[@markbeames7852]

@@timfarmer oh my! Did I touch a nerve? LOL

[@irishsetterarchie]

Mr. Davis not only had a beautiful and powerful voice, he could transport you body, soul, and spirit into the depth of his emotion. I was with him there on the banks of the river. This performance brought a tear to my eyes. I miss him very much.

[@moss8448]

well said

[@JamesMena-ym9vf]

He also brought me to the banks of that river, he brought all of us bloodlines of the used and abused to that rivers edge. No one brings situations to Life like Sammy!. Rest in peace my brother, you will never be forgotten.

[@desleykakoulidisgallaway3382]

They were witnessing a a special moment in entertainment history- it’s like a musical production perfection 🙏

[@northstarastrology3954]

Right? I remember seeing him on TV, but really beautiful to reintroduce myself to this great man.

[@johnhodgson4588]

From what he went through ie Tom Crow, even when he was part of the ," Rat Pack" it's an honour to what's him come through all that. He invented the triple threat, god bless you , Mr Davis

[@dovbarleib3256]

@@johnhodgson4588 Jim Crow. He went through Jim Crow.

[@bi-costalteacher1281]

I’ve watched this at least 100 times and it never gets old. That ending never fails to give me chills. He was one of the greatest entertainers in history!

[@Aucht52]

Indeed he was. Gone far too soon. 😢

[@rivkajazz]

He should have gotten a standing ovation for that. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@propeller89]

Well, sure - but there was no need for it, he knew what he just did!

[@rivkajazz]

@@propeller89 Just watched it again after having left this comment three years ago. Yeah....he deserved a standing ovation.

[@Hvnly777]

@@propeller89 He literally dropped the mic! BRAVO Sammy!!!

[@MrChelseabun]

If I'd been there I would have stood up. My soul would have demanded it!!

[@rivkajazz]

@@MrChelseabun Absolutely.

[@mse48]

The most "soulful" rendition of "Ol' Man River" ever. The phrasing, dynamics and pauses are classic Sammy Davis, Jr. I love at the end when he changes the lyrics from "skeered of dyin'" to "but ain't afraid of dyin'.'"

[@20alphabet]

Just shut up.

[@markbeames7852]

The Paul Robson lyrics as original stand. You're wrong. You're not afraid of dying? Oh, okay.

[@svalentine4667]

I think the original version makes more sense, but Sammy’s singing is the best I’ve heard of this song

[@peterkelsey5841]

Those lucky, lucky people in the audience witnessing one of the greatest performances in the history of entertainment. Absolutely Wonderful!

[@thomaslong8448]

And yet they didn't give him an ovation and it was the last song of the concert...must be a mostly white audience.

[@MICHGO1]

@@thomaslong8448 BACK THEN PEOPLE WERE MRE REFINED. TODAY PEOPLE ARE SO HYPED UP THAT ALL A PERSON HAS TO DO IS SAY HIS NAME AND THE CHEERS BEGIN.

[@pondgazer1]

I didn't think any version of this great song could be better than the well-known original sung by Paul Robeson. This is one of the most moving renditions that I've ever heard. Absolutely stunning. Profound respect to Mr. Sammy Davis Jr.

[@michaellozito9750]

When they make a movie about this great man, as well they should. This has to be the opening song. It captures the pain and greatness of this man. I love him

[@walkerrashad948]

Come on man I know you're loyal, but, Sammy's version is much better than the original version ! Sammy have a much better singing voice and he put much more emotion into this song I can feel this !!!!

[@jeannettelocorriere8599]

I agree, Sammy lived through racism in the army then in life when he was singing. There was segregation when he went to Las Vegas and Frank Sinatra stepped in and told the hotel owners he was never going to sing there again if they didn’t let Sammy eat and sleep in the hotel where they were performing. It’s why he can sing this song with such feeling. He was a great singer and tap dancer, I loved him.

[@jordanpraag]

This was a pleasure to listen to. I’ve never known a singer to put so much emotion into the lyrics that they sing. His performances really are food for the soul

[@LenHummelChannel]

*Sung from the heart & the gut. in his prime: he was among the very greatest.*

[@julavaughs1137]

Greetings from Barbados. I concur

[@thomaslong8448]

The greatest!

[@btbrotherton]

That is the most powerful singing ever. I mean holy shit, if that doesn't give you the chills you're probably dead inside.

[@gen_x_diva9869]

To those of you watching this in 2069, hello from 2022. This man was an entertainer in the purest sense of the word. Hold on to this music and I am glad you are here to appreciate the greatness of Sammy Davis, Jr.

[@zaudy]

2024 in japan thank you

[@Ian2CoryLoveeer]

The last section from 'I ain't afraid of dying' etc... Honestly chills every time.

[@thebullybuffalo]

I2CL it supposed to say he is afraid of dying. It goes "I'm tired of livin but I'm sceared of dyin" to express the existential dilemma a slave faced but I think Sammy wanted to express defiance and courage

[@Ian2CoryLoveeer]

thebullybuffalo If I'm correct it has been altered throughout the years, especially compared to the original. Frank sang 'feared', Judy sang 'scared' and each one beautiful. I agree, the power and defiance within his interpretation is moving, must be my favourite.

[@thebullybuffalo]

I2CL they changed the words but they kept the meaning. Sammy changed the meaning here and sang a message he wanted to share and I think he did so fantasticly. Normally the song is a despairing groan but Sammy made it a defiant shout

[@michaellozito9750]

I cried

[@westhawk9599]

There will never be another singer whose heart and soul can be felt in songs, like Sammy Davis Jr.

[@susanomullane4100]

There are no words. We are the poorer for losing him much too soon but privileged to witness his legacy. RIP Mr. Davis and thank you.

[@thomasjorge4734]

He was soooo Talented. Entertainer Extrodinaire: Singer, Dancer, Actor, Comedian, Impressionist! What could he not do? He played a bitter gunman looking for revenge in a Rifleman episode. Just Incredible!

[@shanke300]

In tears. Sammy Ripped my heart out. Thank you sir.

[@20alphabet]

You have no heart?

[@YouCanCallMeDon]

Super chops. Sings, dances, tap dances, comedian, broad range actor.... he really did it all.

[@RobertSJHu]

Yes Sammy Davis Jr. !!!!!!! I, too, want to see all Americans being accepted as equal like all Americans that are declared by the U.S. Constitution. You are a loving and kind gentleman to everyone. Am 78 yrs. old and raised in Hawaii !!!!!! Bless you Sammy Davis forever!!!!! Thanks to you and Joseph Hughes for this iconic posting. Gratefully, Robert S.J. Hu July 4, 2020 .

[@alecball68]

The Best entertainer in the world. And will be always will be

[@valentinexavier9278]

This is the best version of this song that I've ever heard.

[@BBBYpsi]

No computer animated stuff no autotune just the singer with an incredible voice singing in actually telling the story of the song this was an absolute fantastic performance of this song

[@laddiemeadows1156]

You're damn right! Pure talent.

[@RobinsDynasty]

But its a free country and he did say it so.......there.....

[@paulpitt52]

BBBYpsi hear! hear! 👏🏼

[@robertrothberg8678]

How these people didn't give him a standing ovation was absurd.what they witnessed was the greatest rendition ever performed.sammy Davis jr.was without a doubt the greatest singer and entertainer that ever lived.no one can ever come close to his talents.no one.

[@SavoxYT]

Pound for pound, Sammy was probably the most talented of the Rat Pack.

[@SEXYLADY23ful]

I'M 26 YEARS OLD & I LOVE HIM & OLD SCHOOL MUSIC

[@DerrickMims]

Wow! He doesn't try to do Robeson. Sammy never could do that version. I love the way he makes this song his own, giving it just as much emotion as the original. That ending, tho. Chills.

[@michaelhandy8848]

Oh Man, Sammy can wring emotion out of old shoe leather and it would sound great!

[@thomasadkins4024]

so true

[@olensoifer9901]

Good version, but I still like Paul Robeson.

[@julavaughs1137]

Well said

[@messianic_scam]

This is better

[@JuanitaNelsonCombs]

Awwwwwww he was so broken here...you can feel his pain regret and humility

[@flyer55]

One of the greatest artists of our time!! He cannot receive enough tributes.

[@jeannettelocorriere8599]

Absolutely mesmerising, simply the best performance I’ve ever seen by Sammy which left me spellbound. Such a big voice came out of his small body. Rest in peace dearest Sammy, I’ll never forget you and will forever love and miss you. 💔

[@73bluestone]

This song meant so much to Sammy I saw him perform this at the London Palladium it brought the house down

[@blueskye6372]

Powerful and 🙂😉 Wonderful. 💛🧡 Crying a "River" of tears now December 9, 2019. Rest in Paradise Mr. Sammy Davis, Jr.😭

[@FayBenson]

It gives me goosebumps. What a fantastic interpretation. We almost forget about the slavery and racism and think that people should be friends and together against racism. Great Sammy.

[@juliavilcosqui525]

I didn't have you down as an idealist Faycal, but maybe you are just a forward thinker, like this man was...

[@ANGELANGEL-ch7wh]

I wish I had been there in that audience to witness this outstanding performance, they should be on their feet for this Legend

[@MorrisonElvis]

It's good to hear him sing the full introduction.

[@theoriginalbadbob]

I believe that's called the prelude.

[@spacemonkey95]

I particularly like how he ends the greatest ever performance of this song with the most graceful, elegant mic drop you've ever seen.

[@PaulTheillusionist]

This is just pure legendary.

[@thomaslucia3059]

Agreed. This isn't just a performance, it's a lengendary expression of personal emotion, historical meaning and a rich and glorious talent.

[@staralioflundnv]

Sammy Davis Jr., a truly gifted performer, humanitarian, and writer. Back in the late 1960s, he wrote his life story in a book titled, "Yes I Can!" which was a real page turner. I was in high school then, and his book really got me in the heart. His book made you laugh, cry, and question life. Driving around Vegas, I always feel his presence on the marquees and at the Moulin Rouge. He was the star who blazed the way for other Black and minority entertainers. An incredible human being!

[@20alphabet]

In the book Ordeal, Linda Lovelace recounts the time Sammy Davis Jr. gave oral sex to her handler Mr. Trainor during a movie.

[@arleenhaegele353]

The best there ever was or will be. So much talent in one man. Mr. Entertainment. Was privileged to see him perform many times. Loved this man, SAMMY.

[@AlenaGabris]

This version of Ol'Man River is my favourite...

[@jqualinscott4169]

"But I ant afraid of dying" this one line just took me out! My emotions MY EMOTIONS

[@atrapped_soul]

I got goosebumps, this is my favourite version so far. I HAVE TO listen to this legend more

[@ValShave]

Singers of today take note of this man's talent and dignity. You have a great deal to live up to. Love you Sammy...

[@walkerrashad948]

Such a deep moving rendition of this song , I had to wipe the tears away from my eyes... Sammy knows how to move you !!!!!!!

[@Createdbysophistic8ed]

Sometimes it feels like these days never ended. Our people still stand up before the world and speak about man's indignity to man. It's been a long time coming, the event that will finally make others understand that black lives matter too.

[@u.s.n.retired1995]

What a voice, what an entertainer! Such power coming from this pint sized man. I respect Mr Davis for daring to fight for and dream that there may come a time when racism would vanish and equality would prevail. This hasn't fully happened, but I appreciate his spirit and the way he always fought for folks like me.

[@gingerbread1231]

Well said, Valincia.

[@michaeldargan1874]

Great comments. I saw Sammy several times in the Detroit area. Fantastic entertainer for all races. This is the best version of o'le man river, surpasses the original for raw emotion.

[@HAFILIPINIM]

bneibilhah.blogspot.com/2019/07/blog-post_7.html

[@hanshorstmueller4050]

Sammy always was an icon against in-humanity!!!

[@VMulka]

😂😂Every time I hear this song i can't believe Sammy doesn't get a standing ovation at the end of this song. His singing of this song is like an artist painting a picture of the old south. I wish i had been in the audience that night he would have got what he truly deserved. Keep rolling along Sammy.

[@loiswright6838]

His voice will never be silenced.

[@saykin756]

The best version of old man river classic i have ever heard by samy davis jr! Soul searching song for all the black americans! .. with love from malaysia....

[@brucejackson6451]

JESUS!! I was wondering how he was going to sing this sitting down, especially the climax. He finally does stand up, but that guy had so much power packed into that small body he didn't really need to stand up to draw in a lot of breath. I'm not too crazy how he phrases some of the lyrics, but the final chorus is one of the most powerful, beautiful, tragic things I've ever heard. Chills, indeed.

[@17tragicom]

what Bruce said

[@markmyers6472]

And just think... he was a 4 pack a day smoker!!!

[@bevally1533]

He was extraordinary! Highly gifted -- magnificent voice, superb dancer, all around great entertainer! While he's not with us anymore, his legacy lives on in vocals and videos. Thank you, Sammy. You will never be forgotten!!

[@Scott_22]

Never realised how stunning his voice was

[@paularcher4607]

I've never hard this before, what a powerful performance in every way.

[@toriann56]

Gosh, I miss Sammy Davis Jr.!! He was So talented, acting, singing and dancing.. along with a comic side too! RIH Sammy!! Singing with the angel's choir..

[@usrt46]

1st time I have seen this clip..agree..shivers up the spine.

[@stephenbredin6906]

astoundingly astounding

[@TheKrupskeman]

What passion, he gave it everything he could!

[@lalosalazar9999]

Wow-I was brought here by a commenter in the Sinatra version I watched who said "Sammy does Old Man River better than Frank", and I have to say I agree. This gave me goosebumps. I have heard this song and loved it for decades; yet its full import did not really hit me until this rendition. Heck, I saw a Showboat revival on Broadway a few years back, and this version was far superior.

[@pollydickinson4789]

There will never be anyone else that this man has. RIP Sammy you were irreplaceable. X❤

[@larryjones2346]

When I get to heaven, I'm going to look for Sammy Davis Jr. And if he ain't there i'm leaving.

[@deborahdaypollini3028]

I always enjoyed listening to Sammy sing when I was a kid. However, I'm blown away at this performance I've never seen before. He's more amazing to me, now that I listen again as an adult. I think this is THE BEST version of the song. I almost cried.

[@ddiddiddi1]

ill tell you this..... MUSIC changed the world. Changed racism. Changed everything and anything. It was music that eventually brought everyone "together".

[@ToddAndelin]

majestic performance... nobody nobody can sing like Sammy....

[@legalboxers]

Paul Robesons version is amazing too

[@BigBingFan]

He could sing, dance, act, do spot-on impressions--there wasn't anything Sammy couldn't do. Amazing performer.

[@christophersansone2755]

I saw Sammy Davis in concert with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli. I was expecting greatness, but Sammy really surprised me. He stole the show.

[@carolynlwinfield]

I know, I have found a new appreciation for Mr. Davis. I can feel him here... He is magnificent! Shalom

[@estellacohen7122]

He always did. He had more talent than Sinatra.....and Sinatra knew it!

[@michaelharrison4178]

Christopher Sansone why you was surprised sammy always been better than any of them

[@thebullybuffalo]

Estella Cohen and Michael Jackson got his inspiration and style from Sammy too!

[@allymayful]

AND Sinatra continued to respect and honour his mate despite that. It was this friendship that developed my respect for Sinatra.- he spoke up loudly against racism.

[@peterkelsey5841]

Those 20 , or 30 people at the front didn't realise at the time, but they were witnessing the greatest single performance from any performer EVER! The greatest!!!

[@memeexclusive]

Love the ending, Sammy hits some notes that are truly virtuoso, dug out from deep in his soul. Always equated "Bojangles" as Sammys' personal-Ol' Man River.

[@patrickthomas1273]

Proper singing, not like today god bless Sammy

[@SmeagolTheBeagle]

"life gets weary, and I'm sick of trying, I'm tiered of living, but I ain't afraid of dying!" Wow.

[@youleftyourgoogleaccopenon5471]

Crying. He was so great. I thank God I got to see him twice

[@hbacker94]

this is the most amazing thing ive ever heard

[@TheMusicguy68]

SAMMY DAVIS JR.- Great and passion filled version of Old Man River. However terrific the song is, Sammy's rendition brings it to a higher level. We can feel that the words mean a lot to him personally. Sammy lets us "understand" this song in a new way from his perspective as a Black Man, who hopes and prays that the days of "tote that barge, lift that bale are over." Thankfully they are! Sammy Davis was a true American Icon!

[@cserannie80]

he got me right through the heart! I have never heard a voice that meaningful!

[@Barakx8]

What a Mensch Sam was. He was a true credit to our people the Jews, and to our partners the Blacks.

[@jimmaisch7851]

Spellbinding performance by one the All time Greatest performers... who knew how to hold an audience in the palm of his hand.. Brilliant singer dancer comic impressionist and could act not only on screen but like any great singer , through song.. storytelling...He is irreplaceable!

[@jimr4319]

One of the greatest singers of his era....in order for this song to work one must embody it ....Davis did just that and magically so.

[@Hvnly777]

This is so powerful, I can't stop watching it. Sammy was an awesome talent. May he RIP.

[@rebeccaquinn3704]

Close to tears watching this everytime. The fact I will never be able to experience such talent live like this, like Sinatra, Martin etc. Absolutely wounds me, I'm sure I was born 50 years later than I should have been!

[@JudgeJulieLit]

His every performance deserved a Grammy and Tony (or Obie).

[@evans66ph]

Watching this in 2020 amid the Covid-19 Pandemic. Music doesn't get better than this - this little man hits you in all the right places.

[@lesliekorshak]

Thank you - in every language, Sammy Davis spelled love...

[@theoriginalbadbob]

Sammy didn't sing this song very much, maybe once every year or two, but when he did, he would get a Standing O in the middle of the show. I've seen him sing this in person, and it was even better than this wonderful performance. It was non-stop Chill-City.

[@thanosrossopoulos7369]

That ending though. Gives me goosebumps!

[@pinball1970]

This is just amazing, been watching it for over a month now. Magic

[@robertcube3418]

Play it again Sam.. Still watching October 2019

[@Viscount_Castlereagh]

I was reading the comments at the start of the video about how people were in tears over this video etc. I thought they were just being overdramatic. Then when I heard the ending I got chills. What a singer.

[@martyduncan2636]

Wow! I always thought next to Robeson, Sinatra had the stellar version. Until now, Sammy’s version is just fabulous!

[@arthurbradford7980]

Don't forget about William Warfield.

[@hotrod5893]

That young folks is real singing entertaining and Musik and not the stuff of today People like Sammy Davis Jr are sadly missed in the todays world

[@ANGELANGEL-ch7wh]

I HAVE WATCHED THIS A THOUSAND TIMES AND EVERY TIME I WATCH IT THIS PERFORMANCE BREAKS MY HEART, IT TAKES MY BREATH AWAY. A MAGICAL PERFORMANCE. ♥️ THE AUDIENCE SHOULD BE ON THEIR FEET.

[@dominiquetorres2130]

C était un grand artiste où que tu sois Sammy merci pour ces bons moments 😘👍

[@yubtubtime]

Incomparable cool and dignity. Such honesty and soul ❤

[@do1wo1]

One word ..............emotion .

[@michaeldargan1874]

I''m tired of living, but ain't afraid of dying. Your so right, emotion. This version can bring a man to tears.

[@nuttymcsquirrel]

2:45 Christ what voice control. He had that vibrato down to a tee

[@TheAremo1st]

He changes the words, near the end to say his tired of living but NOT afraid of DYING! Great rendition.

[@josewaltersalesesilva9110]

Absolutely fantastic. What a voice!

[@GeorgeKiernan]

He has the most melodic voice there has ever been.