Sammy Davis Jr. Performs “Mr. Bojangles”, “Once In a Lifetime", and "Life Is a Woman”

Original Airdate: June 2nd, 1978
#johnnycarson #thetonightshow #sammydavisjr
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[@robertr8386]

There will never be another talent,like sammy davis jr.there are no words to describe how great he was.

[@NPA1001]

Absolutely and never a host as good as Johnny Carson as well

[@tinytanks]

He also does not get enough recognition for all his talents... the younger generations (like myself, until watching Billy Crystal talk about him) are completely unaware of how great he was.

[@equilibriumhorsecenter7274]

W O W. Thank you … lost generation. . Brings tears to my eyes. the GREAT Sammy

[@echance12]

Very well said. A generation that was pure class and talent. A generation that's needed more not than ever before!

[@Suzy1959]

I agree, I cry every time I see or hear him. What a Legend! What a Man !

[@susanwest8239]

I miss these two. Sammy Davis Jr. Was one of my favorites!!❤

[@kimbrey65]

I do too! 😢 I loved listening to him and I love his movies!

[@shuffle877]

My all time favorite version of Mr. Bojangles. There was NOTHING he couldn't do on a stage, the greatest entertainer I've ever seen.

[@getoutscumloserfuckayouidi3335]

Because of the real Mr Bojangles teaching himself about everything that a true savant can.

[@getoutscumloserfuckayouidi3335]

Sammy would love to have Mr Bojangles remembered, loved and honored. Sammy loved his mentor.

[@getoutscumloserfuckayouidi3335]

Sammy explained how Mr Bojangles was able to invent anything and everything a musical instrument. This can be explained by NYC spoon musicians easily in the subways. And he probably inspired and or mentored the Blue Men.

[@queenfedorathemagnificent]

This gave me chills. Statements like, “we don’t deserve you” are spoken in moments like this.

[@robertgastreich9846]

One talented man!! A fantastic entertainer. I still miss him and Johnny.

[@TELEVISIONARCHIVES]

We will never see performers like this again. Sammy left my Dad one of his rings in his will. My Father worked on one of his tours

[@jillkjv3816]

Beautiful.

[@dizzman5546]

Wow !!!!!!!!!😮😮😮😮😮

[@donc9751]

Sammy Davis Jr. really was a class act!!! Loved watching the Johnny Carson show!

[@g.r.1394]

Sammy Davis Jr. , what a Voice ,Singer ,Dancer, Drummer and and and... For me by far the greatest Entertainer all time ! Greetings from Germany

[@andygrenn680]

There were many talented showbiz entertainers back in the day. And then there was Sammy Davis Jr. Mister Davis was entertainment personified. A professional entertainment gem.

[@onearmy942]

Well...that was... utterly magnificent! We have really lost touch with what we consider talent nowadays. We all really need to reassess our evaluation of talented performers.

[@melissawarfield]

My friend and I went to Vegas in the 80's. We bought tickets for Sammy's show. I had a good tip for the waiter to give us a great place to sit. He seated us up front at a table by the stage. We were surprised. I was going to hand him the tip. But instead he found a penny kind of under the table. He told me to keep the tip. Sammy came out and sang Mr. Bojangles and his other songs. Then he did tricks with his gun. We enjoyed the entire show. Just before he left the stage, Sammy mentioned about a married couple who were celebrating their wedding anniversary. That couple were at the same table! What a night to see Sammy! I remember the show just like it was yesterday. That's how GOOD Sammy was for an entertainer. May Sammy perform in Heaven for us ❤❤.

[@bonnieschwartz970]

Oo😊

[@heatherarcher8624]

What a great memory!

[@Caninedriver]

Huh?

[@melissawarfield]

​@@Caninedriverhuh? Is that for telling about seeing Sammy or you don't believe me?

[@getoutscumloserfuckayouidi3335]

There was a real Mr Bojangles who Sammy Davis Jr loved and adored.

[@endlesssummer426]

I am getting old. I miss all the entertainers like Sammy. He does not sing a song, he lives the song and through him the song comes alive. What a performance. If only we could bring them all back.

[@timetowakeup6302]

Sammy Davis Jr., the legend himself, once said this: “Bobby Darin is the only act that I never want to follow”. That is some HIGH praise. Two of the very greatest entertainers of the 20th century.

[@robertr8386]

Sammy davis jr.would have had no problem following bobby darin on stage.sammy had no ego,and was very humble and modest,when making that statement.there was a valid reason,why sammy was recognized as the worlds greatest entertainer.there was sammy,then the rest of the performers.

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

I love Sammy, there was no one like him. I saw him twice live, once I was very little and saw him in a children's performance of Porgy and Bess at the Music Center in Los Angeles and the second was at the Jerry Lewis Telethon when I was a volunteer. He was mesmerizing live. One of kind.

[@pattyaugustus850]

I met Sammy Davis Jr at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon 1983 when I sung the chorus Candyman all smiles and he hugged me.

[@iansmith7369]

What a totally respectful and humble man he was

[@JamesTJordan1]

A class act, gives props to the band, like a real pro!

[@erikraether]

Sammy Davis Jr. is a true talent, a true entertainer, a true icon and a true legend. There definitely won't ever be anyone else quite like him. Thanks so very much for uploading this amazing video onto KZbin. This episode was from May 2, 1978, not June 2, 1978.

[@DavidPatersonPortraits]

This is the best Mr Bojangles I've heard. Doc and the band sound amazing, better than any other recording. Sammy is awesome, his voice clean and sharp. This is a gem.

[@TheJoerutland]

When giants were in the entertainment world. Thanks for this clip. It is and was the Wham of Sam. What a performer.

[@eddyemekawopara818]

Though my generation never had the privilege of seeing you and other music heroes, your music and stage performances will live on. Thank you, Sammy Davis.jr

[@Suzy1959]

Amen ! 👍 Agree with you xxx

[@rosssoutherland8118]

I met him in Hollywood on Sammy Hagar’s birthday. Yes that’s right. Long story but he’s still the greatest famous person I’ve ever met. He humored me and let me ask him anything. He was so kind. Broke my heart when he left us.

[@peterwolf2832]

Sammy was the most sincere entertainer ever! When I’m having a bad day I go to the original Tonight Show reruns! There will never be another late night show that will ever come close to the original ones that Johnny Carson hosted!

[@angelabechard913]

How can you not love the great Sammy ❤️

[@jewelzb1402]

Awww Sammy was wonderful I had forgotten just how wonderful an entertainer he was. Rip Sam..we are still watching. 🙏🏻

[@user-qz5pw3fl8o]

Mr Sammy Davis Jr.,was one of the best entertainers in the History of The Tonight Show. And much love ❤️ To his Bandleader,Mr George Rhodes for making it happen for Sammy Davis Jr!

[@AndrewHeller-jn7dx]

He was one of the best ever, ->not just on the history of "The Tonight Show!

[@robertrothberg8678]

This performance proved why sammy davis jr.was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

[@susanbrogan3267]

He was the greatest and multi talented.

[@davidburkholder7360]

Certainly "the greats" are a select group. The "greatest that ever lived"...no. That would be Elvis Presley and the stats back it up.

[@robertrothberg8678]

@@davidburkholder7360 ,Sammy Davis could have done Elvis Presleys act,but Elvis could never do Sammy Davis jrs.act.pound for pound,Sammy was the greatest all around entertainer that ever lived.

[@davidburkholder7360]

@@robertrothberg8678 Sammy was one of the few elites. But a sane man judges by stats as stats don't lie. One billion records sold. Fan club in every nation. Believe what you want but I'll judge the stats. Nearly 600000 visitors per year (50 years after death). Come on man. LOOK at the stats.

[@robertrothberg8678]

@@davidburkholder7360 ,i don't base popularity as an indication for talent.of course there were performers who were more popular and sold more records.there was a valid reason why Sammy Davis jr.was recognized as the world's greatest entertainer.thats a fact.

[@angelafishburn7654]

Gonna have to watch the Sammy Davis Jr. 60th Celebration again. That note on "Great" is incredible! Like Ella said once, Sammy has talent, that's T-A-L-E-N-T. Miss fellas like this. Bojangles is such a classic!

[@maviccabreraballeza6100]

Sammy Davis Jr., thank you for continuing to share your extraordinary talent! We love you! 💗

[@TommySmith-to4mw]

This is pure Gold.

[@texasgina]

I was born in 65 and I always loved Sammy Davis Jr. when I was a kid I thought he had such a great personality and such great voice. My mom used to tell me stories about how in the beginning of his fame how horrible Las Vegas treated him and my mom told me how the brat pack guys stuck up for him and told the hotels if you don't let him stay here we're not staying here and they started letting him stay there.

[@oreally8605]

Rat 🐀 pack sir. Good story.

[@user-qz5pw3fl8o]

Also,When Frank Sinatra started Reprise Record’s,One of the best Trumpet 🎺 Player’s,Mr Harry (Sweet’s) Edison,who was featured on all of the album’s with,Nelson Riddle,Billy May,(and many other’s on Capital Records too).Mr Sinatra told the front clerk, Mr Edison is staying here at this Hotel 🏨 with me also. My Parents and My Grandparents told me what they have went through back in the Day. Now that’s what I call a real learning experience!!!!!

[@Gromit801]

Brat pack was Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, etc. Breakfast Club. Rat Pack was Sammy, Frank, Dino, Peter, Joey, essentially Ocean’s 11.

[@datamanmachine]

Greatest Generation!!! So missed!

[@Modernaire]

Did Johnny get a tear to his eye? Because Sammy's Bojangles brought a tear or two to my eyes. Simply magnificent.

[@alexanderharris8310]

What a performer

[@southbirdsouthbird]

Saw Sammy at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA in about 1978. The best performance I've ever seen. What a total performer. He was a Mensch! God Bless you Sammy!

[@jerryrusinko1219]

Talent and class. What more needs to be said?

[@martyduncan2636]

An exemplary talent! This is vintage Sammy in 1978…and vintage Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson as well.

[@Dee_467]

The video of Sammy doing Mr Bojangles on stage live, in Germany is my favorite that he does. I loved watching him on Carson!

[@5372380]

All class acts. Love the way Sammy gives kudos to the band, too. Just so moving. Miss all these great men.

[@brianbrino4310]

Simply Awesome and what a great person Sammy Davis Junior was!👏👏👏

[@ronheasley1668]

It is wonderful at we can come here to see great performers like Sammy.

[@SpeechCheck]

Outstanding. I wish we still held ourselves to these standards for entertainment and class.

[@trishlangford5773]

There was only ever one truly transcendent, multi talented performer,, Sammy Davis Jr of course. There never was and never will be again anyone like him. He was the G. O. A. T. He is so missed My life long celebrity crush. ❤❤

[@ricksegal3065]

Greatest entertainer ever!!!!!

[@JB-ty8mv]

Oh My God! Oh My God! Wow!! Wow!! I was transfixed by superior greatness of all time.

[@musicmatty67]

A class act right at the top of the list of all the big names in the business. 👍👊

[@sherricoffman]

ThankYou 4Sharing ❤ 🕊 MuchLove!!!

[@St-yp3op]

What a talented and lovely individual! He certainly was a once in a lifetime! Sammy gave alot of himself entertaining and giving to charities. ❤

[@Chuck_Hooks]

Sammy actually was Johnny's guest host once in 1964, I learned. And he was a guest in season ten, on the same show with Bette Davis Unfortunately, all those early tapes were erased. I do remember Sammy appeared with Johnny and Sammy talked about his days in the US army, which was very funny. Haven't seen that clip since then. Miss these legends.

[@Jayyy667]

Did he ever talk about the church of satan?

[@oreally8605]

​@Jayyy667 no, he didn't talk about your father's church.

[@Jayyy667]

@@oreally8605 Not my father, but he was a known satanist.

[@bucketheadwendy5358]

​@@oreally8605Cope, he was a member for decades and still was friends with them after he "left" The dude talked about selling his soul to devil 😂 That's his business though

[@AndrewHeller-jn7dx]

He hosted "The Tonight Show" many times, in fact; quite more than once only, in: 1964.

[@louisefrazier1302]

I had forgotten what a beautiful, powerful voice he had! He was an amazing performer!

[@haryettelorrainemakmot4564]

WHAT A #BEAUTIFUL_VOICE... HE WAS A #TRIPLE_THREAT... REST IN ETERNAL PEACE, SAMMY DAVIS JR.

[@elainehernen286]

Loved this man and his fantastic music 🎵 ❤

[@bighouse5476]

The greatest and most talented entertainer of all time. There was nothing he couldn’t do! He does not get enough credit for his greatest!

[@joeblough261]

I was only 4 years old, but I do remember these days, when there was still both true talent AND class in show business. I wish we had 25%nof that left in today's world.

[@user-eo3or7dj1j]

Miss this time, the talent, the true giants of entertainment. Never to be again.

[@natalieangelo54]

My MOM (GOD REST HER SOUL) MET HIM IN VEGAS , AND SHE STOOD UP TO take his picture from the back row , he said please come closer from back there i look like a half of a tootsie roll 😅😅😅 everyone laughed no one was offended , what a great Entertainer ❤

[@IcebergSafari]

Magnifique, absolue magnifique. Prestation scénique de niveau intergalactique. La classe s'est incarnée chez monsieur Sammy Davis Jr.

[@AnnieVuono]

Miss you Mr. Sammy…. A GREAT ENTERTAINER of all time! Wish we had more like you today 2023!

[@Aeroguy-ob9eb]

Johnny and Sammy are fantastic examples of the greatest generation. Both served in WWII. Ultimate respect.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Sammy has been gone so long...... We knew people who saw him a various shows. Another outstanding historical video. Thank you for sharing this with us 🙏

[@alexanderharris8310]

Both wonderful

[@rock-bottom2023]

A Great and Legendary Talent.

[@fatherdmj]

I’ve been waiting for this clip. Thank you!

[@valeriekitover7363]

What a phenomenal Entertainer!

[@deborahfoster5520]

Now this is entertainment. 😊💜💚🙏

[@Rhonda333]

I grew up on Sammy but forgot how good he can sing

[@meijer78]

Michael Jackson's inspiration. A legend with such a great singing voice!

[@icetech6]

The best...

[@Lakeshore14]

Wow. The ultimate entertainer. R I P Mr. Sammy Davis Jr. 👏👏👏👏

[@frankwiese6685]

Ich vermisse täglich solche Entertainer! 🥰Ich liebe the Rat Pack ☺️und die schöne alte Zeit 👍

[@tjp-re4du]

I usually pray to MY Father in Heaven to thank him for this day. I think he will understand that I wanted to start THIS day with some Sammy. GOD BLESS

[@2-old-Forthischet]

He along with the Rat Pack has a place on my living room wall. This may be wrong, sick, etc., but he was the inspiration for me in quitting smoking cigarettes. On the day of his passing, I literally chucked all my cigarettes into the trash. I literally stopped a 3 pack a day habit in a split second. Geez, I miss him.

[@stephenspencer4672]

I was going to Sammy Davis Jr. In the 80s in a jazz club in Seattle but unfortunately his show was canceled due to illness. So I never got to see him in person. There was never anything quite like him. I watched Sammy many times on Carson. That was enough to enjoy his brilliance. He was unique.😊❤

[@brandosbucket]

Genuinely seems like one of the nicest people there was. Such a talent.

[@wendylafauce5618]

This was a great episode. I would like to see the full 90 minutes.

[@margomason4889]

Sammy had a great voice and was a great entertainer.

[@Bojangles5-2]

I really feel sorry for generations after us, not to know this man, this era of entertainment, all this talent. It's a shame that they won't know what they won't see. I'm glad I saw these years of live entertainment from truly talented performers. My name here is in honor of my brother as he was Mr. Bojangles. We all miss him.

[@FreedomRock44]

Ultimate Performer of ALL TIME........SING, DANCE, trumpet, drums, piano, and vibraphone!!! This man was doing Vaudeville from the age of 3!!!!! Never got his due!!!!!!! Sammy You are the BEST!!!!!!! Get em Big Man!!!!! Love candy man....But this is mY FAV by Sammy....... Mr. Bo Jangles!!!!!!!

[@beverlylawyer2286]

Those were the good days

[@robertrothberg8678]

When sammy stated he couldnt follow bobby darin on stage,he was being modest.sammy had no ego,and in his heart, he knew people recognized him,as the greatest entertainer.there was only 1 sammy davis jr.

[@robertkeith1462]

I saw SDJ in Golden Boy at the beginning of his career. Unforgettable!!!!!!!

[@Blood0cean]

This was his best performance of mr bojangales with the best band, i saw this a long time ago and it was copyrighted, glad to see its back after so long.

[@reddchan]

For real. This is my favorite performance from anyone ever.

[@SpiritintheSky.]

Simply "Mr Entertainment". The complete entertainer.

[@joanaiello2357]

WOW WOW WOW

[@jamesgordon2255]

This man is genius ! Thanks for the entertainment !

[@jonsampiro]

100 pounds of pure talent. He was performing on stage at 3, in movies at 6, and gave his last performance when he was mute and down to under 80 pounds from cancer and defied doctor's orders to dance a duet with Gregory Hines (one of the most moving things on KZbin). Amazing singer, dancer, impressionist, comedian, and actor. When he wasn't working as a kid he stayed with his maternal grandmother, Luisa Aiguar Sanchez. He returned the compliment by caring for her in her old age, until his death. He died at 64 and his grandmother survived him by several years! She lived to be the oldest woman in NYC when she died and to this day the oldest woman ever born in Puerto Rico.

[@jonsampiro]

He looked just like her, btw.

[@gamernorcal]

Best Bo Jangles ever!

[@silverlakeas]

Pure talent…… a genius……

[@tennissir1986]

One of the great entertainers. This was definitely taped when he was not at the height of his talents.

[@postalplasty99]

The definition of class...

[@tinytanks]

Always thought Sammy Davis Jr. was just a comedian, had no idea he was such an INCREDIBLE singer

[@chips1a]

Wow just Class. The word Talent looks to Sammy Davis JR to discover what TALENT is.

[@jasonrwolf4499]

Before there was Bruno Mars there was a giant named Sammy Davis Jr ❤️

[@echance12]

More like before Bruno Mars there was Chris Brown..before him it was Usher before him it was Michael Jackson before him it was James Brown and before him was Mr. Sammy Davis Jr.. THE ICONIC BLUEPRINT for them all

[@tyronejoihnson7046]

Sammy was THE KING!

[@genewortell-do7nn]

Great!!!! Talent!!!!!,amazing voice !!!!!!,. ..........gene calif.........

[@pronemanoldbutyoung5548]

❤

[@reddchan]

God damn. Magic.

[@oreally8605]

Sammy, one of the rat pack!! He even did an episode of the Rifleman as well..

[@nohandle62]

He also did an episode of "The Wild Wild West". 🙂

[@ClarenceJones-bw2hd]

WoW That was really good!