Sammy Davis Jr - Ol' Man River

Sammy Davis Jr extraordinary rendition of 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

[@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

[@TheJazzyVaudevillian]

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

[@trishlangford5773]

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

[@Luigiano]

Top 2!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@sctsh1491]

Sammy ... I'm still here...listening to your beautiful voice...that gift you left behind for us. I love you Sammy, wherever you are

[@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. 😢

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@valentinexavier9278]

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

[@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!

[@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! 👏🏼

[@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.

[@shanke300]

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

[@20alphabet]

You have no heart?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@alecball68]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@flyer55]

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

[@JuanitaNelsonCombs]

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

[@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!!

[@SEXYLADY23ful]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!!!

[@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. 💔

[@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...

[@jqualinscott4169]

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

[@loiswright6838]

His voice will never be silenced.

[@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.

[@MorrisonElvis]

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

[@theoriginalbadbob]

I believe that's called the prelude.

[@larryjones2346]

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

[@73bluestone]

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

[@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.

[@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 !!!!!!!

[@Scott_22]

Never realised how stunning his voice was

[@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...

[@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.

[@usrt46]

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

[@ToddAndelin]

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

[@legalboxers]

Paul Robesons version is amazing too

[@yubtubtime]

Incomparable cool and dignity. Such honesty and soul ❤

[@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..

[@hbacker94]

this is the most amazing thing ive ever heard

[@paularcher4607]

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

[@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.

[@pollydickinson4789]

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

[@TheKrupskeman]

What passion, he gave it everything he could!

[@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

[@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.

[@HAPILIPINIM]

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

[@hanshorstmueller4050]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@youleftyourgoogleaccopenon5471]

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

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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!!!

[@danielhickmott5800]

I grew up watching Hollywood Palace. The show had great variety and real talent. This is a gem typical of Sammy Davis Jr. He was truly world-class. Did it all; singing, dancing, acting, comedy, drama,... His interpretations made the listener actually understand the song. When he was headlining in Vegas he was still asked to enter the theater through the kitchen. He put up with and waded through alot of garbage and never let it slow him down. When Lawrence Olivier did Othello he asked Sammy Davis Jr. to coach him on how to act the character. Still defines "Cool" for me.

[@GeorgeKiernan]

He has the most melodic voice there has ever been.

[@cserannie80]

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

[@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....

[@gabriellew6467]

A beautiful song, magnificently performed by an outstanding artist. Many years later though, man's inhumanity to man is still undiminished

[@Hvnly777]

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

[@josewaltersalesesilva9110]

Absolutely fantastic. What a voice!

[@SonnyKavanagh]

The Wonderful talent of Sammy Davis Jr, how privileged have we been to witness his gift to the World. Thank you so much Sammy Davis Jr Peace be with you ❤

[@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.

[@jenninva1]

Brought me to tears. His and Judy's version give me chills

[@josvandencamp8441]

What a beautiful rendering of this wonderful song. Many thanks for this.

[@teijaflink2226]

Absolutely breathtaking performance, right from his soul.

[@robertcube3418]

Play it again Sam.. Still watching October 2019

[@pinball1970]

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

[@FarmerTess1]

have listened to this so many times and still gives me shivers up my spine

[@patrickcaddy7061]

the last 44 seconds are just magnificent

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@thanosrossopoulos7369]

That ending though. Gives me goosebumps!

[@SavoxYT]

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

[@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.

[@nomansland4811]

If Sammy can’t bring emotion out in you you’re dead inside. Love this man.

[@JudgeJulieLit]

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

[@jerryclar5888]

Bloody well done! This bloke could entertain

[@michaeldargan1874]

life gets weary, i'm tired of living, but i ain't afraid of dying, that river don't say nothing but it sure must know something. Sammy rest in peace you where the greatest, this is my favorite version, great interpretation.

[@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!

[@pinball1970]

I keep coming back. This is just beautiful magic.

[@braveguymgm]

Oh, Lord, you are amazing, Sammy; I just can´t stop being gratefull for your voice

[@gionncaomhinmorpheagh4791]

What a totally stupendous version of an old song! Sammy Davies Jr, the real master. MsG

[@MrTreCarter618]

Still gives me chills. AMAZING. Best rendition of all time

[@michaeldargan1874]

I agree Mr T, this is my favorite rendition. I do like the original baritone but Sammy puts his own stamp on the song

[@TheAremo1st]

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

[@ronaldbrumwell8414]

Touch by God was this man. Pure genius.

[@tonyamartin7370]

The most powerful performance I've ever seen. I wish I had been there to see it live.