Sammy Davis Jr. Sings the theme to "Chico and the Man"

Sammy Davis Jr. sings the theme to "Chico and the Man" from his out-of-print album "Song and Dance Man."

[@jlmartinez8482]

Both versions are good but Jose Feleciano touches the soul with his version . Love it ! Great Memories !

[@voicegirl555]

30 years gone today and still one of the greatest entertainers who ever walked this planet! You could do it all Sam! Act! Dance! Sing! Do Impressions and make theme songs sound great! Miss You Man!

[@musicqueen6617]

I was a very young child when this show was a hit but I remember my parents watching it and how awesome the 70s were. This show brings back so many incredible childhood memories and I just remember everyone being so happy. I truly miss these days and I'm so grateful to have been able to experience being alive during this time. I wish I could do it all over again. Awesome childhood memories ❤❤

[@jokerswildio]

Yes, the 70s were a very special time.

[@THEATREofPAIN270]

I'm right there with you. I was 7 and remember watching with my parents as well. My favorite part: The boy in the red pants trying to catch the park pigeons during the opening intro. ✌️

[@musicqueen6617]

@@THEATREofPAIN270 AWESOME CHILDHOOD MEMORIES ❤❤

[@sarahsarah4271]

I remember it and also Valerie Harpers show.

[@unnafoss6957]

You could hear the hope, beauty, unity and love in theme songs back then and in the majority of the music really.

[@jamesrobertson1766]

Is it me, or do most of the "theme's" from the 70's were filled with hope and optimism for tomorrow? Just sayin'. What a time to grow up though. The shows were great and there were a lot of fun times these songs remind me of.

[@neoconsnightmare6]

I loved it, and you're correct, there was hope and optimism. Problem was, a lot of really TERRIBLE things happened in the 1970s. We got out of Vietnam and America questioned itself on a number of levels. American planes for the first time were hijacked, Patty Hearst was kidnapped and brainwashed into robbing a bank, 'Sky Jacking' became a thing, gas lines, inflation. A lot of folks seriously thought as bad as the 1960s got, the 1970s were worse. All that, and I STILL loved it!

[@fjccommish]

The attitude towards tomorrow is in you, not in a song or a show.

[@jessiejames7492]

thats because the 70s were a tumultuous time

[@thehobbster6367]

Yes they were, you had an FCC still responsive to the American people, not PAC's. Corporations and marketing guru's figured out a long time ago that if people are sad, depressed, worried day to day or fearful they are also more willing to buy, and buy and buy more useless junk. That is why all the sitcoms today, are about divisive, tumultuous topics, or crime shows, legal shows or medicine. Elites are portrayed as all knowing and working class people are portrayed as trapped in crisis of opiods or hope less ness. It is by design and will only change if there is a R..

[@eddietoledo4072]

I went from being a boy to being a young man in the 70's. Still think it was a great time to be a kid.

[@nyterpfan]

Both versions are phenomenal!!

[@mattchilders767]

Wow ! Sammy does a great version of this song !

[@Ranbutch75]

matt childers i like this one better. No disrespect to Jose.

[@evamarek5205]

Extremely talented! I miss him, too.

[@razorbackfilms]

I love this and sammy’s take on Barretta.

[@eddieodom2361]

@@evamarek5205 I TOTALLY AGREE, SAMMY DAVIS JR, IS A BETTER SINGER ANY GIVEN SAY.

[@aaronx8006]

Wtf 😳

[@StevenC32]

I loved this show in the 70s, it followed Sanford and Son on Friday Nights and then it was the Rockford Files and Police Woman.

[@marcofalzone6469]

What an L.A. lineup 😆😆😆

[@vaderjones357]

Excellent line up for the entire family! Pops liked him some Pepper ;)

[@chicoandtheman7599]

I loved & watched all those shows when was growing up. I have almost the entire Chico and the Man series & I'm currently in talks with NBC seeking permission to post the series here. I need support. Can you please sign my petition asking NBC to let me to post the series here? And if it's not to much to ask, please spread the word around about the petition. Thanks. :-) Petition: chng.it/wqVKGnh5

[@jessiejames7492]

all great shows . Policewoman is that the one with angie dickinson? i could pass. on that one !

[@jessiejames7492]

@@chicoandtheman7599 oyes oyes oyes l please! freddie prinze was such a fine stand up comedian .. died too young.

[@thehobbster6367]

two classics, sammy and freddie ---- solid gold

[@dewaynebeal7227]

Both Jose’ Feliciano and Sammy Davis,Jr. did justice on their versions of the Chico And The Man TV theme.

[@CyberLionGT]

Sammy you are still missed!!!

[@jupiterinaries6150]

yes he is!

[@danieldangelo7937]

Born in 1971 and growing as a teen in the 80s I always remembered this show and the theme song from Jose Feliciano but I never knew Sammy Davis Jr. Sang it as well. Well done 👍

[@michaelduggan1890]

I loved this show and all the people in it when I was kid . Never forget Freddie Prinze and all of the others. Thank you

[@marylivingstone9815]

I always feel a little sad when I hear this song as I am old enough to have watched Chico and the Man when it aired in the 1970s, and was shocked that Freddie Prinze committed suicide during the run of the show. He might be somewhat forgotten today, but he was very popular and well liked at the time.

[@fjccommish]

Now you know more about how the Man thought and felt.

[@scottbohyer7900]

It's a shame Freddie prinze died so sudden. He had a promising career ahead of him and he could have been a long time movie actor if he was still alive but he had a serious drug addiction and overwhelming personal problems he couldn't handle that made him take his own life. He just threw it all away and to this day its still very sad.

[@evamarek5205]

Extremely talented in his early 20s. Think how his talent would've developed as he matured. Very sad that he took his own life. There are no words to describe the tragedy of it.

[@andywinslow9638]

I don't think he's really forgotten. I think today generation would know him if they reran Chico. I think those around when he was would know him. Shame tho he never got to make it till today to be bigger than ever.

[@eloiseockert9233]

According to Wikipedia the reason for his death has been revised & it was NOT suicide. But if he was alive now he would be 68. And proud of his son hopefully he is looking down with pride of Freddie Jr's. success.

[@NDGOCHYLD]

I love this version. Got me misty. We missing you Sam, Freddie and Della.. And everyone who was apart of this sitcom who are no longer with us.

[@normancarr3015]

i miss both these.I was in the second grade when Freddy Prinz life ended and I just didn't understand why.he was so funny and filled with life. the 70s was a very special time to be a kid.there was so much hope in the air.

[@homelesshannah50]

He was also very depressed and came from a shitty background

[@squidman22]

I've come to learn that some of the biggest comedians and actors use comedy as a mask to their deep seated unhappiness and insecurities.

[@jessiejames7492]

@@homelesshannah50 he was heavily on drugs

[@hardhatrayify]

He was representing a whole Hispanic community and he already had depression and turned into comedy but I feel it became to much for him. Could you imagine representing a whole community?

[@Nobuokasan]

He went from doing stand up at small comedy venues,to becoming a network star.Maybe too much,too soon.Tony Orlando tried to save him,but Freddie put up a good front and kept alot of his troubles to himself.R I P Mr. Prinze

[@fromtherubble6890]

One of the best TV theme songs by one of the best entertainers

[@prophetslayer777]

this is when tvland actually aired quality family shows.

[@magpieone9390]

I had such a crush on Freddie Prinze.When he was hanging on after shooting himself, even my mom didn't say anything.The moment he died,I knew. I started crying so hard.When it came on the news later he passed,no one in the house said anything that hurt me.I thank them for their response and respect.RIP Freddie, still love you 💔🙏🏻

[@wongleebruce]

Sammy & Freddie Sr. miss you both thanks for the laughs and R.I.P. God bless

[@Koolazzmike]

The most underrated and underplayed sitcom of the 70s. It's a shame this isn't big in syndication like it should be

[@natalieshandor8311]

Love ❤️ it sing it Sammy I am still and allways will be listening to all the 70s music to me it’s still all great ❤️❤️🎶🎶🎤🎤🎤🌹🌹🎹🎹🎹

[@colonelkurtz2269]

If you didn't grow up in the 70s and 80s..you just didn't.

[@evamarek5205]

True!

[@juliocaesaralcaraz9891]

Absolutely

[@imannonymous7707]

I guess we r lucky...not the same anymore

[@skipads5141]

If you aren't going to see the 2070s and 2080s, you just won't.

[@colonelkurtz2269]

@@skipads5141 tomorrow is promised to no one.

[@bensantiago4557]

What a great voice and style.R.I.P Sammy Davis Jr.

[@johnnymidnight4402]

So beautiful 😎👍

[@Ron71997]

Sammy is the man, what a great version of this song - Sammy was so cool back in the day, I remember this episode. I thought the car and Sammy was so so cool!

[@voicegirl555]

Happy Birthday Sammy!!!!! I really miss you!!!! I always loved the way you did the theme songs to the 70s shows. This one, Baretta and Hawaii Five O. You really made those songs swing, but then again thats what all great entertainers do! And you were the greatest!!!! Miss you!!!!

[@Mike-0201]

Sammy does a great job with the Hawaii 5-0 theme as well. It is pretty cool to hear words to the classic theme song!

[@deemdoyle1960]

May Sammy Davis Jr. and Freddie Sr. R.I.P. They both had good talent I was 16 yrs old when Freddie Died and I was 20 yrs old when Sammy Davis Jr. Passed away. I Miss them both.

[@armandorojo4113]

Freddie died in 1977 and Sammy in 1990, thirteen years apart not four.

[@hubertmatos5920]

Sad ending for CHICO, he was a true raising star!!

[@valuecalc]

Hubert Matos , it's "rising star."

[@suzanne1430]

🤭🤭🤭

[@danieldangelo7937]

According to Jay Leno he was likely to be the next host of the tonight show.

[@erijoey3]

what terrific talents they both were, i can never fully grasp why freddie died. i was very young at the time, but loved him as soon as i got older. sammy speaks for himself. i just wish freddie would have stuck around a little longer. R.I.P.!

[@Lawsperry]

What a great presentation! Thank you for posting. First time I've smiled in a long time.

[@csmith2484]

I loved Sammy Davis Jr's version of the Barretta tv show. ❤❤

[@voicegirl555]

Happy Birthday Freddie Prinze. It is hard to believe you would be 67 years young yesterday on June 22nd. You left so young and too soon.

[@joniheisenberg]

Love his voice.❤

[@michaelduggan7164]

I loved both of these people .........and this song !

[@weskitten]

Sam was THE man. He could outshine Frank Sinatra on a good night. Sammy was charismatic and multi-talented, very energetic and enthusiastic. Magic happened when Sam performed.

[@josephcalderon906]

+weskitten He was the greatest entertainer of his generation.

[@dujon55]

The greatest entertainer EVER!!!

[@charleskritz2417]

I miss you Sammy.

[@jasonleggett7482]

Ah, . . the 70's. Thank you Sammy. Such a great version.

[@christinejones7362]

I love Sammy's version of Chico and the man song!!!! The music has that happy cheery sound to it!!! Not that the original isn't beautiful, because it is. I just think Sammy's 🎵🎶 music has a more happy tone to it.😊

[@ginovv9616]

God bless Sammy.

[@umaara100]

I love this version of the song of one of my favorite childhood tv shows.I miss them both for they were apart of my childhood.

[@josemontano7767]

I miss Sammy Davis Jr.

[@manuelmaldonadojr2526]

Hey thank you keep up with Chico of the man I was 21 years old when he died he was 22 it's too bad he died I'm a big fan and I grew up with them that show and thank you sending this to me and you are the best and keep on sending me more of Chico man my name is Junior Maldonado from Lorraine Ohio

[@juliewitt7496]

I heard Sam perform this live in concert, 1975, as he introduced Freddie Prinze to the audience.

[@fjccommish]

Sammy could make a literal square cool.

[@augustoceme1454]

I love this song so much and I really love this interpretation by the great Sammy!!!

[@sclerismockrey8506]

This is just awesome. I love this song, Jose Feliciano is a genius, and I recall watching this show when I was a kid in the '70s, and loved this song as the radio hit it was for a long time when the show was new. And what can one even say about Sammy Davis Jr? I mean... Sammy was -- by far -- the most talented of the Rat Pack. Innately gifted, from singing and dancing (dancing as well as it's done) to being a multiinstrumentalist, writer (music, lyrics AND prose) and even an uncanny vocal impersonator... he was truly a one of a kind human being.

[@michaelmonkey6541]

Thank you so much for this.....

[@PamelaRP]

Wonderful voice and did a great job singing it. thanks for this clip.

[@stepheneggert7388]

This was tv growing up in the 70s. We had hope..back then. I loved this sitcom..

[@chicoandtheman7599]

I have almost the entire Chico and the Man series & I'm currently in talks with NBC seeking permission to post the series here. I need support. Can you please sign my petition asking NBC to let me to post the series here? And if it's not to much to ask, please spread the word around about the petition. Thanks. :-) Petition: chng.it/wqVKGnh5

[@MrSteven2945]

love this theme song... so much effort was put in those theme song

[@ranbutch7544]

Amazing

[@RedBud315]

That was most likely Sammy's personal car as that was his style for sure. Sammy lived a great life after enduring a lot of hate in his youth and was a very generous human being and will live on through our hearts.

[@transitdude3352]

Wow! Never knew there were lyrics to this! Sammy was the man!

[@michaelmonkey6541]

Needed this....

[@papagangster4307]

CHICO AND THE MAN AND THE CANDYMAN.

[@telefan2638]

... & then Sammy walks in as he was singing the theme song, & Chico had to pinch himself all over... ;-)

[@milesmayhem5440]

Don’t forget the “Scatman”, Scatman Crothers.

[@Cjnw]

Freddy Prinze said farewell to his flesh in January, 1977

[@byronjones9299]

And don't forget The Opening and Closing Theme , for The " Baretta " Detective Show Series..

[@artvankampen8993]

Beautiful.

[@voicegirl555]

it was 43 years ago today that you left Freddie Prinze! You were such a bright star. I still wonder what happen to you and what might have been. You were such a funny guy and I think a good actor.

[@Fishermang709]

Loved Sammy Davis ! I was very fortunate enough to have his kids in my class at school. And yes.... I had play dates at his home in Bel Air , CA.

[@astornic]

How nice. Any particular memories stand out? Even Lucy felt he was the greatest entertainer who ever lived & paid tribute 2 him @ the Kennedy Center Honors in 1987.

[@gailboate1179]

very good singing by Sammy...

[@voicegirl555]

Gone 31 years today, but never forgotten! Miss you Sam!!!!

[@voicegirl555]

Gone 29 years. Always remembered! Never forgotten! Never!!!!!!

[@feliciajenkins5041]

Cool 😎and oh my damn that car😎

[@goodguyty]

A nice version of the theme song. The 70s had many good ones back then.

[@playsjazz2]

Sammy was a star...!

[@kevinhagan17]

I need this as a ringtone

[@ronniecozzi8385]

Almost beyond belief Freddie Prinze was only 22 when he left this world.

[@mgalore]

wow is been centuries since ive really waathced tv i remember these days beautiful

[@strawberrymansion86]

Miss this time period.

[@lilnip67]

Excellent, Excellent and Excellent!!!!!!!! lol . Hey thank you very much for posting this :}}

[@wayneeldridge5173]

tina-marie Ayer its. Great stuff

[@tonyajohnson7948]

I miss the 70s’ . Better times.

[@weskitten]

Like Sam. We saw him in '89. Good memories.

[@barryjohnson409]

My first time hearing this particular intro to this tv show.

[@mustafahajj]

The Candy Man!

[@juanignaciomadina5745]

Muy buena version.

[@ranbutch7544]

Sammy the coolest cat ever.

[@philipfuller555]

Love

[@Drpluv187]

The Candyman can indeed!!!!=)

[@josemontano7767]

The 70s were so cool.

[@KratostheThird]

They respected each other, and it's saddening that Freddie Prinze felt he had to commit suicide. When he come of seeked help and coped with the stress he was put under.

[@larry6795]

Lovely tune by Feliciano, Davis did a nice job 👍🏽

[@noahpartic7586]

Incredible.

[@q98rt710]

In its first season (1974-75) Sammy Davis guest starred in an episode. I think this video of him pulling into the garage is from that episode. Sammy meets Ed the owner and says he appeared onstage with him many years ago doing a soft shoe dance step. At the end of the episode Sammy dances, Ed (Jack Albertson - who is old song & dance man himself) shows Sammy the dance. And then Louie the garbageman (Scatman Crothers) shows them both how it's done. That was f-ing great!!! I would love to see that again. Too bad this show ain't on video.

[@davidgrigsby1990]

So Awesome

[@djrychlak4443]

The decades of catch phrases. Looking Good!

[@berkslaw]

GOLD!!!!

[@melreslor2114]

The theme song where Sammy really carries the tune is "Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow" (Don't do it!) - Baretta opening (tv series starring Robert Blake). Not the first season where it is instrumental, but the second season on which has the vocals. 'Don't do the crime if you can't do the time'

[@voicegirl555]

No it is not you James Robertson. The themes from the 70's were filled with hope and optismism for tomorrow! We need some of that now. I love this theme and the one from the Mary Tyler Moore show. Love is all around you. corny but so welcome now.

[@MRMOGAVERO]

Just a good ol' series :>)

[@rickw1100]

Love you Sammy!

[@pabloslowman7238]

Love it

[@journeytothemosthigh5021]

I prefer Jose Feliciano’s version much better. It was song with such soul as all of his songs are. Yes, you cannot beat the 70s and 80s.

[@shannonD68]

He looked older than 24 yrs old. People lived faster and looked older, years ago. Like otis Redding who was only 26 when he died, although his voice sounded like a seasoned older man and he looked like he was in his mid 30's.

[@portagee66]

shannonD68 Off topic: Redding was as talented and seemingly experienced as a decades-older man, too. What you said is so true. Dozens of other examples like that, too.

[@elizabethpease947]

shannonD68 : Otis Redding died in a plane crash. Freddie Prinze was only 22 when he killed himself.

[@FatBabyCheeks]

I fell out when Chico pinched himself! lol

[@patriciaguth6882]

If it can't be Jose singing this song, I'll take Sammy -- the best singer in the Rat Pack.

[@voicegirl555]

Happy Birthday Sam! Nobody sang theme songs like you!

[@362chop]

Sammy defines entertainment. Did everything and everything well.

[@expoers]

Hello, no offence! But this is the best I ever heard, sorry, can stay friends any way? And for Mr. S.D. Jr RIP for ever...... Cheers Edd

[@mgebi1]

Can't touch Jose'.. but great song. Such a tragic loss.

[@azeleapark]

i thoroughly enjoyed that 👍