Sammy Davis Jr. Tap Dancing - Italy 1962

[@chip67art]

He can act. He can dance. He can sing. Very rare.

[@karykares]

Normally though, one talent is stronger. I certainly know of him, but I’m not too familiar with him. I’ve mainly heard of his dancing.

[@elizabethpease947]

@@karykares : He sang ‘The Candy Man’ in the early 1970’s. His only number one song. He wasn’t too keen on recording it. He said in his autobiography he did that song in one take.

[@abs117a]

And handles all flawlessly...no lessons!!

[@theresapellicano402]

He sang some gorgeous songs. He performed on Broadway. I love his versions of many songs. "What Kind of fool Am I " " I'm Not Anyone " " Who Can I Turn To"

[@tomsdrumshop5245]

Was a very good drummer too.

[@torotexas]

I am stunned by his being able to do this from memory. The band is following their charts, turning pages frantically, but he has no sheet music...and he hits the horn punches PERFECTLY in sync with the band. His time is so on the money it blows me away...45 years of playing the drums, formal music education to boot, and all I can do is shake my head and smile...Sammy, you were unbelievable, man....

[@brokehiselbows]

He was one of a kind.

[@fretfix1]

Started at 3 years old. No charts needed.

[@ThouArtOfWar0724]

It's called practice

[@sticktrik]

He was a bad ass drummer too!!!!!!

[@magicgordo4878]

Back up bands use charts, aka "books" Top tier entertainers did not always travel with the huge shows we see today. Nor were top tier entertainers always top tier. Large metro areas have many musicians who can literally play every thing. They are known by entertainers hired because they can play at the level needed. One example of the consummate " studio guy" would be the late Glenn Campbell. Who, BTW didn't even need a chart..

[@anthonyburks7560]

There are no words, literally, to describe this man's talent. There will NEVER be another like him......

[@thomascorder6686]

How is your bird, man? I dig it ,baby

[@rivabenzikri77]

You can't beat

[@rivabenzikri77]

Absolutely it feels my heart it went Archie Bunker and him kissed wow priceless

[@rivabenzikri77]

Talent is priceless. He is priceless

[@skiburnski7543]

I actually have more talent than him, but I choose to eat donuts and drive for Uber instead of showing off. 😝

[@melissagray8138]

If you don’t adore Sammy there’s something seriously wrong with you! Unmatched talent, there’s no one like him!

[@Constance8722]

I want to have coffee with you! I have adored Sammy for many decades. I find it tragic that younger people may only know "Mr. Bojangles" and that kiss on Archie Bunker.

[@Cat-no8ts]

Agreed!!❤

[@lidu6363]

I realize I don't even have the capacity to comprehend the genius...

[@sto620]

Sammy was the very definition of “showman.” He could do it all, and joyfully. I can’t even fathom the practice required to reach the skill level shown here.

[@minimansonstar]

Like me, he absolutely loved to be an entertainer! 💋

[@Ingo-ns3qp]

To me, ever the greatest entertainer. Nowadays entertainers had copied from him but no one could ever reach him. Because of his talents being best dancer, being so funny, singing well and charming with the audience. Some 'superstars' today are not even worth to be compared to Sammy. They are lacking something whereas Sammy had it all.

[@soulfinderecho6462]

You can tell how amazing he was by looking at the faces of the guys in the band. They're in awe

[@fairygodmomma2313]

True🕺

[@ericlopez8622]

There will never be skills like this in today's generation. We're too fat and lazy.... playing video games and watching videos like these on KZbin!! 😅😅

[@ChrisMolinari-t7r]

How fortunate was I seeing his talant as a young boy on the Jerry Lewis telethon every Labor Day on tv ….God sent him to us for just a little while ….

[@Ingo-ns3qp]

Please see my comment above. I was once asked which person in the past you would like to meet. To me, Sammy Davis jr. Not Cesar, Napoleon or others. Just talk with Sammy and smoking endlessely cigarettes....

[@AlluringBeader]

🤣

[@CindyBarg]

They broke the mold when Sammy Davis Jr. was born.

[@jlperz77]

And this, folks, is why he'll live forever...

[@MPK-72]

Will never be entertainers like this anymore. Truly amazing talent. This wasn't even his best stuff

[@gentlespirit4]

Please check out Savion Glover, who was mentored by Greory Hines, who was mentored by Sammy Davis Jr. Enjoy. You're welcome. :-)

[@gentlespirit4]

Al Lugo I’m approaching my 50s. I’m well aware of the beautiful trail that Sammy Davis Jr. blazed from the time he was three years young. Both of his parents were vaudevillians who danced with the Will Mastin Troupe. Sammy Davis Jr. was their youngest dancer. His life’s story is filled with history making and shaking moments! So yeah, I agree that he was a major influence in the lives of most entertainers who came after him. Nice chatting with ya. Stay healthy and take care.

[@OM-md6ki]

Yes there will be

[@MPK-72]

@@OM-md6ki LMAO,not hardly. Talented people,true entertainers are becoming a thing of the past. Even now when you go to a concert or live show most arent even live,are all backing tracks being pkayed through a PA system. It's kinda sad. Most music is produced with pro tools and not by actual people playing together as a group.

[@obsidiansea]

@@MPK-72 All kinds of forms of dance are exploding right now. People are getting sooo good because young people are able to watch and study video. It's catapulting their learning and they are now getting much better than previous generations. If you're not paying attention, you wouldn't know.

[@lorikendall999]

Appreciated the comments below. This level of talent and mastery is evidence of a generational talent. Mr. Davis, you were one of a kind.

[@davidbarrett114]

Sammy Davis Jr was a phenomenal tap dancer.He tap danced so we his tap dancing sounded like someone on a typewriter typing real fast.

[@BirdYoumans]

Every tap dancer before Sammy was just laying the table for him. When he died they cleared the table. There won't be another one. He makes it look so effortless but I assure you it "ain't"!

[@swacfan100]

Ppl today don't realize how BAD Sammy was. GOD given talent, Brotha could do it ALL.

[@toddbreithaupt7661]

I just watched Fred Astaire to remind myself how much better this man was. Sammy is oozing mad funk before funk was even a word.

[@yankeehearse5582]

Unique voice. Sinatra mixed in with an show class appeal.

[@robinbryant4499]

I came here, because another post asked "who was your favorite dancer?", and they didn't even have Sammy in the running. I was looking for a video to put in my comment. He was so underrated and so ahead of his time!

[@carl_anderson9315]

@@toddbreithaupt7661 Very different both in style, both amazing. Sammy was more cool, relaxed and improvised , like jazz. Astaire was more athletic, choreographed, perfectionist, like classical.

[@toddbreithaupt7661]

@@carl_anderson9315 Both are good. Astaire is dope, but as a dancer myself, I can see when someone is lacking flow in certain parts of the body. Astaire is paying TOO much attention to his form, while someone that is 1 w/ the funk lets it all out. The funkiest can rely on all the hours of trained technique and simply let go. That takes a different level of simply letting go and having faith. Funk isn't trying to be perfect. Astaire in my opinion is still holding onto perfection, which greatly reduces the feeling and the energy.

[@ms.annthrope415]

Look of ease on his face while tapping intricate steps and rhythms. Sign of a master. What talent.

[@vigilanterocco5831]

There will never be another Sammy Davis Jr. A legendary entertainer who passed too young.

[@soulsnail2495]

he lived till 67

[@Cat-no8ts]

​@soulsnail2495 still too young!

[@rhondacarrington1927]

OMG!! Talent, class and style! What a man! 😍

[@victoriahatfield3577]

You don't see this kind of entertainment anymore.

[@sassyone82]

OMG, I can’t stop watching this over and over. I’ve seen Sammy D dancing in clips and vids before but this one I’ve never seen until now and I never realized how mesmerizing and fascinating he is. He took tap dancing to a whole other level and crafted it to his own style. I love how he literally OWNS this performance. I can only imagine how seeing him live and in person was really like! He’s a true legend indeed who doesn’t really get his due. Salute to you Mr. Davis.✊🏽😊😍😎

[@TapDanceExchange]

My man!!! Thanks for everything Sammy! x

[@jerryj920]

December 8th: Happy birthday Singer/Dancer/Actor/Comedian-Impressionist/Musician Samuel George "Sammy" Davis, Jr., US Army (1925-1990)-member The Rat Pack; Kennedy Center Honors, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Emmy Award, National Rhythm & Blues Hall of F~ame, star: Hollywood Walk of Fame; "Oceans 11" "Tap" "A Man Called Adam" "Porgy and Bess" "Rufus Jones For President" "Sergeants Three" "Cannonball Run." Thank you and God bless. RIP....part of my Friday Footloose/Hoofers on FB....thank you for the upload. Blessings...

[@vicesquadpunk]

Older Punk Rocker here, a Heavy Rock fan and lover of hard edged modern music… I absolutely appreciate and applaud the talent Sammy D Jr had, there was very little the man couldn’t do. Hours and hours of work, year after year would have been put into practice in order to make his singing, piano playing, dancing and drumming look effortless. A true legend who deserves the accolade so readily given to others far less deserving. Absolutely Brilliant 🔥❤️🔥

[@pbp6741]

“World’s greatest entertainer” Well he certainly makes a strong argument.

[@tonjaydubois]

This man! Wow!! America needs another SDJr!

[@kenlove1472]

Keep in mind that Sammy has been tap dancing since he was a kid - a LITTLE kid! Ergo, this comes as naturally to him as breathing would to any of us.

[@richardfalter3748]

Wow. The man made it look so easy. He ooozed talent. Class act. We miss you Mr Davis. There will never be another one like you. I love you for the memories you gave my dad and I. Rest in Peace Dad. Rest in Peace Mr Bojangles love ya both

[@jeandeprsio3025]

What a generously long and unbelievably articulate display.

[@robertrothberg8678]

There's only one comment that's needed,Sammy Davis jr.was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

[@minimansonstar]

True. 💯

[@trishlangford5773]

Three words,... Amazing, incredible. Unbelievable. That's Sammy 😅

[@PaulBloom-d5h]

This man is unquestionably the greatest all round entertainer the world has ever or will ever see. God bless his precious soul

[@williamlynnroden]

The best thing I can say about this great man is: Play the video again!

[@annhendersonfemale]

Absolutely fabulous the man is a true legend just love him♥️

[@peterkelsey5841]

The Greatest Entertainer who ever lived, no one comes close.❤

[@joybreeden366]

The man was a super Rock Star....what a tallent. RIP, Sammy

[@anthonym3573]

MAGNIFICENT PREFORMENCE BY THE" WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINER " !! HIS TECHNICAL TAP DANCING SKILLS ARE UNSURPASSED!! BRAVO,MR.DAVIS,BRAVO!!!!!

[@a1productionllc]

EVERY INCH an entertainer!!! Sing, dance, play music, act, he was one of the great ones!!!

[@alexkek2145]

He can do everything!!!! Genius!!!!

[@livelystone9367]

Im bout to start tap dancing for therapy/exercise to strenghten my legs/knees and such.

[@R40m18]

phenomenal

[@innerwinnerproductions834]

He was Excellent all around great entertainer. I met him once. So honored to have met him.

[@fritzmenzel1994]

Nobody else can seriously be considered the greatest a) dancer, b) singer, c) actor, d) comedian, e) storyteller AND-seeing this performance let’s face it- f) athlete of his time or perhaps ever. God, we lost a great one, but thank goodness for video.

[@valeriecraftkitover4944]

Sammy Davis Jr. Was a Class Act and Multi-Talented Entertainer of which we will never see the likes of ever again....Graciousness is not a trait Entertainers understand today at all!.....It sets you apart from everyone else and that’s what sets Sammy Davis Jr. apart....He is the epitome of Show Business....Valerie Craft Kitover

[@patbrennan6572]

His talents were so diversified I wouldn't where to start.

[@georgetorres8986]

After watching him sing "what kind of fool i am" on another video, i am simply in awe of this man.. legend...

[@antwuanlamont4694]

SDJ directed the music and audiences imagination with his performances. There will never be another tap performer like him. He was beyond great.

[@scottmclennan6114]

The man was just beyond believable here. So much talent in such a little chunk.

[@mdarrenu]

The greatest entertainer of all time

[@lindagomez4006]

He was a great singer & dancer. He had it all. Nobody tops him. RIP

[@TimeStepsandParallels]

Sammy Davis Jr., AKA the notorious SDJ! The man of a thousand talents, charm, witt, skill, endurance, and crowd pleasing taps! Never will there ever be another like this brother, hands down!

[@weloveyounay4794]

Who can forget such a lovable man!

[@estebannemo1957]

The Greatest Entertainer EVER!

[@minimansonstar]

I like to tell people I'm "The GREATEST ENTERTAINER in the UNIVERSE"... but outside of that... Sammy Davis Jr. is the GREATEST entertainer that ever LIVED. 😘

[@megasoid]

Pure magic, just subscribed. I met Sammy back in 1989, a few months before he died. I never got over meeting one of my idols. RIP.

[@oscarmere1365]

a gifted man. no more Sammy, some just can sing and dance. so complete as an entertainer

[@danielleshipley7448]

When a person can feel the music and beat they don’t written music. They feel it in their heart and body 💜

[@paulasuniverse5029]

This is a gem! Sammy Davis, Jr. was the GREATEST (GOAT) all-around ENTERTAINER in the history of “show biz.” (Singer, Dancer, Impressionist, Musician, Actor)

[@dandennison1395]

Sammy you were magical RIP sir we miss you 😢

[@jeannichols2459]

all I can say is WOW

[@justgranny9601]

Sammy was the greatest friend I ever had and greatest entertainer I've ever known. He taught me how to dance but that is not the most important thing he taught me. Humility, Love for one another, self respect and respect for others. Grace, kindness and charity towards those less fortunate! He was my best friend and mentor and I have missed him everyday since he passed. Thank you Sammy for sharing your insights with me and for the greatest lesson I ever learned, to never be afraid of getting back up and keep going, no matter how hard the fall! You overcame more obstacles than most, which include horrific racism and severe physical injuries. You made your extraordinary talents look easy. Your sense of humor and your self deprecation showed me how to laugh at myself. Thank You for everything! I hope I made you proud Mr. Bojangles!

[@minimansonstar]

Damn. That is HOT. 💋

[@sharongoldsberry5405]

Hi 👋, he was an extremely talented man with a beautiful voice, great actor and more! Sorry he is gone. We don’t have talent like that today! ❤️🌷.

[@jayendepersil6607]

Thanks, Sammy. I play this when I m blue. You young there!

[@chie1709]

That has to be the best tap dancing I have seen. Tasteful. Choreographed with class. This was great.

[@tammydodge388]

Sammy is one of the most underrated men in the business. He had a gift that is all too rare today, he was an entertainer! He sang, danced, played piano and drums and probably more talents that I am not aware of. His version of Mr. Bojangles is superb! We miss ya' Sammy!

[@magicgordo4878]

A very long time ago we saw Sammy Davis Jr. live at the Huntington Hartford Theatre in Los Angeles . What talent!!

[@minimansonstar]

Lucky you! ❣️ I missed on that and so much more. 🤬

[@gwynnielsen5081]

Back then, singers weren't just singers like they are today. They had personality, a comic sense, and they could dance and sing equally well. Sammy and the Rat Pack are examples of perfect entertainers. The stakes were higher back then, though, people knew the difference between excellence and mediocrity.

[@mariedewitt5033]

No real comparison between Sam and the rest of the pack

[@gwynnielsen5081]

@@mariedewitt5033 He seemed like a good person.

[@syneathiabell1350]

Wow!!....and thats entertainment!💗💗💗Thank You for the memories Sammy!

[@leroywilliams2710]

Wow..just insane...how Great of an Entertainer this Man was.....

[@wassockfeatures]

Just beyond real. Fantastic! The best tap Ive ever seen, althought he cLark brothers and the nicholas brothers pretty amazing too

[@glenbo02]

Absolutely flat-out effing incredible performance!

[@cherylmcnutt9905]

I’d forgotten what an amazing dancer Sammy was! Fantastic!

[@LeonardWilliams-bh4gy]

I love listening and watching anything with Sammy Davis!!!!

[@eleanorelizabethcarter4366]

The ultimate entertainer! He was extraordinary at everything!!!!

[@brendagriffin1414]

Great Scott, this is too marvellous 🧐

[@melizmatea]

I started tap classes a year and a half ago, and Sammy is my favourite tap dancer out of all the amazing ones there were and are. I just sit and watch and stare at his feet and I just can't figure out how the hell he does it! I mean, it looks like they are barely moving and yet the sounds that come out - there are so many and so fast with rhythms so complex - he just blows my mind! Honestly, how on earth did he do it?! ☺I try to discern the movements and I'm just fascinated. He was the epitome of cool, an all-round fantastic entertainer, fabulous voice, great dancer, and that tapping....!!!

[@2luvis2live]

I'm so grateful that I can still capture these times. Thank you Mr. Davis.

[@ingerfreij5649]

It will never be another tap dancer like Sammy. He was and will always be the best entertainer. Love to see this movie!!!!!!

[@KidFresh71]

What a unique talent! Like the world has never seen before, or will see again. Masterful.

[@Roberto_79]

GOAT

[@nicoletanis3703]

Sammy Davis Jr. one of the greatest performer of all time, super talented. RIP

[@davidc9441]

An absolute master and inspiration for so many. Every school student in America should learn about him and what is possible. What a role model.

[@joe-vz6hx]

Just amazing. One of the most talented overall entertainers ever...not just the best tap dancer ever, but a great singer, great sense of humor, he could play the drums, do impressions, on it goes. RIP

[@fredmoser-eq8xd]

He very well maybe the most talented human being that ever lived

[@allistertenpenny6871]

His talent was unreal. It's one thing to know how to do multiple things, it's other worldly to know multiple things and be a master at them

[@butcher777]

The main reason that Sammy is the best of all time is that his sheer anatomy being that of a small man, light on his feet, slim fitting suits, to me represented the most essential skill of tap. Tap has to create the illusion of being effortless…and that’s what Sammy did along with grace, skill, and making it fun. Now don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying that Kelly, Hines, Glover, and the numerous other greats didn’t do their thing…that’s not the point…the point is Sammy took out the literal bulkiness of heavy clothing…complexity of trying to add way too much improv…and just letting the feet do the work…combined with superb acting…singing…and being a true showman…well that’s enough for me…and that to me is why he’s the greatest entertainer and tap dancer of all time.

[@2luvis2live]

The Absolute Best. Well done Mr. Davis well done. Thank you.

[@jeandeprsio3025]

Heel toe is the most choice and difficult of all tap styles. Sit back and ease in the awesome!

[@tomsavage7279WalteroftheSea]

One of the greats! What talent-all round too. Brilliant!Deano and him together=Magic.❤️

[@pollydickinson8684]

Hiya Sammy, there has never been a dancer or entainer like you you were brilliant in everyway and you were nso humble with it.vRIP Sammy.l miss you so much. Thank you my friend.xx

[@clarenceswope4915]

He was one heck of a entertainer you wanted a musician he could do it you wanted a singer he could do it you wanted to tap to answer he could do it if you wanted a comic or a movie star guess what he could do it I miss Sammy and he always treated everybody the way he wanted to be treated he didn't preach at you he showed you with action to me that's priceless

[@Chuck_A_Luck_Stank]

He just told a story tappin', really smooth 💪🏾

[@Eyes.WideOpen]

There was no one as talented as Sammy Davis jr and there never will be. In some ways he was blessed to grow up in the enviroment he did, being around many very talented ppl who took the time to quench his thirst for learning. He seems to have mastered Everything! Its so sad that to this day he has never recieved the acclaim and awards that he so rightly deserved

[@robertyoung3444]

I met him in early 60s family friend was the eye surgeon who put in his glass eye

[@morgansparhawk8410]

Even the band was watching in amazement

[@snortworld]

this is beyond entertainment. it's excellence

[@SibKiss-hc7zn]

Thanks for posting this great performance today

[@RikerLovesWorf]

I wish people had the social acceptance they do nowadays with the style, flavor, hardworking and professionalism that they did back in these days.

[@ΔΙΟΝΥΣΙΑΧΑΪΚΑΛΗ-η2ν]

I simply love it and that was an amazing tap routine!!!

[@mkfinessing1822]

One of the greats. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@wideawake5630]

Would have loved to have seen him live. Most high energy performance ever, I'm sure.

[@steverogers3595]

Uma personalidade que marcou época. Grandioso artista. Que Deus o tenha.