Tappers....Gregory Hines & Sammy Davis Jr.

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[@summerbabetoo]

This is why it’s important to give people their flowers before it’s to late❣ This was a night to remember. Sammy endured all the hardship and really changed the game. RIP Sammy

[@davidvincent1093]

Today's kids from the 80's on have no idea of who were the greats in the world not just some splash in the pan until next weeks ratings come out. Frankly though I am 70 now I think it was among the best 70 years there have been. From the H bomb, to jets, to walking on the moon, computers the size of a whole room (I know I worked in one) now to ones you wear on your wrist, men and women living together in space and so on and do on,

[@summerbabetoo]

“We are here, because you were there.”Michael said it best. I’m happy that he knew the level of love , respect and appreciation before he died. That was Epic. RIP SAMMY &MJ🙏🏽❣@@davidvincent1093

[@Bulldog-mi3om]

I never lived through those times but as per history you are right. It was so much epic things that happened 70s and Back.

[@justbringit9613]

RIP to Gregory too

[@summerbabetoo]

He was a triple threat like Sammy. RIP Gregory. @@justbringit9613

[@Primitive26]

The best part of this performance is when Hines kissed Sammy's shoes, what respect and love from one artist to another.Today's artist don't have a clue about that. RIP Hines and Davis thank you for your Art.

[@zuazhar1630]

From an artist to a “master.”

[@mrlee7328]

Pure homage!

[@matthewzablocki5310]

Frfr. R.i.p.

[@michaelmitchell5098]

Amen amen amen😂👏😁!

[@gabrielbotsford791]

Legendary

[@eddiecoleman1504]

Even when he was sick, Sammy Davis Jr. Was Still A Beast!!!! 🐐

[@MikeMicable]

There was an unspoken rule amongst performers and entertainers and back then. It was to be classy and respectful. My how times have changed. I watched this live when I was 13 years old by the way. The year was 1990. Never will forget.

[@summerbabetoo]

It’s as amazing today as it was when it aired.

[@falasha1825]

I remember watching this and everybody in the room holding their breath, because they knew Mr. Sammy Davis jr. had progressive cancer. We were afraid something might go wrong. But Mr. Davis pulled it off as smooth as ever. Brought tears to my eyes; I recall.

[@DarlinDar215]

Same here. I was thinking the same thing watching it here, I had watched it on TV. I always loved Sammy Davis jr. I live in an apartment complex that supposedly Frank Sinatra got him an apartment here. And I swim in the same jacuzzi as the RatPack, Elvis, and even the Bealtles stopped by for a swim before they flew out to do the Ed Sullivan Show. A 80 something ex showgirl used to live here and she could tell you a story or 2. They used to race around on golf carts because there was nothing but desert between the complex and the Hilton. I regret not writing these stories down. Sammy stayed in the apartment closest to the jacuzzi. I remember reading the sign that said limit 14 people and I couldn't imagine that many people there at the same time and then I was lucky enough to meet the ex showgirl and she shared a few stories. Not many places left in Vegas with real History.

[@522Dusty]

when Sammy did his triplet shuffle you can tell it blew people away he could still do it.

[@keiranderson8096]

I remember watching this when it aired and I thought his love and respect for Mr. Davis was 100% pure. R.I.P. to the both of you

[@summerbabetoo]

I still cry when I watch this show. The best of the best were there honoring a Legend in his own time❣

[@marcilenewatkins9274]

This chokes me up every time. When Gregory Hines kneeled.... #respect

[@dbd1353]

Me too..got to see both of them way back when and both were phenomenal..

[@MegazoneMusic23]

I just got all teary when Gregory did that.. Thats RESPECT right there. Im so happy and greatful that we have Alphonso Ribiero(who doesnt really tap much anymore) and Savion Glover to keep tap alive today.. RIP Gregory.... RIP Sammy

[@revmack22]

Me too! Every. Time.

[@gartrellliddell3806]

Although his health wasn’t the best, he mustered up the strength to dance for his celebration. The best ever..

[@joecanarsie5444]

I get chocked up every time I see this and I’m not ashamed to admit it .TRULY TWO OF THE BEST TALENTS THAT EVER GRACED A STAGE

[@JaneESeymour]

Masterclass in style, class, talent .

[@frederickdouglas6153]

💯

[@jpalmz]

They don't make'm like Davis and Hines any more.😢

[@storyteller1749]

Keep in mind that Sammy was dying literally dying at that point. Amazing. Absolutely amazing

[@DragonMama-yt3zs]

I believe Mr. Davis had just had a chemo session shortly before this was filmed, and then he did this amazing dance. His wife did not want him to do the dance.

[@taragomes3084]

@@DragonMama-yt3zs yes and he had also just had his hip replaced shortly before this performance!

[@margaretswan9597]

I loved Sammy, even as a kid I was enthralled by him. I remember seeing him singing Mr Beaujangles and I cried buckets..😭😭

[@th3dudeabides1]

And he'd just had a hip replacement

[@omarcogle1965]

@@th3dudeabides1 And he still could bust a move

[@NickyFlips]

Welp, I'm crying at 4am. RIP, legends. :'(

[@sanmcnellis94]

That was respect. That was class.

[@ulyssesgrant2782]

Yes!

[@nerd_in_norway]

I watched this on tv when it was new, they showed it here in Norway too, I was 13 and I never forgot this moment. Easily my favorite one of the whole evening and the one that always stayed with me. It also shows that despite his failing health, you can never take the showbiz out of performers this great. Once Sammy smelled the sawdust he came alive again as a performer like he didn't have a care in the world. Absolutely beautiful. And RIP to Gregory Hines too, another great who went much, much too soon. 🥺

[@AlHajjMalik01]

WOW...it's like watching Master & Student/Father & Son trying to out-perform each other..and the Master STILL has tricks up his sleeves. It brought TEARS to my eyes. Very heart-touching ;(

[@bryanbaker274]

TWO LEGENDS ON STAGE JUST HAVING FUN. THEY DANCED AS IF NO ONE ELSE WAS IN THE ROOM

[@Shaneebug25]

I remember watching this with my mom when it originally aired. These were two of her favs

[@theadjunctskitchen9941]

I come back to this clip every so often. Getting to watch that little bit of magic just feels so good!

[@032319581]

I saw this and cried....I knew this would be the last time I saw my favorite, Sammy!

[@ulyssesgrant2782]

Two of our greatest icons, gone forever. May they both rest in peace.

[@tanyasimon595]

They're both "kicking it" in Heaven.

[@sluggzmcgee302]

By today's standards, Mr. Hines kissing Mr. Davis' feet would've been considered a "punk move." But Mr. Davis and Mr. Hines were past that. They're cut from an entirely different cloth than today's generation. That gesture showed that Mr. Hines had nothing but the utmost respect for Mr. Davis because he knew Sammy opened doors for him. There will NEVER be 2 better tap-dancers than these. SAMMY DAVIS, JR. {1925-1990} GREGORY OLIVER HINES {1946-2003}

[@AtticaSalt]

Sluggz McGee Don't forget Bill Robinson now.

[@sluggzmcgee7420]

@@AtticaSalt Of course And with all due respect! BILL "Bojangles" ROBINSON (1878-1949)

[@ruthmaryrose]

Sluggz McGee Have you heard of the Nicholas brothers? No one will ever top them I’m sure.

[@ms.coleman8403]

@Honest Person yassss

[@1smimi]

Talent very hard to find these days.

[@Wis_Dom]

The amazing humbleness of Gregory to bow down and kiss Sammy's feet. Seriously, what young celebrity today would bow down to anyone that came before them? I remember when Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Leonard went on the Arsenio Hall show to give respect to Ali. #Respect is dying.

[@valeriekitover7363]

Sammy Davis Jr. The most gracious and talented person to ever grace Show Business Anywhere…..Anytime…..His love for the Stage was unparalleled!

[@dhop3419]

The great Gregory Hines was honored to kiss the kings shoes.

[@tbello007]

Let us honour our true legends while they are still alive. Great respect to these two legends. Continue to rest in peace

[@26realmc]

I saw Sammy Davis live at Ceasers Palace in 1985. As a white, country kid from Australia he was something special to see. A consummate showman

[@laidataylor6362]

He still had it at his age❤ true icons

[@theway6493]

I miss ALL of this.

[@robertpearlman6089]

I was a huge fan of Sammy Davis Jr. I watch this show when it aired. When Greg Hines kissed Sammy's shoes, I thought then that I'd never witnessed such an act of respect before. Greg got some flack from a few nitwits, but those who understand what homage to greatness is, we understood what Greg Hines did. Sammy was really up there with the best artists of dance and music. I miss him very much.

[@dippa1965]

I remember watching this like it was yesterday. The level of respect Mr.Hines,(RIP), showed when he kissed the shoes of Mr.Davis,(RIP). Mr.Hines at the time a master of dance himself was humble enough to show humility to Mr.Davis for paving the way.

[@TeeDee215]

Timeless. Classy. Respectful. Amazing beauty on so many levels. Gets me every time.

[@marthabrawley2508]

I never tire of watching this. They were both fabulous, I was a huge fan of both. And when Greg Hines fell to the floor to kiss Sammy Davis shoes/feet....what a class act, it was awesome!!!

[@SOFAJEDI]

Always tears in my eyes when watch this. Famous people with talent is a rare thing.

[@mr.raslyon6626]

Master vs. Grandmaster. RIP to them both.

[@MiguelDiaz-ph2fc]

When greatness meets a legend...

[@sharolynwells]

Two of the great Tappers that ever lived!

[@irishcladdagh3]

One of the best things ever recorded...TAP IN PEACE GENTLEMAN ✨

[@toxichammertoe8696]

I remember seeing this when I was a kid and never forgot Sammy Davis move on Gregory Hines at the end..lol

[@Carpenterdane]

To see Mr. Sammy Davis dance, is such a blessing!

[@dr.100purrscent5]

I remember watching this when I was really young. This was my favorite performance. My Grandmother said Sammy Davis Jr. was very sick, I almost didn't believe her because he was so flawless. Tap was one of the movies I watched over and over back then. Seeing Savion Glover dance with them as a kid was amazing to me 😍🙏🏾💗 80s Babies had a chance to grow up watching these Wonderful Men. A true Treat.

[@stephenschwarz3491]

Sammy......even then, showed why he was so great. And Gregory....a master of tap got a brief lesson in class. Unfortunately their talents are gone, but we do have Savion Glover who is keeping tap alive. We need more multi-talented stars such as them.

[@allthingshome6953]

Unfortunately no one cares for talent these days they rather see girls shaking their bottoms in thongs and men rapping about sexing them over rap beats. Let's face it true artistry in dead and I dont see it making a comeback soon. Beyonce singing about pleasuring her husband in the back of the car on the way to the club is what people want to hear, and yes even see smh

[@STICK999991]

Even sick didn't stop Sammy Davis, Jr. From doing what he does best being an entertainer and also being a great teacher!!! Especially the fact that he taught Gregory Hines everything he knew at the time of his height and life!!! Regardless of how sick Sammy Davis, Jr. Was,he didn't let it stop him!!! He wanted to make sure his Legacy he created,would lived on to those who were willing to listen,see and experience it!!! Long Live The Legendary Sammy Davis, Jr.!!! And Long Live his Lovely Legacy that he left us!!!👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 On tha real!!!✌🏿✌🏿✌🏿✌🏿✌🏿

[@paigeconkling4460]

Hopefully they are still dancing together in heaven.

[@sharontrujillo7793]

....💜

[@user-ig7qm2uw8j]

This is The sweetest tribute I've ever seen. This is what Excellence looks like. Thank you Gentlemen.

[@46foryounger]

Two legends. Always amazes me how artists can barely move but then they get up and dance like that. I remember seeing Tito Puente love he could barely walk to the stage but once he got up there and played he tore it up. Amazing❤️

[@n0th00tie]

My favorite part is the roar that Sammy receives at the end. I can only imagine what that must have felt like to receive the adoration and to feel so appreciated! It was tremendous!!

[@melliemel32]

Love to see that respect. Wow. It was like a son to father respect.

[@ComyaBee]

This was the best. I remember watching live. God bless both of them. When we gave flowers while they were here to receive them. RIP to the greats.

[@WCMB1]

This was the last time Davis danced in public. He was dying of cancer, and was only sixty-three. He had been a performer for sixty years.

[@abunidalparedes]

Gregory Hines always looked up to Sammy Davis Jr. because he was his hero and idol. Now they're up there in the clouds together along with many legendary tap dancing greats like Arthur Duncan, Bunny Briggs, Howard Sims, Steve Condos, Harold Nicholas, and Jimmy Slyde.

[@crackerjacks6789]

Warms my heart that was simply classic and beautiful Much respect to the Late Sammy Davis JR. and Gregory Hines 😅👞👞

[@justinlaboy6837]

This was when the entertainment industry was unbelievable!

[@charlesislaw]

When it was talent based:)

[@aw5347]

Facts!!!!!

[@jnlaf]

One word.."class"

[@Blackiice69]

NOTHING BUT THE ULTIMATE RESPECT!!!!! RESTINPARADISE TO THE BOTH OF YOU!!!! KING SAMMY DAVIS JR🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 KING GREGORY HINES🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@leandrewwilliams554]

Gregory Hines. LOVED Sammy!!

[@malachijustice1397]

Just love him rest in peace both of y’all you made us all feel good

[@AchillGirl]

Thank you, Mo Rocca, for alerting me to this magical moment in your book, "Mobituaries"

[@cassandrasmith8593]

This is such a sweet tribute. What a way to honor those who paved the way for us.

[@ThePirocadoida]

Sheeeee every time i see this i cry and smile at the same time!

[@naturalmystique3830]

ThePirocadoida You too? I felt exactly the same way. The genuine love and respect between these two great men. We just don't see that too much today. Humbling...

[@katsbreez]

+ThePirocadoida Same!

[@noellep5022]

I love how Gregory Hines takes easy steps we all love and adds a million extra sounds

[@donnatomkins7684]

Two of the Greatest Tap Dancers Long may they be remembered Rest in Heavens Peace Mr Davis & Mr Hines ✨️✨️🙏🙏🙌🙌❤️❤️

[@matthewgeeblountjr8992]

Now THATS what you call..."Passing The Torch"...simply iconic!!!

[@24459345steve]

so agree

[@nakumastone715]

That it was respect looks like. If you don’t tear up when you see this, then you don’t know what you just saw.

[@markwest8960]

A couple of legends! What kind of person "down thumbs" this?

[@weswolever7477]

Someone with n😊o soul

[@kennetpon]

Amazing and also amazing that my jaded cynical old butt tears up every time i watch this, every few years Tap comes on tv or I see Gregory Hines on a Will and Grace rerun and come back to regale in true star talent and mutual respect and love. Theres just too little of all of it nowadays. Too many nobodies patting themselves on the back like they are Gods gift, they aren't but these two definitely were and shall remain. Say what you will about KZbin, so many final performances are here. Lena Horne on Rosie O Donnell singing stormy weather. Frank Liza and Sammy in their Ultimate Event Tour, Judy Garlands tv and talk shows and so many others. Thank you for posting

[@melliemel32]

Awww don’t be jaded and cynical. 😊. ~~Jesus is Lord~~

[@kennetpon]

@@melliemel32 you cant be watching this. I miss the real talent, respect and integrity that emanates from the stars and their performances. You're absolutely right

[@davidscott7626]

A true entertainer till the end. RIP Sir you are greatly missed.

[@staceyfreeman755]

David Scott -I miss Sammy!!

[@albertpeterson5585]

...the master; the absolute master.

[@barbarac102]

LOVED IT!!! My mom was a tap dancer, and I am proud of that. Gregory was amazing! This was beautiful to see him honor Sammy, had to bite my lip. Touching. TY!

[@naturalmystique3830]

Beautiful. Did you see Gregory help Sammy with his shoes? I wanted to cry.

[@craigpatterson1547]

Natural Mystique I did cry .

[@Locktwiste72]

Man, I bawled out loud shamelessly when I saw that the first time and each time after. I cried even more when Hines kissed his get at the end.

[@jenniferschulermarykayoffi2580]

Class, classic dancing. Both are missed

[@cwelmaker34]

That was awesome!!!!! If there were talent out here like this now, the world might be a better place. It seems like all of the greats of everything are gone.

[@staceyfreeman755]

cwelmaker34 -and it makes me want to cry sometimes!

[@deneenjeffries2768]

Being on the stage is what Sammy Lived for! This must have helped extend his life... just a little bit. RIP Sammy and Gregory.

[@ryderstrong3899]

Tap dancing...a lost art...I miss those two!

[@buffyversefan]

Does this level of respect and admiration still exist?

[@summerbabetoo]

Nope, unless they kill someone over words🥹 they get that street respect until they end up in jail or the grave. We are living in a world with no respect and no hope.

[@tanyasimon595]

The finest, most elegant, selfless tribute from one great tap dancer to the greatest tap dancer.

[@vigilanterocco5831]

There will never be another legend, Sammy Davis. I miss him & his great talent. As well as Gregory Hines.

[@middlepassage7023]

These legends were not only great hoofers, they were the full package. Film stage and television, the did it all from coast to coast. Mr. Davis Jr. is visibly not well but took the stage and brought the place to it's feet. Not much long afterward he would make transition at a relatively young age of 64. Thirteen years later Mr. Hines himself would leave us at an even younger age of 57. I must have watched this clip a thousand times including the night it originally aired. I recommend the clip of Sammy Davis Jr dancing with Harold 'Little Seymour' Nicholas as well.

[@SousChef77]

This is too much. How awesome is this?

[@billrhoasts5456]

There are you words to adequately describe how awesome this is. The irony is that your question is the closest that we can probably come to an answer.

[@NewUkeNewYork]

Jeff Margolis (producer/director on this special) wrote about this in his memoir "We're Live in 5," which is the reason I'm here watching this. This was a surprise for Sammy Davis Jr. They got the tap shoes from his wife and put them under his chair, then Hines pulled them out and invited Davis up to improvise with him. Sammy wasn't planning to perform (sing) because of his throat cancer, but Margolis and Executive Producer George Schlatter wanted to give him a chance to get up on stage. How lovely!

[@MrCarltonjsmith]

What greater show of love and respect he kissed his tap shoes.

[@andreflood38]

Two great talented men who had great respect and admiration for one another.

[@ShadesOfKnight]

Both gone, and the world is poorer for it.

[@danilojones7193]

Love this

[@liloukenzo4034]

C'est trop mignon. A regarder sans modérations. Sammy the best !

[@ur8up2jabberwocky79]

SAMMY DAVIS JR. THE GREATEST TAP DANCER THAT EVER LIVED, I AM GLAD AFTER ALL THESE YEARS TO BE ABLE TO SEE HIM AGAIN, GREG HINES WAS GREAT, SAMMY WAS THE BEST!

[@msbcheet6041]

I absolutely loved Sammy Davis Jr.❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹 And Gregory Hines also💜💜💜

[@josiahjarumi4482]

I'm So Blessed 2 B Able 2 Say That I Was Alive 2 Have Witness Such Greatness From 2 Of The Best 2 EVER Do It! Keep Tapping In Heaven Sammy Davis Jr. & Gregory Hines!!

[@imbees2]

When Gregory put on sammys shoes. That was the best

[@fabrisse7469]

I remember when this was on TV. The fact that by this point Sammy had had both hips replaced gives it a whole context, too.

[@grneyedbndt]

showing respect to the best...I love it!!!!!

[@user-lo3ei4iq8y]

これは当時見て泣いてしましました。　本当に素晴らしい… お二人とも本当に美しい…

[@Genesyxx]

So much talent on stage. R.I.P. to you both!

[@billanderson8198]

Gregory Hines has always been one of the best in the world - bar none.

[@santanaross9289]

Tap Dancing At Its Best Greggory Hines Legend

[@toyman81]

2 wonderful Great Men who are sadly no longer with us, And Greatly Missed.

[@werdsivad1]

This transcends greatness in show business, this is true greatness of humanity and the human spirit! ❤❤❤

[@MrJmazing1]

Sammy Davis was a BAD MAN !! 🔥🔥❤️

[@michaelrichardwarner]

Rest in power, to both of these Legends.

[@trinityafton1237]

To Legends ...I miss them both ...I know tap dancing in heaven ....R.I.P Sammie Davis Jr. & Gregory Hines...

[@heathera6774]

Beautiful!! Paduwan and Master. So heartfelt with the honor and joy 🥹

[@misspad7282]

Sammy Davis Jr. was well loved by many in the entertainment industry and had many fans that loved him also, Great entertainer he was. Gregory Hines left this world way too early, also a great dancer and entertainer.

[@drumrnva]

I think this was in 1990, not long before his death. He was only 65. Throat cancer. I saw this segment when it was originally aired and I've never forgotten it.

[@hackbritton3233]

Thank you. Both of you. Love you.

[@jeannichols2459]

how fantastic to see these two experts perform together. Thanks to video we can all experience how great they were!