The Rhythm of Life (Sammy Davis Jr.) | Sweet Charity (1969) | TUNE

The iconic Sammy Davis Jr. sings his hit song 'The Rhythm of Life' written and recorded for the 1969 adaptation of Sweet Charity.
What is Sweet Charity (1969) about?
Shirley MacLaine gives one of her greatest performances in this spectacular musical based on Neil Simon’s smash Broadway hit. Director Bob Fosse broke new cinematic ground with this freewheeling, visually stunning story of a lovelorn New York dance hall hostess, Charity Hope Valentine, who dreams of old-fashioned romance but gives her heart to one undeserving man after another.
Watch the full movie here: www.uphe.com/m...
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#sweetcharity #shirleymaclaine #musicals #musicaltheatre

[@mamagugan6158]

Can we all agree Bob Fosse was brilliant?

[@Mackdaddy4218]

No.

[@mlbrooks4066]

@@Mackdaddy4218 Come on. It took a lot of work and genius to choreograph this number. The guy was probably a mess of a jerk but he was good at his job.

[@tlmoscow]

I’ve never enjoyed his twitchy choreography, and propensity for tuneless songs with witless lyrics. Sammy still manages to be great, but the number is forgettable.

[@irinairinskaya6150]

He was genius, indeed

[@gauravw6947]

Only someone ignorant about art, cinema and filmmaking wouldn’t be able to comprehend Fosse’s brilliance and genius…

[@zachkubish598]

This has got to be the most sixties looking thing I’ve ever seen

[@NextToToddliness]

Wait until you see the whole movie...

[@yo_bro]

medicinal 😎

[@dancingdan1994]

It even makes Sargent pepper look normal lol.

[@davidd5316]

If only we had the values that we had in the 60’s life would be wonderful, I am over 80

[@KingRich616]

You should see Hair

[@AnnNunnally]

I wish Sammy Davis had been in more musicals.

[@terryhastings2465]

Not only was Sammy Davis Jr. a great singer and actor, he tap danced, played the trombone, vibraphone and drums! The man had talent beyond talent!

[@kazkazzie3906]

His talent was just oozing out of him. He was a phenomenal talent. A triple threat 😊

[@paulamiles9559]

He was the best!

[@susaneweinberg4411]

An incredibly talented man

[@mlbrooks4066]

He was also fast and knew a ton of tricks with a western six gun.

[@MacJaxonManOfAction]

IMO, honestly the best all-round entertainer of all time. I'll die on that hill.

[@somewhereeeelolz9983]

The combination of the genius ofBob Fossee's choreography and the overwhelming talent of Sammy Davis Jnr makes this sceneva masterpiece.

[@fooman65]

There’s been nothing groovier since the day this was released.

[@stueypinnock8875]

Hmmm Deee lite Groove is in the heart

[@Fatelink]

One of the best musical sequences in film history. Thank you Sammy Davis Jr and Bob Fosse.

[@christopherrussell2611]

The best performer/performance ever! Sammy - a real, true professional entertainer par excellence. JaneR

[@michael5876]

I am currently obsessed with all aspects of this number from choreography to costuming.

[@roberttreborable]

Not surprised it's totally brilliant...

[@bvfreaf]

Same.

[@armt8543]

Literally,, I recently got into the 70’s Jesus Christ superstar- omgggg the costumesssss so 70’s

[@jaimetorraco8487]

That's the Fosse for ya, baby!

[@erinmalone2669]

It’s hypnotic

[@ChuffingNorah]

I wonder how many people realise that the form of "The Rhythm of Life" is actually a Fugue of which the great J.S.Bach would be jolly proud to have written. Not many, I'll be bound!

[@christopherrussell2611]

Sammy was the Ultimate in Entertainment. This track from Sweet Charity is one of many that proves it. He practiced religiously for perfection- he was DADDY. Loved him all my life. 60 years. Let’s recognise & praise this man who reached the top during a time when black men were treated as second class citizens. He proved he was nothing less than PERFECTION. Love you Sammy, JaneR

[@taichi29]

This is one of my favorite scene in the movie.

[@crazyman8472]

That “Rhythm of Life” car is freaking awesome. 😎

[@susanryan2802]

One of the best routines of any musical movie and surely deserved an Oscar. Sammy Davis Jr. is one of my favourites and surely one of the greatest entertainers of all time. It is appalling how he was treated by the prejudice of his fellow Americans.

[@erinmalone2669]

His hipness and 60sness along with the scatting is fabu.

[@tiffanyeyoung1800]

Unfortunately that's how it was back then. It's also why I loved how he and Dean Martin became friends

[@leec6707]

I still find it a bit odd that Bruce Forsyth and Sammy were good friends!

[@mlbrooks4066]

He might have been the most versatile performer ever.

[@JokesandJudgement]

I feel like the people who film Jungle's videos found their inspiration from this era.

[@juliajones1425]

Sock it to me! Love this number so much ❤

[@peterbaskind9872]

Gosh, Sammy was talented.

[@pointofnoreturn3103]

Holy Moly! We sang this song in a children's choir! "To feel the rhythm in your bedroom?!" So red right now!

[@supersmashbro596]

the choir version is like, super squeaky clean and has a much different feel to it. ...this version is so much cooler though.

[@pointofnoreturn3103]

@@supersmashbro596 I had no idea that so many people gave my comment a thumbs up... I am naturally a shy, easily embarrassed person! But, cool! I'm glad you like this version! ...I love this song, musically! IF I can actually get Reaper DAW to work with me, I want to record myself singing all SATB voice parts for Rhythm of Life in their original octaves, at a faster tempo, and dedicate the recording to my Angel of Music, Steve! He was the director of our children's choir. Way back when, we sang for the President, at the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree! ...It was nice to "meet" you. Take care.

[@betsyduane3461]

It's about a cult.

[@davids1920]

"To feel the rhythm in your bedroom? we sang "rhythm in the playground..." when we sang it at primary school in the early 70's in Australia

[@supersmashbro596]

@@davids1920 all instances of "daddy" were replaced with "neighbor"

[@allisondennis1101]

Love this sing it all the time ❤

[@patriciatownend331]

Love this! Such a talented performer! Could turn his hand to anything musically. So sadly missed.

[@YensidBuckingham]

This film did not deserve to flop.

[@christopherkeogh1975]

Much better films that flopped

[@lamueldagon7618]

Its amazing especially with Americas Racial issues at this point in time.

[@sandybear61]

I've always heard of Sweet Charity, but I didn't know it was this cool. I sang this song in choir in the '70s. Had no idea it was from this. Love Sammy Davis, Jr.! Groovy!

[@katherinespencer866]

Is this Sandy Pickering???

[@latebloomerabroad]

There are so many fantastic musical dance numbers in this movie, you should watch it!

[@larry01902]

In elementary school, late 70s, we did a sanitized version of this in a chorus concert.

[@graypalj]

Hey Sandybear, Just imagine seeing this with my mom at a first run in a theater in 1969!?! It was a hoot, and we both enjoyed it all. I've never enjoyed a movie musical so much since!

[@user-ot2qg8np8y]

Pure genius. Of all the members of The Rat Pack only Sammy could have pulled this off so completely. Sheer brilliance. Hit the floor and crawl to daddy!

[@user-xn3ux9jb1l]

I have to say that I am completely obsessed with this clip from a comic-tragic film directed by Fossey. Maclaine would always remain a fascinating person to me; Sammy jr, one of the best crooners of his generation. He had a lot of talent ranging from famous impersonations, acting & singing but was greatly underused in the industry. He will be missed.

[@johnhynds941]

I was 6 yrs old when this movie came out & this magnificent song with HRH Sammy Davis Jnr singing this iconic song, & the exquisite choreography of Bob Fosse & all the dancers & incredible creative people at Universal. Oz even used this song as a jingle for Lime Fresh Soap in the 1970s. I'm now 61 & I'm still overwhelmed by the ode to late 60s hippie culture& pentecostal gurus. Thank you, Dorothy Fields & Cy Coleman!

[@jacqueline1598]

This. Yep. 🎯

[@boudiccam4417]

I love Fosse’s choreography. Did anyone else catch that Ben Vereen is one of “Daddy’s” three main acolytes at the beginning of this number?

[@josephstaab7636]

Get catch! Comedian Avery Schreiber is also in there.

[@JennA-uf6lo]

He’s in “Rich Man’s Frug” as well!

[@jocelynellis3009]

​@@josephstaab7636 I thought I saw him!

[@miriamjacobson1904]

Came here to post the same thing (and did). Yes, he's so good it's impossible not to look at him when he's in the frame.

[@boudiccam4417]

@@miriamjacobson1904I agree

[@mollydooker9636]

I had never actually listened to the lyrics before. Its hilarious and an great comment on the worst of sixties guru culture. Just brilliant.

[@hugohackenbush3524]

There are not enough superlatives to describe just how good this is. Nuff said.

[@speakerleora]

This is beyond awesome! Sammy, Fosse, Neil Simon, Cy Coleman & Dorothy Fields! Such a product of its time. Sammy is the BEST!😊

[@EAG46]

When they say "They don't make them like this anymore," This is what they mean. Fosse's choreography, Coleman & Fields' music, Edith Head's costumes, and Sammy Davis Jr's everything make this incredible number unique. How would you make this today? Who would you cast? I don't know. Can you make it today?

[@jlo2816]

Sometimes a melody or performance just hits you hard,,, this one has always been one of my favorites. Sweet Charity is filled with great tracks,,, but Sammy nailed it with this one. Such a wonderful baritone from such a small man,,, can't not love Sammy.

[@inemuifj.]

Fosse is life.

[@sherman4970]

Absolutely outstanding. Watched it a hundred times and will watch a hundred times more. This IS Sammy Davis !!!!!!!!

[@maralisil]

Sammy is so perfect here! If you look into the crowd of hippies, it's a veritable who's who of talent! Such a great number! 😊

[@sfperalta]

I've seen Sweet Charity at least a couple of times and I have zero memory of this number. Groovy!

[@cynthiadavis471]

Sammy Davis is so very talented and versatile triple threat and then some👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@itzsoeasy1960]

They seem like they had so much fun doing this number. And Sammy Davis Jr. is fabulous.

[@charlesbosselman-sw7gf]

One of the best performances ever of this fabulous production number. Sammy Davis Jr leads the way with his chorine of fabulous dancers and singers. Sweet Charity with Shirley Mac Lane

[@emanuellawton7942]

This movie has not aged well but I still think that it is very underrated.

[@grace-ul9lf]

how hasn’t it aged well??

[@erlieranola2513]

It's a document of it's own generation.

[@wordsofcheresie936]

Wikipedia says that it was poorly received when it came out, but over the years has been reassessed and is now viewed much more positively.

[@fantasticmrssalem]

I’m singing this with my choir !!

[@charlesbosselman-sw7gf]

One of the best performances ever from Sweet Charity and Sammy Davis Jr

[@groovygirl23]

Just realized the brilliant dancer first seen behind Sammy at the top is Ben Vereen!

[@mlbrooks4066]

Am I right, tho? Are they the only two non-white people in this mob?

[@hudsony777]

This is a perfect musical and this is a perfect number from that perfect musical. Fosse had it all.

[@_kmCarter]

How has knowledge of this film eluded me until this moment?

[@ellynmacgregor8210]

SD Jr. was without question the one and only member of the so-called "Rat Pack" that could possibly have carried this number off. Any of the others--Frank, Dean, any of them--would have looked completely ridiculous...awkward and pandering. But Sammy managed it with gusto. What a fantastic amount of talent was packed into that small, slim body!

[@melissasmith949]

Can we not be amazed that you have Shirley McClaine, Ben Verne , and great Sammy Davis Jr in one movie together. The talent in this movie. Chita Rivera and Paula Kelly simply out of this world talent.

[@christyrawlings8631]

❤❤love this movie! Love Sammy Davis Jr, Shirley McClaine, Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, and of course Bob Fosse❤❤

[@paulamiles9559]

With all the good songs from this show I remember this one the best

[@ginobee3585]

The only person I think who could have pulled this off besides Sammy - Was Prince.

[@surgedeb]

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🤡

[@mlbrooks4066]

Nah. There was only one Sammy Davis Jr. and this was written for him. Maybe Ben Vereen (who is the black guy behind Davis), but not Prince.

[@Jds_7]

The choregraphy and the costuming is straight up legendary :0

[@auntvesuvi3872]

We sang this in my Junior High choir class (with a few modifications to the lyrics)! 🥁

[@patrickmaughan]

Sammy Davis Jr. had superhuman energy and talent. Frank Sinatra and Sammy were best friends.

[@roberttreborable]

I Just love this song and the whole performance, it stands the test of time.

[@alexdelaloire8739]

Me going back here to compare Schmigadoon "talk to daddy" to this XD

[@kathynay5498]

Same

[@kathynay5498]

Now off to find Rich Man’s Frug

[@CTScenic]

Schmicago season was so amazing and amusing.

[@chrisrussell735]

You can only get perfection when it comes from a Sammy Davis jr., performance - a true Masterclass. Still Love it -JaneR

[@williamjones7163]

Brings a whole new meaning to the term and song Candyman.

[@danielthompson3168]

This is such a great number!

[@danielhughes441]

SO ICONIC! Sammy’s rendition of that song soars above all other’s

[@lisachick93]

Never heard of this until watching Schmicago! I got every reference but this one, thought it was Godspell/Hair but this is it! Talk to daddy 😂

[@CTScenic]

I didnt know this one either and now Im obsessed with it. Brilliant composition performance and cinema.

[@beepuke8679]

god i wish i could take a really good look at each and everyone of these costumes an makeup!!

[@miriamjacobson1904]

Sammy is incredible--100% would hit the floor and crawl to him. BUT...Ben Vereen is right behind and nearly upstages him! You can see why Fosse would work with him again.

[@plien2184]

We sing this song with our choir. Was very surprised to see that this video only came out 5 days ago. Thank you 😀👌❤️

[@supersmashbro596]

what you likely sang was the super squeaky clean version. this, is the original version. has a much different feel to it dont it?

[@betsyduane3461]

It's about a cult.

[@jordanwatkins482]

I hope you discovered that this didn't come out last year..

[@davidbyster9249]

I'd forgotten just how well done, this is

[@dancingdan1994]

This is how i was introduced to him and i am happy for it

[@im4ever369]

This is the version of the song written by the Machiavellian mindset. (The Jim Joneses of the world) There is another very moving version that was written for the mind that serves God. Look up "Rhythm of Life" sung by so many beautiful choirs around the world.

[@fo-ef8qo]

I feel like this is the most underrated musical number

[@samuelbarber6177]

“Gonna tell my kids this was the Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Is what I would say if wasn’t telling them it was Cabaret. Instead I’m saying this was Cabaret.

[@theadoresmith2777]

just amazing

[@bryan7938]

Fabulous

[@jaybain4337]

Look for an homage to this number in the new Season 2 of Schmigadoon aka Schmicago!

[@alexdelaloire8739]

They really did good, even the choreography is on point

[@Acujeremy]

@@alexdelaloire8739 Talk to daddy, talk talk to daddy.

[@alexdelaloire8739]

@@Acujeremy He will rock you when you were sad...😅

[@Acujeremy]

@@alexdelaloire8739 Saddy

[@alexdelaloire8739]

@@Acujeremy It's sad directly followed by "he" which makes it sound like saddy

[@erinmalone2669]

Ben Vereen looks like Questlove in this video. Maybe that’s what so hypnotic it seems old but current

[@lamueldagon7618]

This is absolutely fantastic, I can't believe I never knew about this musical. Its so much fun and really brightens my day!

[@Madmen604]

Sammy was a genius.

[@northernbohemianrealist1412]

Talk to Daddy! Talk talk to Daddy!

[@sherryhardeo6370]

Go, go go!!!! flip your wings and fly up high!

[@amethyst7084]

Great vocals (so good for radio play), but you have to see the visuals too 🎼👏🏾⭐❤

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

I love the character "Sammy Bagel Jr" in the comedy "Sausage Party" and "Sausage Party: Foodtopia"!

[@azami123]

Brilliant 👏 👏 👏

[@maryannadkins2705]

I love the soundtrack, and when I imagined the choreography, I was pleasantly surprised. Still, the musical/movie is so unbearably sad. Thanks for posting!

[@Metamorphosis2024]

Absolutely brilliant ❤️

[@wendelynanderson9517]

Somewhere in all these dance numbers is a young performer named Ben Vereen. In another few years he’d win a Tony for his performance in “Pippin.”❤

[@angrynoodletwentyfive6463]

We sang this song in chorus in junior high I.... Understand why they rewrote all the references to "daddy"

[@Diana-zn2sl]

Сколько же труда во всё это вложено!

[@juliebullen5291]

absolutely brilliant should re release it

[@Pogueconductor]

Many years ago I sang this in like a 4th grade city choir. At the time I had no idea, but wow how inappropriate lol

[@Beckalaboo]

This takes me back ❤

[@writer79]

Happy Birthday Australia Day 2024 Rythmn of Life 💙/💜

[@Kite2554]

You never saw Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Bing Crosby make any of those moves! 😋

[@Blueberryyymuffin]

Not that those guys were bad

[@chrisn7259]

My favorite number in the movie.

[@new_yawker901]

This is giving me rowan & martin's laugh-in mod, mod world segment vibes.

[@trashbaby9000]

Why wasn’t I alive when this was casting. I’m jealous for real 🙈

[@missmusic2k]

Anybody notice a young Ben Vereen back there?

[@martinsorenson1055]

Yep! He's there in this number as well as the Rich Man's Frug.

[@ianbannister8404]

Sublime masterpiece

[@tiffanyeyoung1800]

Absolutely sensational¡

[@dereklwashington1132]

This is worthy of acid. Ben vereen! I wonder how many futures stars are in the chorus of this movie? I've always found the movie depressing but the individual numbers are amazing

[@justajumpingypsygirl]

We're singing this in my college choir.

[@janpost8843]

love this

[@andrewgrant6516]

Epic.

[@mlbrooks4066]

Ah, the sixties! I still have the love beads I didn’t give away.

[@angelaandersons7918]

The guiness advert, brought me here x