Why President Kennedy Snubbed Sammy Davis Jr. from Performing at the White House
Sammy Davis Jr., a prominent figure in 1961, along with his close ally Frank Sinatra, played a pivotal role in supporting President John F. Kennedy's election campaign.
However, a revelation by Davis' daughter in her latest book discloses that Kennedy declined to allow Davis to perform at his inauguration after Davis tied the knot with Swedish actress May Britt.
Tracey Davis, the entertainer's daughter with Britt, unveils this incident and more in her book titled “Sammy Davis Jr.: A Personal History with My Father,” which is derived from conversations she had with her father during his last months before his demise in 1990.
The book delves into Davis' journey of triumphing over racism and prejudice to carve a successful career spanning six decades.
His repertoire included 40 albums, participation in seven Broadway shows, appearances in 23 films, and numerous nightclub and concert performances.
Davis' Early Beginnings and Resilience Against Racism
At a tender age of 3, Davis took the stage with his father and Will Mastin as part of the vaudeville act, the Will Mastin Trio.
Facing racial bias, they resorted to staying in colored boarding houses while on tour.
Despite the adversities, Davis found solace in the applause and laughter their performances elicited, acknowledging that his talent was his ultimate armor against discrimination.
Surviving Racism in the Army
During his stint in the Army, Davis encountered brutal treatment from white soldiers in his unit.
It was Sergeant Williams who guided him to combat racial intolerance using his skills rather than violence.
Williams not only shielded Davis from humiliation but also taught him to read and write, equipping him with tools to navigate through adversity.
The Enduring Friendship between Davis and Sinatra
Davis and Sinatra's friendship blossomed in 1941 when they first met at the Michigan Theatre in Detroit.
Bonding over a simple sandwich, their camaraderie transcended racial barriers.
Sinatra's endorsement played a pivotal role in propelling Davis to stardom, emphasizing equality and talent over prejudice.
Kennedy's Disregard for Davis
Despite Sinatra's support, Davis faced exclusion from Kennedy's inauguration festivities following his marriage to May Britt, which stirred controversy and threats.
This interracial union led to Davis being sidelined from the list of performers at the inaugural party hosted by Sinatra, despite his dedicated efforts to promote Kennedy's candidacy.
Davis' Journey of Adversity and Transformation
A fateful car crash in 1954 left Davis grappling with a fractured face and a lost eye.
This incident prompted a deep reflection on life, leading him to embrace Judaism after receiving a mezuzah from comedian Eddie Cantor.
Embracing his new identity, Davis humorously referred to himself as the sole “black, Puerto Rican, one-eyed Jewish entertainer” in existence.
