Things About Sammy Davis Jr

1. He lost an eye in a car accident—Davis lost his left eye in a nearly deadly vehicle accident in 1954 while traveling from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. For his lifetime, he sported a glass eye.


2. Converted to Judaism—Following his injuries, Davis investigated many religions and finally became a Jew since he felt that Jewish teachings fit his own hardships and background. Once he joked, “I’m a one-eyed Black Jew.”

3. First Black Man Sleeping in the White House— As a personal invitee of President Richard Nixon, Davis became the first African American guest staying the night at the White House in 1973.

Although Davis encountered strong bigotry in the entertainment business, Frank Sinatra used his clout to remove racial barriers so that venues let Davis perform and stay in the same hotels as white artists.

5. Refused to Perform in Separated Venues Davis refused to play at venues that denied Black audiences or maintained segregation rules even when it meant financial losses.

**Secret Agent for Martin Luther King Jr.** – Though he wasn’t always openly connected with civil rights activity, Davis covertly gave Martin Luther King Jr.’s projects money and logistical help.

7. First Black TV performer to kiss a white woman—By kissing Nancy Sinatra on national television in 1964, Davis created history and generated debate at the time.

8. Had a Black Community Rocky Relationship—Although some Black activists attacked Davis for his strong relationship with Richard Nixon and his Republican ties, Davis contended that he used his position to advance racial equality.

Despite throat cancer, Davis kept performing until months before his death in 1990, proving his great love of the stage.

10. Left Behind with Debt, a Fortune Mostly from poor financial management, Davis owed millions in back taxes at the time of his death despite his great achievement. His estate was left bankrupt trying to pay off his obligations.

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