Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr. [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Sammy Davis Jr. (Author), Jane Boyar (Editor), Burt Boyar (Editor), Eddie Murphy (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1990

When Sammy Davis, Jr. published his autobiography in 1965, it was an immediate long-running bestseller as well as a revelation. Yes I Can describes Sammy Davis's personal conviction, the view of success that both propelled him to stardom from ghetto obscurity and served as his armor against racism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 668 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (December 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374522685
• ISBN-13: 978-0374522681
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,612,902 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars When he was good January 19, 2005

By Shalom Freedman HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

This autobiography tells the story of Sammy Davis Jr. up until the sixties. It tells the now legendary story of his starting out as a four - year with the Will Mastin trio. It tells of a long - climb through many obstacles to get to the top of the show- business world. It tells of his contending with prejudice and discrimination especially during his time in the Army. And it also reveals his courage in confronting this, and in standing up for his own people. It does not tell the much sadder last part of Sammy Davis Jr. 's story when he seemed to sink into drug and alcoholic addiction, and deteriorated morally as well as in health terms. It does not tell the story of the six- pack a day smoker's final cancer.

It reveals the earlier more optimistic Sammy Davis Jr. He was usually referred to in his glory days as the greatest all- around entertainer show- business ever had. And in truth he was a terrific dancer, a quite good but not great singer, and just a remarkably energetic entertainer. He had humor about himself and about the world, about his one eye, about his being a black Jew. One interesting part of this book tells about his friendship with Jeff Chandler an actor who was Jewish and who died young. And how that influenced on Davis's own decision to convert to Judaism.

Davis was a person who you radiated not only great energy but a great hunger to be approved of and loved. He received tremendous applause on stage but perhaps that did not fully satisfy his need. Raised without formal schooling, and always on the road he too had a restlessness about him as if he were never at home in the place he stood. There was something to my mind tremendously moving about this part of his stage identity.... He needed the applause so much the urge of the spectator was to see him get the applause.

His private life was no great picnic and included three divorces. His daughter by the actress May Britt who apparently was a very decent person and a good mother, has written a memoir about her often absent father. His friends Sinatra, Dean Martin , the Rat Pack are all with the exception of Shirley MacLaine now gone.

In a way in his struggle to get to the top, his fighting against prejudice his 'making it' he exemplifies the American dream. But in the prejudice he suffered, and in the downfall of his latter years he also seems to exemplify an American tragedy.

He was enormously likeable and gave millions of people pleasure with his on- stage antics.

Thanks Sammy you truly were a star.

This book tells in detail the story of his early and best years. It may be too long but it does have much valuable material for anyone who takes an interest in his life. Read more ›

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Guide for self-help and motivation! July 20, 2001

By Andre M.

Format:Paperback

To HELL with TD Jakes, Ilyana Van Zant, and all those other so-called self-help quickbuck gurus. You want inspiration? READ THIS BOOK! When I was 14 and going to a hellish jr. high school and dealing with bullies and home problems, I checked this out of the local lie-berry and I felt that if the "Candy Man" could go through TENFOLD the hell I was going through and still become the King of his field by believing in what God had given him, then DAMMIT, so could I! I have managed to overcome most of my childhood difficulties, thanx largely to this book and Louis Armstrong's music for getting me thru those tough times! Read this and you'll see what I mean.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sammy Davis, Jr. is One Cool Cat! February 14, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

We all know him as the guy who sang "The Candyman," and the black guy in the Rat Pack, but there is so much more to this beloved entertainer than meets the eye (no pun intended). This book thoughtfully recounts the unbringing of Sammy as a child star in vaudeville, and his rise as a top performer throughout the world. In a time when race was an issue in clubs and in Vegas, Sammy persevered and overcame these obstacles to become one of the most beloved and popular entertainers ever! I originally read "Yes, I Can!" when it first came out as a youngster. He was inspiring to me in my life struggles then, even though I wasn't black or a man or in show business. It was his positive outlook that stuck with me. Sammy Davis, Jr. is just the coolest cat! I recommend this book highly.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars YES I CAN DO IT TOO August 14, 2000

By "jtrinidad"

Format:Paperback

The first time I saw the book I looked at the volume of the book, which is about 700 pages, I thought, "I am never going to read this." But I bought the book and discovered it was easy reading and most of all it was very enjoyable. I finished reading the entire book in about two days. I really enjoyed its rich history and the peculiar way Sammy describes his way to success. I must tell you I cried a few times and couldn't help but to feel a part of Sammy's world.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has had a dream in life and thought of it as impossible, Sammy would definitely make you believe that you can accomplish anything in this world. Yes I can is a winner in my eyes.

If you have any questions as to how his life changed in the years after this book was published do not forget to read his daughter's, Tracy Davis, biography about her famous father named "Sammy Davis Jr., My Father"

Finally, I especially recommend this book for anyone who is planning to write his/her own autobiography because you will learn a great deal just by reading it

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Worlds Greatest Entertainer December 13, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

The most appropriatelly named book I have read. An inspiring and yet heartbreaking account of a remarkable mans life. I encourage ANYONE to read this book. It will give you a whole new outlook on Sammy Davis Jr., and life as well!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Celebrity Bio... December 18, 2007

By Joe Anthony

Format:Paperback

The great Sammy Davis Jr. could sing, dance, act, do imitations and tell jokes. He also tells a captivating story about poverty, race in America, his unlikely fascination with Judaism, and the pitfalls of fame and fortune. This is definitely one the best celebrity biographies I've ever read: extremely well written.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read! January 11, 2002

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I first read this book when I was 12 years old and was in awe of how someone could achieve so much after so many trials. As an adult, I have searched for years for a copy because of how much it moved me. I can still remember the pictures and some of the facts even after 26 years.