This Week In Cigar History December 3–9

One of the great 20th century American entertainers and devoted cigar smoker, Sammy Davis Jr., was born this week on December 8th 1925.

Davis was raised as an infant by his grandmother in Harlem. (His maternal grandfather was a Cuban-American cigar salesman). His parents divorced when he was three years old but were both vaudeville dancers. Fittingly, the young Davis Jr. would often perform with a rubber cigar in hand, and was billed as “Silent Sam, the Dancing Midget” to skirt around child labor laws.

After serving in World War II in the armed services entertainment unit, Davis Jr.’s dancing and singing talents were professionally acknowledged and his career skyrocketed. Numerous appearances on variety shows, hit records, and a star turn on Broadway in Mr. Wonderful (1956) soon opened the doors to a successful Hollywood television and movie career. He also became a charter member of the legendary, cigar-smoking Rat Pack, led by his buddy Frank Sinatra, that spawned such classic films as Ocean’s Eleven (1960).

In addition to movies, the multi-talented Davis was also a top-draw live act in Las Vegas for years, had an unexpected smash hit record with the 1972 toe-tapping tune Candy Man (which reportedly he did not like), and had a multi-year run on NBC television as a variety show host.

But many best remember Davis for his self-deprecating humor, which helped surmount the racism he encountered, and his simple take on life:

“Just do what you’re best at...and when you can’t do it any longer, stop.”

news@doubledownmedia.com

12/3/07

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