Yes I Can

Yes I Can is Sammy Davis Jr.'s autobiography, chronicling his rise from a child performer in vaudeville to his status as an entertainment legend. The book covers his experiences from the 1920s through the early 1960s. Davis recounts his journey through show business, including his time with the Will Mastin Trio and his eventual solo career as a singer, dancer, and actor. The narrative follows his professional evolution while addressing the racial barriers and discrimination he faced as an African American performer during segregation. The book details Davis's personal life, including his conversion to Judaism, his relationships, and his involvement with the Rat Pack in Las Vegas. His friendships with Frank Sinatra and other entertainment figures feature prominently in the story. Through his life story, Davis presents a portrait of twentieth-century American entertainment and race relations. The autobiography serves as both a historical document and a testament to perseverance in the face of societal obstacles.

Readers describe this autobiography as raw and honest, appreciating Davis's openness about racism, addiction, and personal struggles in show business. Many note the compelling narrative style that makes it feel like Davis is telling his story directly to them. Readers highlight: - Detailed accounts of his vaudeville childhood - Behind-the-scenes stories of 1950s-60s entertainment - Frank discussion of discrimination in Hollywood - Complex relationship with the Rat Pack Common criticisms: - Sometimes rambling and repetitive - Name-dropping becomes excessive - Some events feel sanitized or glossed over Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ ratings) Reader quote: "Davis doesn't hold back on his mistakes or character flaws. You feel like you're sitting with him as he recounts his life story." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers mention the book's length (400+ pages) but say the engaging writing style maintains interest throughout.

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🎭 When writing "Yes I Can," Sammy Davis Jr. collaborated with Jane and Burt Boyar, who spent three years interviewing him extensively and helped shape his memories into the compelling narrative. 🎪 The book reveals that Davis learned to dance by watching and imitating Bill "Bojangles" Robinson's routines in movie theaters, eventually becoming so proficient that Robinson himself praised his talent. 🎵 Davis had to dictate much of the book's content while performing on the road, often sharing his stories from hotel rooms between shows at 3 or 4 in the morning. ⭐ The autobiography details Davis's groundbreaking romance with Kim Novak and the intense pressure from Hollywood studio heads and others who threatened his life if he didn't end the relationship. 🎬 Published in 1965, the book was later adapted into a TV movie in 1976, titled "Yes I Can," though Davis himself did not play the lead role, which went to actor Billy Dee Williams.