How Sammy Davis Jr. Changed Vegas
Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the most versatile performers of the 20th century. He was a singer, dancer, actor, and comedian who entertained audiences for over six decades. However, his path to stardom was not an easy one, especially in the world of Las Vegas entertainment. Davis, along with other African American performers, faced discrimination and segregation in the early days of Las Vegas. But he persevered and became one of the first African American performers to break the color barrier in Las Vegas.
Early Life and Career
Davis was born in New York City's Harlem neighborhood to African-American entertainer Sammy Davis Sr. and tap dancer Elvera Sanchez. Davis was taught to dance by his father and godfather, Will Mastin, who was also a dancer. Davis was a member of the Will Mastin Trio as a child, and they traveled the country. Mastin and Davis Sr. protected him from racism, but Davis encountered bigotry throughout his military service in World War II.
He was subjected to constant harassment from white soldiers from the South, resulting in many violent altercations and the breaking of his nose several times, leaving it permanently flattened. Davis was eventually moved to the Army's Special Services branch, where he helped organize troop performances. During this time he was often forced to perform for segregated audiences as well as the soldiers who had abused him.
Davis was awarded the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal before being discharged as a private in 1945. Reflecting on his experience, he stated that his talent served as his weapon, power, and means of retaliation. He believed it was the only way he could change a man's mind.
David resumed the family dancing act after his discharge and performed in clubs throughout Portland, Oregon. In 1949, he also recorded blues tunes for Capitol Records under the aliases Shorty Muggins and Charlie Green. Will Mastin Trio was the opening act for headliner Janis Paige at Ciro's in 1951. Their performance was so well appreciated that it lasted nearly an hour, establishing Davis' solo career.
The Rat Pack
The Rat Pack was a popular group of entertainers in the 1950s and 1960s. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, and Sammy Davis Jr. were among the group's skilled performers. The group was well-known for its Las Vegas performances, and their unmistakable style and swagger cemented their status as entertainment legends. Davis was the group's lone African American member, which aided in breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry.
Sammy Davis Jr. was an integral part of the Rat Pack. Davis was particularly well-known for his performances in Las Vegas and he was a regular performer at the Sands Hotel and Casino. The group's performances were legendary, and they often performed together on stage. Davis was a talented singer and dancer, and his performances were always high-energy and entertaining.
Breaking the Color Barrier
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Las Vegas was the gambling capital of the world, there were no alternatives such as US online casinos that exist today. The city's casinos attracted visitors from all over the world but the city was not immune to the widespread prejudice and bigotry of the time. However, at this time Las Vegas was a hotspot of racial strife.
Despite his accomplishments, Davis faced prejudice and discrimination in Las Vegas, just like any other person of color. He was not permitted to stay in the same hotels as his white colleagues, he was often refused service at restaurants, and he frequently had to enter the hotels where he played through the back door. African American performers were not permitted to remain in the same hotels as white performers in the early days of Las Vegas. They were also barred from performing in the main showrooms and instead demoted to lounges and smaller venues. Davis and other African American entertainers fought for the opportunity to perform in the main showrooms and stay in the same hotels as the white entertainers. Despite this discrimination, Davis continued to perform in Las Vegas, determined to show that his talent was more important than his skin color.
In the early 1960s, he began to use his position as a member of the Rat Pack to push for change in Las Vegas. Davis, along with other members of the group, began to demand that their black friends and colleagues be treated equally and with respect.
In 1960, Davis famously refused to perform at the Sands Hotel until the management allowed him to stay there as a guest. The hotel eventually relented, and Davis became the first black performer to stay in one of the hotel's suites. Davis' actions helped to break down barriers in Las Vegas, paving the way for other black performers to be treated equally. Davis also used his platform as a member of the Rat Pack to promote civil rights and equality. He performed at numerous benefit concerts for civil rights organizations and was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. In 1963, he was one of the speakers at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he gave a powerful speech in support of civil rights.
Final Thoughts
Sammy Davis Jr. was not only a legendary performer but also a trailblazer in the fight against racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. He faced immense prejudice and discrimination in Las Vegas, but he refused to be intimidated and fought for equality and justice. His perseverance and determination broke down barriers, paving the way for other African American performers to be treated equally. Davis used his position in the Rat Pack to promote civil rights and equality, and his efforts helped to transform Las Vegas and the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to inspire generations of performers and advocates for social justice.
