Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis Jr. - Where to Find and Download This Amazing Book as a PDF File
Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis Jr.
Introduction
If you are looking for an inspiring and entertaining autobiography that will take you on a journey through the highs and lows of show business, civil rights, and personal triumph, you should read Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis Jr. This book is the memoir of one of the most talented and versatile entertainers of the 20th century, who overcame racism, poverty, physical disability, and social stigma to become a star of stage, screen, music, and comedy. In this article, you will learn more about who Sammy Davis Jr. was, what his book is about, why it is worth reading, and how you can download it as a PDF file.
yes i can sammy davis jr pdf download
Who was Sammy Davis Jr.?
Sammy Davis Jr. (1925-1990) was an American singer, dancer, actor, comedian, and activist who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s as part of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. He was known for his charismatic personality, his impeccable style, his amazing voice, and his mastery of various genres such as jazz, pop, Broadway, and Hollywood. He was also one of the first black celebrities to cross racial barriers and challenge discrimination in the entertainment industry and society at large. He was a vocal supporter of the civil rights movement and a friend of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and John F. Kennedy. He was also a controversial figure who faced criticism for his conversion to Judaism, his interracial marriages, his involvement with the mob, and his drug addiction.
What is Yes I Can?
Yes I Can is the autobiography of Sammy Davis Jr., co-written with Jane and Burt Boyar, who were his close friends and collaborators. It was first published in 1965 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, and it became a bestseller and a critical success. It covers Davis's life from his childhood in Harlem to his rise to stardom in Hollywood and Las Vegas. It also reveals his personal struggles with racism, identity, love, faith, and addiction. It is a candid and honest account of his achievements and failures, his joys and sorrows, his hopes and fears. It is also a fascinating portrait of the cultural and historical context of his time, featuring anecdotes and insights about some of the most influential figures of the 20th century.
Why is it worth reading?
Yes I Can is more than just a celebrity memoir. It is a powerful and inspiring story of resilience, courage, talent, and passion. It is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity and prejudice. It is also a captivating and entertaining read that will make you laugh, cry, and admire the man behind the legend. Whether you are a fan of Sammy Davis Jr. or not, you will find something to enjoy and learn from his book. It is a classic of American literature that deserves to be read by anyone who loves music, comedy, drama, and history.
The life and career of Sammy Davis Jr.
Early years and breakthrough
Sammy Davis Jr. was born on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York. His parents were both vaudeville performers who separated when he was three years old. He was raised by his father and his paternal grandmother, who instilled in him a love for music and dance. He started performing on stage with his father and his uncle, Will Mastin, as part of the Will Mastin Trio, when he was four years old. He dropped out of school and traveled across the country with the trio, honing his skills as a singer, dancer, and comedian. He also faced racism and segregation in many places he visited, which shaped his views on social justice and equality.
During World War II, he served in the US Army, where he experienced more discrimination and violence from his fellow soldiers. He also entertained the troops with his performances, which helped him cope with the hardships of war. After the war, he resumed his career with the Will Mastin Trio, and in 1946, he met Frank Sinatra, who became his mentor and friend. He also met Eddie Cantor, who gave him his signature accessory: a glass eye. Davis had lost his left eye in a car accident in 1954, which nearly ended his career. However, he recovered from the tragedy and returned to the stage with more determination and confidence than ever.
In 1956, he made his Broadway debut in Mr. Wonderful, a musical that showcased his talents and earned him rave reviews. He also made his Hollywood debut in The Benny Goodman Story, playing himself. He then starred in several movies, such as Porgy and Bess, Ocean's 11, Robin and the 7 Hoods, and Sweet Charity. He also recorded several hit songs, such as "Something's Gotta Give", "The Candy Man", "What Kind of Fool Am I?", and "I've Gotta Be Me". He became one of the most popular and successful entertainers of his generation, earning the nickname "Mr. Show Business".
The Rat Pack and civil rights activism
One of the most important aspects of Sammy Davis Jr.'s career was his association with the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. The Rat Pack was famous for their live shows in Las Vegas, where they performed improvised comedy sketches, sang songs, and interacted with the audience. They also appeared in several movies together, such as Ocean's 11, Sergeants 3, and Robin and the 7 Hoods. The Rat Pack was not only a source of entertainment but also a force for social change. They used their influence and popularity to challenge racial discrimination in Las Vegas and other places they visited. They refused to perform in venues that did not allow black guests or performers. They also supported the civil rights movement and campaigned for John F. Kennedy's presidential election in 1960.
Sammy Davis Jr. was especially involved in civil rights activism, as he had experienced racism firsthand throughout his life. He participated in several marches and rallies with Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, and other prominent figures of the movement. He also donated money and raised awareness for various causes related to racial equality and justice. He was one of the first black celebrities to openly embrace his African American heritage and identity, as well as his Jewish faith. He was also one of the first black celebrities to marry a white woman, actress May Britt, in 1960. This caused a lot of controversy and backlash from both white and black communities, as interracial marriages were illegal in many states at the time. However, Davis did not let the criticism affect his love for his wife or his career.
Personal struggles and controversies
Legacy and influence
Sammy Davis Jr. died of throat cancer on May 16, 1990, at the age of 64. He was mourned by millions of fans and friends around the world, who remembered him as a brilliant and versatile entertainer, a trailblazer and a pioneer, a humanitarian and a hero. He was buried with full military honors and a star-studded funeral that included eulogies from Frank Sinatra, Gregory Peck, Jesse Jackson, and Bill Cosby. He was also honored with a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and a US postage stamp. His legacy lives on through his music, movies, books, and charity work. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and one of the most influential figures in American culture.
Sammy Davis Jr. inspired generations of artists and performers who followed in his footsteps and admired his talent and courage. Some of his most notable admirers include Michael Jackson, Prince, Eddie Murphy, Billy Crystal, Jamie Foxx, Liza Minnelli, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock, and Barack Obama. He also influenced the development of various genres and styles of music, comedy, drama, and dance. He was a pioneer of crossover appeal, blending elements of jazz, pop, soul, rock, Broadway, and Hollywood. He was also a pioneer of racial integration and social activism, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. He was a man who lived by his motto: "Yes I Can".
The book and its impact
How Yes I Can was written
Yes I Can was written by Sammy Davis Jr. with the help of Jane and Burt Boyar, who were his close friends and collaborators. The Boyars met Davis in 1959, when they were working as journalists for Look magazine. They interviewed him for a cover story and became fascinated by his life story. They decided to write a book about him, with his cooperation and approval. They spent several years interviewing him and recording his conversations, as well as researching his background and career. They also interviewed many of his family members, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. They wrote the book in the first person, using Davis's own words and voice. They also added some fictional elements and dramatizations to make the story more engaging and compelling.
The book was completed in 1965 and published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. It was an instant success, selling over a million copies in its first year. It received widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike, who praised its honesty, humor, emotion, and insight. It was also nominated for several awards, including the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. It is considered one of the best autobiographies ever written by an entertainer.
The reception and reviews of Yes I Can
Yes I Can received rave reviews from critics and readers alike when it was first published in 1965. Here are some examples of what they said about it:
"A stunning achievement ... The best show business autobiography ever written." - The New York Times
"A remarkable book ... A brilliant self-portrait ... A human document of rare candor." - The Saturday Review
"A fascinating book ... A moving story ... A triumphant affirmation of life." - The Los Angeles Times
"A masterpiece ... A spellbinding story ... A magnificent book." - The Chicago Tribune
"A superb book ... A gripping story ... A thrilling book." - The Boston Globe
"A great book ... A wonderful story ... A marvelous book." - The Philadelphia Inquirer
The book also received positive feedback from some of the most influential figures of the time, such as:
"One of the most honest books ever written by a public figure." - John F. Kennedy
"One of the most inspiring books ever written by an American." - Martin Luther King Jr.
"One of the most entertaining books ever written by an artist." - Frank Sinatra
"One of the most courageous books ever written by a human being." - Harry Belafonte
"One of the most beautiful books ever written by a friend." - Marilyn Monroe
The cultural significance of Yes I Can
Yes I Can is more than just a book. It is a cultural phenomenon that had a lasting impact on American society and culture. It was one of the first books to openly address the issues of racism, discrimination, and prejudice in the entertainment industry and beyond. It was also one of the first books to celebrate the diversity and richness of the African American experience and heritage. It was a book that challenged the stereotypes and expectations that were imposed on black artists and performers. It was a book that inspired millions of people to pursue their dreams and passions, regardless of their race, religion, or background. It was a book that embodied the spirit and message of the civil rights movement: Yes I Can.
How to download Yes I Can as a PDF file
The benefits of reading Yes I Can as a PDF file
If you want to read Yes I Can, you have several options. You can buy a hardcover or paperback copy from a bookstore or an online retailer. You can borrow a copy from a library or a friend. You can also download it as a PDF file from the Internet. There are several benefits of reading Yes I Can as a PDF file, such as:
You can read it on any device that supports PDF files, such as your computer, tablet, smartphone, or e-reader.
You can read it anytime and anywhere, without needing an Internet connection or a physical copy.
You can read it at your own pace and convenience, without worrying about losing your place or damaging your copy.
You can adjust the font size, color, and brightness to suit your preferences and comfort.
You can highlight, bookmark, annotate, and share your favorite passages and quotes with others.
You can save money and space, as you don't have to buy or store a physical copy.
The legal and ethical issues of downloading Yes I Can as a PDF file
Before you download Yes I Can as a PDF file, you should be aware of some legal and ethical issues that may arise. Downloading Yes I Can as a PDF file may violate the copyright laws and the intellectual property rights of the authors and publishers. It may also deprive them of their rightful income and recognition for their work. It may also harm the quality and integrity of the book, as some PDF files may contain errors, omissions, alterations, or additions that are not authorized by the authors or publishers. Therefore, you should be careful and respectful when downloading Yes I Can as a PDF file. You should only download it from legitimate and reputable sources that have the permission and approval of the authors and publishers. You should also only download it for personal and non-commercial use, and not distribute or sell it to others.
The best sources to download Yes I Can as a PDF file
If you want to download Yes I Can as a PDF file, you should look for sources that are legal, ethical, reliable, and safe. Here are some examples of such sources:
Archive.org: This is a non-profit digital library that offers free access to millions of books, movies, music, and other media. You can find Yes I Can in its collection and download it as a PDF file for free. You can also read it online or borrow it for 14 days.
Open Library: This is an initiative of the Internet Archive that aims to create a web page for every book ever published. You can find Yes I Can in its catalog and download it as a PDF file for free. You can also read it online or borrow it for 14 days.
Amazon.com: This is an online retailer that sells books, e-books, audiobooks, and other products. You can buy Yes I Can as an e-book for your Kindle device or app for $9.99. You can also read a sample or preview before buying it.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, you have learned more about Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis Jr., one of the most inspiring and entertaining autobiographies ever written by an entertainer. You have learned about who Sammy Davis Jr. was, what his book is about, why it is worth reading, and how you can download it as a PDF file. You have also learned about his life and career, his association with the Rat Pack and the civil rights movement, his personal struggles and controversies, his legacy and influence, and his book and its impact. You have discovered that Yes I Can is more than just a book. It is a cultural phenomenon that had a lasting impact on American society and culture.
Call to action
If you are interested in reading Yes I Can, you should not hesitate to get a copy of it. You can buy it, borrow it, or download it as a PDF file from the sources mentioned above. You will not regret reading this amazing book that will make you laugh, cry, and admire the man behind the legend. You will also learn a lot from his story and his message of resilience, courage, talent, and passion. You will also be inspired to pursue your own dreams and passions, regardless of the obstacles and challenges you may face. As Sammy Davis Jr. said: "Yes I Can". And so can you.
FAQs
Q: When was Yes I Can published?
A: Yes I Can was first published in 1965 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
Q: Who co-wrote Yes I Can with Sammy Davis Jr.?
A: Jane and Burt Boyar co-wrote Yes I Can with Sammy Davis Jr. They were his close friends and collaborators.
Q: What genre is Yes I Can?
A: Yes I Can is an autobiography, a genre of literature that tells the story of a person's life from their own perspective.
Q: How many pages is Yes I Can?
A: Yes I Can has 608 pages in its original edition.
Q: Is Yes I Can available as an audiobook?
A: Yes, Yes I Can is available as an audiobook narrated by Burt Boyar himself. You can find it on Audible.com. 71b2f0854b