This was the very last year we toured with "Mr D".I am honored and blessed to have played bass for 5 years and to have written a few arrangements with an ultimate great performer!
+Jay Quintana Couldn't agree more The best, the very best..cream of the crop. My ex girl friend played the piano for him when he was in Australia.; She said he was a GREAT bloke. Sinatra adored him like a brother. The wonderful Sammy Davis;Thanks to Vambo Rools for posting this.
+Brad Thomson you are right there is not an entertainer in this generation that could measure up to Sammy Davis Jr. or any of the rat pack . there is no soul in today's music. It is about the money now there's no story or feeling to the songs now a days.
Pay attention at how he builds up subtly, but powerfully. What a great artist, and a beautiful song. "The dog up and died, and after twenty years he still grieves..." "you see, son, I drinks a bit..." If you don't have tears in your eyes at passages like these, get your tear ducts checked. I have no words for how wonderful this is.
AGREED~! Of all the performers I am sorry to never have seen - HE is at the VERY top of the list. An amazingly multitalented man. He came up the hard way - and unlike some people who would express their anger about the path to the top, he used his showbiz scars to imbue everything he sang with a vivid texture. He's been gone for 32 years now - and to repeat, I regret never gotten to see him live.
No one will EVER be able to sing and perform this song like our dear Sammy Davis Jr. He OWNED this song. It truly brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Rest In Peace, Sammy. Love ya!
You can hear the power behind Sammy's voice. He could blow the audience out of their seats if he wanted to. One of America's all time great performers. Nobody today even comes close. Today's performers need 50 dancers, a light show, and $5 million in props to dazzle a crowd. Sammy Davis Jr only needed his voice.
agreed!,oh and you missed out the bums and boobs they all need to show nowadays to take the mind away from the "singing"! mind you I wouldn't want to see sammys boobs or bum for that matter! lol ;-)
There are plenty of singers out there who can still blow away an audience with only their voice, unfortunately record labels don't sign them. They only sign people they can mold in to money making zombies. If you want to see real singers, go visit your local venue and support the artists barely making ends meat singing to twenty people who aren't even listening.
Kai Green hey kai, I am that artist you are talking about! I'm in a duo, and yes I can wow an audience with just my voice as can my duo partner, so your comment ia probably one of the best i've ever seen on here! And as for the twenty people who aren't listening, high five to that! I personally know loads of local artists who could wipe the floor with 99 percent of commercial artists today and it is a sad situation, so yeah get out there and support us! Thanks kai Dan.
I too work in a duo and the same is true of us. When I heard that Zayn from One Direction was signed off for "stress" I was both angry and amused. angry because I have worked my entire life to be a professional singer/guitarist and I often work seven nights a week, singing for upwards of an hour and half per night, for months on end being paid atleast 1000 times less than any current pop star. Amused because I can't imagine a situation in which having women throwing themselves at me and being paid millions of dollars a year could cause me stress and this little piss ant without any talent, working a hundred shows per year, basically as a backing singer, can't handle it.....
I saw Sammy perform this song at the Arena Theater in the Round in Houston Tx many many years ago. As usual it was his closing number. The theater went dark and then a series of spot lights came on the stage. Sammy moved from one spotlight to another as he sang with the previous spotlight going dark. When the last note was sung all the lights were out. It must have been 5-10 seconds before you heard a sound. It stared with one person applauding and then it built to a crescendo. When the light came back on there stood Sammy with tears streaming down his face along with everyone in the audience. I read in the paper where Sammy said this was one of the most moving experiences he ever had with this song. You just had to be there.
James Gattis1 We were not there, but through your wonderful writing, we can at least imagine how great and spine tingling the atmosphere would have been. What a wonderful tribute you have written.
The best interpretation ever was this one, by the great Samy Davis Jr. who KNEW what that song was about from within... Incredibly moving song. Can't help crying when I hear it.
Quintuple threat: 1. Actor 2. Singer 3. Dancer 4. Musician 5. Impressionist. He gave us so much in his time on the earth and I was blessed to witness some of it. We toss around the term "Greatest Entertainer of all time" and "King of this" and King of that". My vote, without a doubt, goes to Sammy Davis Jr., the consummate Entertainer.
WOW... Sammy's performance here kind of took my breath. I think Sammy's own age here added so much more power to this song... Sammy was reaching the end of his life here... I was so moved by the performance I wish I had something more profound to say!
steve aragon ... what???? I didn't say this was the END of his life, I said he was "reaching the end of his life here"... and that was TRUE. This performance is from 1989 and he died in 1990. This is literally months before he passed away. I was simply trying to say that his performance about an aging entertainer reflecting near the end of his life was more emotional to me since Sammy himself was reaching the end of his. In a way it more strongly connects Sammy with the Bojangles character and in my mind made the song so much more powerful. I wish Sammy would "come back and dance". Where exactly were you going with the "uh not the end of his life" comment? I don't quite get what you're trying to say?
Akwi Nji I am not sure why the fuss, I was confused by that as well. Perhaps I didn't word what I was attempting to express in my initial comment well enough? Regardless, I love Sammy and this song, and still especially love this particular performance because of the emotional connection. I feel it adds so much more power to it.
For some reason, i start listening to the song and start crying and remembering my dad, all those beautifull memories with him. I am 20 years old and this is true music. I thank God that i found this :')
And not many people know that Sammy played 'several' musical instruments and was an avid photographer (which he looked at as 'just a hobby'). He was a gun collector and taught himself many of the fancy gun routines he performed in Western/cowboy movies. When it comes to entertainment and pure artistic ability, NOBODY did it better than Sammy Davis Jr. And as somebody stated in one of the other comments, he did it with STYLE and CLASS. R.I.P. Sammy ... you were the greatest!!!
I had the supreme pleasure of seeing Sammy do this live at the Arena Theater in Houston. He did it in a down tempo moving through a series of spots on a darkened stage. When the last note ended the last spot went out leaving stage dark. The audience was so mesmerized it must have been 5-10 seconds before the applause started and built to a resounding roar. When the lights can on Sammy was standing there with tears streaming down his face. A moment I will never forget. Thank you Sammy.
Sammy Davis Jr. Blew through the color barrier in Hollywood (and, yes, there was one) like a comet. If he were to run for president today I would vote for him. The man had more talent in his little finger than most of us have in our whole bodies.
I thank God that I had the opportunity with my wife to see this heavenly performer at a live concert in 1982. Sammy did it all from playing the drums, dancing like Michael Jackson and James Brown ,tapping, telling jokes, doing his vocal impersonations of over a dozen singers, and singing twenty five songs for us to perfection. He did three encores, and didn't end the concert until we realized how tired he was, gave him another standing ovation and started walking out. Worth twice the money!
When I was a teen in the 70's my oldest sister's dog was named Mr. Bojangles. He was registered and when she got his papers back after sending in his name it had as his name Mr. Bojangles III. I loved Sammy and I love this song but I hated that dog.
The part where he says "twenty years later he still grieves" is true. I had the best damn cat every, Ming-ga, and everyone loved her. 5 years after she died i was talking to a former employee of my dads (he ran a construction company from our home) and hse'd go out to visit him when he showed up for work, and 5 years after she died just mentioning her was enough to make him cry. It's almost exactly 10 years since she died and a few months ago i was talking about her to my dad he actually started to cry.
Nobody knows, what this man had to go through to become the person, we are allowed to see here in this vids. I seriously doubt that there is somebody on this planet, who deserves more respect than Samy. Rest in peace, my friend
He was THE most talented of the three in the "Rat Pack." Sinatra couldn't hold a candle to him. He could do it ALL, and at a much higher level than both Dean and Frank. We'll never see the likes of him again. RIP. His legacy lives on.
Definitely an amazing and underrated performer. As for being much more talented than both Dean and Frank I'd say eh. Davis best musical performer but Dino had a better voice (imo) and a better feel for comedy, though not by far. Franky was easily the biggest icon and strongest voice but didn't really compare to either one in terms of performing-talent. Amazing trio nonetheless, all great comedians and vocalists. Possano riposare in pace
I think they were all amazing performers. What made Davis so incredible was the raw emotion in his voice and the masterful control he had over his body. Every move he makes is perfectly executed, and even the slightest hand gesture is filled with fire and passion. There would not have been a Michael Jackson without Sammy Davis Jr., that's for sure. They were all great. I was still in my diapers when Sammy Davis Jr. passed away, but he was the reason I went into musical theatre myself. I wish I could have seen him perform.
They say that people of the younger generation don't appreciate older music, such as this. I'm 15. While people I know are singing Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers, while I sit and sing Mr Bojangles in class. I am so proud to be different, as from a young age, I've always appreciated this music, because of my Grandad. This is my favourite ever song, and I will listen to it every day for the rest of my life. I love you Sammy
Vambo Rools Sammy Davis, Jr. stated in several interviews that he felt connected to the song because his biggest fear was that he would literally become Mr. Bojangles, in old age, playing dive bars and talking about past fame.
Sammy Davis was the best.very time I see this I am in awe and I end up with tears cause he was so dam awesome. Still miss him. RIP Mr Davis GOD BLESS you for all the joy you gave.
What an artist and true performer, I was lucky enough to see him in Brisbane in early 70's and again in Melbourne late 80's. I love this version and brings tears of joy to my eyes.
What a great talent Sammy was. The effort he put into all his performances was unbelievable. The so-called entertainers of today couldn't shine this guy's shoes.
How I wish he could come back, and help heal our division by tellig us how crazy we all were. If you find out who his best friends, who he loved the most, you'd be surprised. He loved who was good. He didn't care what race, religion, color or creed. If you were good, and had a little talent, he loved you. I have loved Sammy since I first saw him as a small child, and cried deeply when he died. God Bless you Mr. Davis. God heap you will ALL His Divine Love and Praise for the Greatness you still are!
I first listened to this song a few months ago and I don't know what it is about it that makes me feel so sad, happy, and nostalgic all at the same time. And I don't even know what it makes me nostalgic of, it doesn't even remind me of anything or anyone. Such a beautiful song.
Sammy was one of my Dad's favourites. I'm so glad his musical tastes rubbed off on to me. So i can now listen to this great music and remember my Dad. ( My Dad passed away Christmas 2015).
Your Dad had great taste and knowledge of music mate,i wrote down all the lyrics when i was young and cried like a baby afterwards R.I.P. Sammy and your Dad God Bless
The best interpretation ever was this one, by the great Samy Davis Jr. who KNEW what that song was about from within... Incredibly moving song. Can't help crying when I hear it. Gosh we miss people like Samy Davis Jr who could convey the emotion so well..
I am only 30 and obviously do not remember Sammy in the flesh, but I feel like he represents everything we are missing today, a certain confidence and braggadocio but unity of American culture and purpose. Wish I could have met the man, he seems like a real good dude.
Saw Sammy perform this in Toronto at Okeefe center in 70s with my Mom. It is still THE BEST performance I have even seen by anyone to this day...mesmerizing. .
Agreed. His habit was one many have, but ultimately, it took his larynx and caused a lot of undue pain and distress to him in his later years. Great performer and it’s amazing he kept his voice for so long considering how much he smoked.
you, know when i was a young man in the 70's I didn't realize how special this man was. as I have grown up and realized how important the impact of his music was. I'm so glad to have grown to love and respect his talent. I'm now in my 40's and i enjoy these clips of Mr.Davis. Thank you so much for posting this clip.
I heard it one day on the way home from work, and I cried every time I heard it after that. Back then, I was so lonely and had a few regrets, but now, as we enter 2019, I am happy, content, and fulfilled. The song still makes me cry!
This is a great song that for many years has been sung extremely well by different artists, but then Sammy comes along and totally transforms it into a classic , he lives every moment of it.
I agree. I love both this and Robbie Williams' version. Both having a unique feeling to their version. Robbie's version feels like a telling to remember the great Bojangles. This version however Sammy "tells" the story of Bojangles. It has that feeling of him knowing him personally (he probably did). And that is what music should be. A story told by the artist. I get goosebumps and always feel sad when listening to this song, but also the happy from hearing his story.
yes, this great entertainer is long gone now, but thanks to videos like this one he can live on and on...he can touch the lives of many generations to come...none were as big a talent as this little man was...he was one of the great ones...timeless...a man of many talents...he was a very good actor as well, if you see any of his movies i am sure you will agree....
Hey guys, I got into all this late but I've taken up this kind of music cause it's so enjoyable to sing. Sammy Davis Jr is a fave of mine now. Please help me show these songs more by coming to "Swing My Way" on Facebook Love it! :-)
such a top tier elite performer in all aspects...many artists seem to lose their touch abit as they get older but sammy just always had it no matter how old he was...what an absolute inspiration...best multi talented performer of all time and a wonderful human being
Hey thank you for your reply to Sammy being a TRUE LEGEND. Facinating and great to hear. I read his biography when I was 11. What an amazing person he was as well as a true performer. I love all his songs .... Mr Bojangles is a special song which I always love to sing...
SAMMY'S ENTIRE LIFE GROOMED HIM FOR THE BOJANGLES ROUTINE !! NOBODY COULD SING THIS SONG WITH " THE KIND OF CONVICTION " THAT SAMMY BROUGHT TO THE TABLE !! POUND FOR POUND SAMMY WAS THE GREATEST ALL-AROUND ENTERTAINER OF ALL TIME !!!..
hate to be middleaged but what I would have missed all the talented stars sorry the next generations wont have any of these great people to enjoy thank god for utube
plenty of talented people out there.... but they dont make money for record labels and as such dont get signed. I sing for a living, could blow any modern pop star off the stage with few exceptions (Bruno Mars for instance, very talented guy) but I dont make the kind of music 13 year old girls want to listen to and they are the only people who buy music any more.
Kai Green lol,hey kai, I only just read this comment of yours,and when I read about the "13 year old girls", I realised that's almost exactly what I'd put in that other post to you! we must be cut from the same cloth mate,I think bruno mars is one of the few REAL talented artists around today too. where abouts are you from? Dan.
He and Sammy were friends and Michael recognized greatness. The clean edge, the sharpness of Michael's moves, at least in my opinion, call homage loudly to Sammy. I believe there are more comparisons.
I Feel so bless when listing to this to have lived during this era in time to have experienced the entertainers we have had over the last 60 year. This song makes me reflect on my life and it has been a blessing regardless of the up’s and downs. thank for the post kara1464
Mr Sammy Davis Jr. really hated this song because he was terrified that he would turn in to Mr Bojangles when he got old. A lonley washed out drunk that danced the small joints in the sticks... Imagine being that famous and sucessful like Sammy and still be able to be humble enough to understand that it could all be gone in a blink of an eye..(no pun intended).
People that come from a poor back ground,never forget that period in there lives. Though they do worry about returning to having no financial security.. God bless you Sammy the millions that you cheered up with your wonderful life and hard work. You were never going back.. Xxx
Sammy's tribute to Bill Robinson and all he contributed to dance, particularly tap, which clearly was one of Sammy's favorite ways to entertain. Where are legends like this now??
That's so sad. It reminds me of Big Bill Broonzy who opted to have surgery for throat cancer although it still didn't work and he died shortly afterward. There's actually a video on youtube from a couple of days before the surgery, and perhaps the last song he ever sung in front of people.
Arguably the greatest entertainer that ever lived. Singer,dancer, actor, player of musical instruements, side arm quick draw competitor. This man could electrify a huge crowd just by showing up. My favorite all around entertainer,..... and his "Bojangles" is just one of the many reasons why!!
OK I had to hear THE NITTY GRITTY BAND version....................................Are you KIDDING ME, Again you are entitled to your opinion - In my humble opinion - COULD NOT EVEN CARRY SAMMY'S LUGGAGE.............................Sammy had FEEL, EMOTION - The Nitty Gritty Band - NO FEEL, JUST A LADDY, DAA Version of this song. One of the greatest entertainers of our life time........................................
I loved him and brat pack when i was younger..but Mr. Bojangles will always be special. My bro in law would sing it at Christmas and ....usually everyday. Time is passing quickly. And he requested this at his funeral. Such wonderful memories with Sammy Davis Jr. & Mr. Bojangles & DLT 😢❤
In my mind, and to my heart, Sammy was the greatest all around entertainer the world has ever known!!! He could do it all! The only one I knew that came close to his all around talent was Gregory Hines. He was from an era when there were so many stellar talents out there. Thank you for giving the world a chance to see him do his magic, in a world that sorely needs it!
This was the very last year we toured with "Mr D".I am honored and blessed to have played bass for 5 years and to have written a few arrangements with an ultimate great performer!
James Leary
They were just amazing entertainers..
James Leary
You must have some stories.
Very cool! .... Loved his talent here! ...
Thank you Mr Leary for your contribution to what is considered "true music"
Mr Leary
Greetings from the Netherlands
The man sang, he danced, he was not just a great actor, but he was also a great comedic actor. There will never be another Sammy Davis, Jr.
+Jay Quintana Couldn't agree more The best, the very best..cream of the crop. My ex girl friend played the piano for him when he was in Australia.; She said he was a GREAT bloke. Sinatra adored him like a brother. The wonderful Sammy Davis;Thanks to Vambo Rools for posting this.
+scratcher s You're very welcome :)
You have that soooooo right!! This brings tears of love and appreciation of Sammy.
also did impressions... there will never be another generation like this.. we have lost our souls.
+Brad Thomson you are right there is not an entertainer in this generation that could measure up to Sammy Davis Jr. or any of the rat pack . there is no soul in today's music. It is about the money now there's no story or feeling to the songs now a days.
Pay attention at how he builds up subtly, but powerfully. What a great artist, and a beautiful song. "The dog up and died, and after twenty years he still grieves..." "you see, son, I drinks a bit..." If you don't have tears in your eyes at passages like these, get your tear ducts checked. I have no words for how wonderful this is.
Great comments Fabio. Your so right, I still get tears to this day when i hear this song sung by Sammy.
@FabioPBarbieri, You nailed it!
@@michaeldargan1874 I've got those tears in my eyes and heart, right now.
AGREED~! Of all the performers I am sorry to never have seen - HE is at the VERY top of the list. An amazingly multitalented man. He came up the hard way - and unlike some people who would express their anger about the path to the top, he used his showbiz scars to imbue everything he sang with a vivid texture. He's been gone for 32 years now - and to repeat, I regret never gotten to see him live.
@@billpiechocki uh m
No one will EVER be able to sing and perform this song like our dear Sammy Davis Jr. He OWNED this song. It truly brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Rest In Peace, Sammy. Love ya!
You can hear the power behind Sammy's voice. He could blow the audience out of their seats if he wanted to. One of America's all time great performers. Nobody today even comes close. Today's performers need 50 dancers, a light show, and $5 million in props to dazzle a crowd. Sammy Davis Jr only needed his voice.
agreed!,oh and you missed out the bums and boobs they all need to show nowadays to take the mind away from the "singing"!
mind you I wouldn't want to see sammys boobs or bum for that matter! lol ;-)
Dan Allured If I want to see bums and boobs I just turn on the news and watch our U.S. politicians pretending to be enlightened. :o)
There are plenty of singers out there who can still blow away an audience with only their voice, unfortunately record labels don't sign them. They only sign people they can mold in to money making zombies.
If you want to see real singers, go visit your local venue and support the artists barely making ends meat singing to twenty people who aren't even listening.
Kai Green hey kai, I am that artist you are talking about! I'm in a duo, and yes I can wow an audience with just my voice as can my duo partner, so your comment ia probably one of the best i've ever seen on here! And as for the twenty people who aren't listening, high five to that!
I personally know loads of local artists who could wipe the floor with 99 percent of commercial artists today and it is a sad situation, so yeah get out there and support us! Thanks kai
Dan.
I too work in a duo and the same is true of us. When I heard that Zayn from One Direction was signed off for "stress" I was both angry and amused. angry because I have worked my entire life to be a professional singer/guitarist and I often work seven nights a week, singing for upwards of an hour and half per night, for months on end being paid atleast 1000 times less than any current pop star. Amused because I can't imagine a situation in which having women throwing themselves at me and being paid millions of dollars a year could cause me stress and this little piss ant without any talent, working a hundred shows per year, basically as a backing singer, can't handle it.....
I was too young to understand, now as an old man I do understand and love Mr Sammy Davis Jr.
Pres. Kennedy denied him. How sad
I saw Sammy perform this song at the Arena Theater in the Round in Houston Tx many many years ago. As usual it was his closing number. The theater went dark and then a series of spot lights came on the stage. Sammy moved from one spotlight to another as he sang with the previous spotlight going dark. When the last note was sung all the lights were out. It must have been 5-10 seconds before you heard a sound. It stared with one person applauding and then it built to a crescendo. When the light came back on there stood Sammy with tears streaming down his face along with everyone in the audience. I read in the paper where Sammy said this was one of the most moving experiences he ever had with this song. You just had to be there.
Wonderfull talent, very sadly missed!
James Gattis1 We were not there, but through your wonderful writing, we can at least imagine how great and spine tingling the atmosphere would have been. What a wonderful tribute you have written.
James Gattis wow, lucky man. Treasure that memory.
James Gattis
great experience. nobody sang that song better than him.
His vocal is sweetened through the ages just like wine....
Please, Mr Bojangles, come back and dance, dance, dance, DANCE!!!
The best interpretation ever was this one, by the great Samy Davis Jr. who KNEW what that song was about from within... Incredibly moving song. Can't help crying when I hear it.
Really touches your heart ,RIP Sammy Davis Jr.😇💙💙💙
same me
Especially when his dog up and dies ...
Just absolutely the most astoundingly best ever. This was Sammys song and this performance is breathtaking.
Quintuple threat:
1. Actor
2. Singer
3. Dancer
4. Musician
5. Impressionist.
He gave us so much in his time on the earth and I was blessed to witness some of it.
We toss around the term "Greatest Entertainer of all time" and "King of this" and King of that". My vote, without a doubt, goes to Sammy Davis Jr., the consummate Entertainer.
Well said.
Keith A Sanford, comme vous avez raison! Il était une artiste complet.
You know. I think you nailed it. Much respect.
WOW... Sammy's performance here kind of took my breath. I think Sammy's own age here added so much more power to this song... Sammy was reaching the end of his life here... I was so moved by the performance I wish I had something more profound to say!
steve aragon ... what???? I didn't say this was the END of his life, I said he was "reaching the end of his life here"... and that was TRUE. This performance is from 1989 and he died in 1990. This is literally months before he passed away. I was simply trying to say that his performance about an aging entertainer reflecting near the end of his life was more emotional to me since Sammy himself was reaching the end of his. In a way it more strongly connects Sammy with the Bojangles character and in my mind made the song so much more powerful. I wish Sammy would "come back and dance".
Where exactly were you going with the "uh not the end of his life" comment? I don't quite get what you're trying to say?
steve aragon the year before his death
I get what you're saying and totally agree. Don't know why there's such a fuss over months or a year (even if it was 2) before his death.
Akwi Nji I am not sure why the fuss, I was confused by that as well. Perhaps I didn't word what I was attempting to express in my initial comment well enough? Regardless, I love Sammy and this song, and still especially love this particular performance because of the emotional connection. I feel it adds so much more power to it.
I still getting tears in my ears.
For some reason, i start listening to the song and start crying and remembering my dad, all those beautifull memories with him. I am 20 years old and this is true music. I thank God that i found this :')
NO ONE does this song better! RIP, brother.
And not many people know that Sammy played 'several' musical instruments and was an avid photographer (which he looked at as 'just a hobby'). He was a gun collector and taught himself many of the fancy gun routines he performed in Western/cowboy movies. When it comes to entertainment and pure artistic ability, NOBODY did it better than Sammy Davis Jr. And as somebody stated in one of the other comments, he did it with STYLE and CLASS. R.I.P. Sammy ... you were the greatest!!!
he was the most talented entertainer of all time, he could do it all extremely well!
That is what we are missing today. Talent. Comedy, Sing, Dance, he was the best. Simply the best.
Mr. Bojangles song makes me cry every time I hear it.
I had the supreme pleasure of seeing Sammy do this live at the Arena Theater in Houston. He did it in a down tempo moving through a series of spots on a darkened stage. When the last note ended the last spot went out leaving stage dark. The audience was so mesmerized it must have been 5-10 seconds before the applause started and built to a resounding roar. When the lights can on Sammy was standing there with tears streaming down his face. A moment I will never forget. Thank you Sammy.
Sammy was an entertainer. The best there ever was or will be. There will never be anyone to ever come close to his talent. RIP Sammy
Sammy Davis Jr. Blew through the color barrier in Hollywood (and, yes, there was one) like a comet. If he were to run for president today I would vote for him. The man had more talent in his little finger than most of us have in our whole bodies.
"Color" is racist
I thank God that I had the opportunity with my wife to see this heavenly performer at a live concert in 1982. Sammy did it all from playing the drums, dancing like Michael Jackson and James Brown ,tapping, telling jokes, doing his vocal impersonations of over a dozen singers, and singing twenty five songs for us to perfection. He did three encores, and didn't end the concert until we realized how tired he was, gave him another standing ovation and started walking out. Worth twice the money!
wtf would anyone thumbs down the great Sammy Davis Jr.?
FJ80Coop Exactly what i thought
They obviously have no taste, they don't know a all round amazing performer
FJ80Coop
To thumbs down this is to dislike breathing
I named my late dog Mr Bo Jangles as when he was a puppy he would always come up to nuzzle me when I played this. Best dog I ever owned. xxx
He he. My Cat's called mr.Bojangles, He gets all sorts of names, Including Bow, bow-bow, mr. B-J. and so on.
When I was a teen in the 70's my oldest sister's dog was named Mr. Bojangles. He was registered and when she got his papers back after sending in his name it had as his name Mr. Bojangles III. I loved Sammy and I love this song but I hated that dog.
The part where he says "twenty years later he still grieves" is true. I had the best damn cat every, Ming-ga, and everyone loved her. 5 years after she died i was talking to a former employee of my dads (he ran a construction company from our home) and hse'd go out to visit him when he showed up for work, and 5 years after she died just mentioning her was enough to make him cry. It's almost exactly 10 years since she died and a few months ago i was talking about her to my dad he actually started to cry.
Just one year before his death in 1990. RIP
You know that Sammy Davis Sr only died a few years before his sonsdeath.
Nobody knows, what this man had to go through to become the person, we are allowed to see here in this vids. I seriously doubt that there is somebody on this planet, who deserves more respect than Samy. Rest in peace, my friend
aexl82 He deserves so much respect that you couldn't even correctly spell the little runts name.
Canada and USA Rock "the little runt" are you fucking serious???
great gazza
Well, sure I am. Why? This dude was tiny. TINY!!!
@@canadaandusarock730 bigger than you
@@canadaandusarock730 u tell him!!
I love you Sammy, the world needs great artists like you again.
Sammy was a bojangles man, few people people can perform this, it takes lifes experience to understand.
GREAT VIDEO SONG TELLS THE STORY OF MY LIFE N BOND WITH MY DOG OF 15
YRS SHES BEEN GONE NOW FOR OVER 20 YEARS N I STILL CRY 😢😢😢
Sammy I wish you'd come back and dance for us
He was THE most talented of the three in the "Rat Pack." Sinatra couldn't hold a candle to him. He could do it ALL, and at a much higher level than both Dean and Frank. We'll never see the likes of him again. RIP. His legacy lives on.
Definitely an amazing and underrated performer. As for being much more talented than both Dean and Frank I'd say eh.
Davis best musical performer but Dino had a better voice (imo) and a better feel for comedy, though not by far. Franky was easily the biggest icon and strongest voice but didn't really compare to either one in terms of performing-talent. Amazing trio nonetheless, all great comedians and vocalists. Possano riposare in pace
I think they were all amazing performers. What made Davis so incredible was the raw emotion in his voice and the masterful control he had over his body. Every move he makes is perfectly executed, and even the slightest hand gesture is filled with fire and passion. There would not have been a Michael Jackson without Sammy Davis Jr., that's for sure.
They were all great. I was still in my diapers when Sammy Davis Jr. passed away, but he was the reason I went into musical theatre myself. I wish I could have seen him perform.
They say that people of the younger generation don't appreciate older music, such as this. I'm 15. While people I know are singing Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers, while I sit and sing Mr Bojangles in class. I am so proud to be different, as from a young age, I've always appreciated this music, because of my Grandad. This is my favourite ever song, and I will listen to it every day for the rest of my life. I love you Sammy
No one does that song better than he did.......plus, in this song he was singing about his own life.......
No. He wasn't. He was singing about a man Jerry Jeff Walker met in the '60s. He was never the man in the song.
Vambo Rools Well it turned out to apply to his own life, figuratively....
Metaphorically, perhaps.
Vambo Rools Sammy Davis, Jr. stated in several interviews that he felt connected to the song because his biggest fear was that he would literally become Mr. Bojangles, in old age, playing dive bars and talking about past fame.
Jay Surles I agree, He sang every song like it was part of his life.
Sammy Davis was the best.very time I see this I am in awe and I end up with tears cause he was so dam awesome. Still miss him. RIP Mr Davis GOD BLESS you for all the joy you gave.
The Greatest Entertainer In Modern Day History.
ONE OF THE BEST & GREATEST MULTI -TALENTED ENTERTAINERS THAT EVER LIVED.
Thank you for recognizing his talent in this song & dance video.
♫ Anthony Figgiani ♫ ♫
so many emotions run thru me as I watch this. simply amazing, the man, the entertainer, the professional.
So much sadness contained in this version and yet the compelling triumph of the inner person overcomes loss and failure. What a performer.
What a legend! Old Sammy RIP.....Miss U! Thanks for the music Mr.Bojangles......
What an artist and true performer, I was lucky enough to see him in Brisbane in early 70's and again in Melbourne late 80's. I love this version and brings tears of joy to my eyes.
A profoundly sad song when it is understood in context
What a great talent Sammy was. The effort he put into all his performances was unbelievable. The so-called entertainers of today couldn't shine this guy's shoes.
Remember when entertainers just entertained us with their voice and a simple soft shoe dance?
amen
How I wish he could come back, and help heal our division by tellig us how crazy we all were. If you find out who his best friends, who he loved the most, you'd be surprised. He loved who was good. He didn't care what race, religion, color or creed. If you were good, and had a little talent, he loved you. I have loved Sammy since I first saw him as a small child, and cried deeply when he died. God Bless you Mr. Davis. God heap you will ALL His Divine Love and Praise for the Greatness you still are!
One of the best entertainers ever>
Thank God I was old enough to enjoy the music of the 70's, 80's & 90's... Sam I miss you and the Candyman!
He touches your soul with his music❤
I first listened to this song a few months ago and I don't know what it is about it that makes me feel so sad, happy, and nostalgic all at the same time. And I don't even know what it makes me nostalgic of, it doesn't even remind me of anything or anyone. Such a beautiful song.
Sammy was one of my Dad's favourites. I'm so glad his musical tastes rubbed off on to me. So i can now listen to this great music and remember my Dad. ( My Dad passed away Christmas 2015).
Your Dad had great taste and knowledge of music mate,i wrote down all the lyrics when i was young and cried like a baby afterwards R.I.P. Sammy and your Dad God Bless
The best interpretation ever was this one, by the great Samy Davis Jr. who KNEW what that song was about from within... Incredibly moving song. Can't help crying when I hear it. Gosh we miss people like Samy Davis Jr who could convey the emotion so well..
Tears in my eyes, sighing in sincere grief... can' t these talents live for ever...
Thank you very much Vambo for the opportunity to enjoy this awesome piece!!!!..
I think this was his best performance because he realized that he was Mr. Bojangles, and all of us would be asking him to come back and dance..
Absolutely spot on fella!
Fabsmaster5 Doris day
why’d you have to go and make me emotional like that dawg
Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson
I am only 30 and obviously do not remember Sammy in the flesh, but I feel like he represents everything we are missing today, a certain confidence and braggadocio but unity of American culture and purpose. Wish I could have met the man, he seems like a real good dude.
Listen to Sammy's version of Don't blame the Children.... very powerful lyrics.
Made me cry again Sammy.
Saw Sammy perform this in Toronto at Okeefe center in 70s with my Mom. It is still THE BEST performance I have even seen by anyone to this day...mesmerizing. .
"He took our breath away, and cigarettes took his." ~ anti-smoking billboard about six months after we lost him
Agreed. His habit was one many have, but ultimately, it took his larynx and caused a lot of undue pain and distress to him in his later years. Great performer and it’s amazing he kept his voice for so long considering how much he smoked.
you, know when i was a young man in the 70's I didn't realize how special this man was. as I have grown up and realized how important the impact of his music was. I'm so glad to have grown to love and respect his talent. I'm now in my 40's and i enjoy these clips of Mr.Davis. Thank you so much for posting this clip.
Sammy was as talented as anybody in the history of show business.
I' love him God Bless thank you for. his ...music
I heard it one day on the way home from work, and I cried every time I heard it after that. Back then, I was so lonely and had a few regrets, but now, as we enter 2019, I am happy, content, and fulfilled. The song still makes me cry!
Mygod that was beautiful ! Thank you!
+merilyn taylor-smith You're welcome x
This is a great song that for many years has been sung extremely well by different artists, but then Sammy comes along and totally transforms it into a classic , he lives every moment of it.
Agree totally with Jay Quintana. Never will be another Sammy Davis Jr. He was the best
60 years as an entertainer. SIXTY...and he still had a voice like velvet, danced like a machine...performing perfectly.
Love an' miss you so much, Sammy...can't wait ta see you an' the rest o' the boys one day. :,)
So hard to believe this was only a year before he died. One of the greatest entertainers to grace this earth. RIP Sammy.
Awesome performance- the best version of this song !
Sammy brought this song to life on stage !!
I agree.
I love both this and Robbie Williams' version. Both having a unique feeling to their version.
Robbie's version feels like a telling to remember the great Bojangles. This version however Sammy "tells" the story of Bojangles. It has that feeling of him knowing him personally (he probably did). And that is what music should be. A story told by the artist. I get goosebumps and always feel sad when listening to this song, but also the happy from hearing his story.
yes, this great entertainer is long gone now, but thanks to videos like this one he can live on and on...he can touch the lives of many generations to come...none were as big a talent as this little man was...he was one of the great ones...timeless...a man of many talents...he was a very good actor as well, if you see any of his movies i am sure you will agree....
Absolutely amazing!!
GREAT SONG WORDS HIT HOME WITH ME MY DOG OF 15 YEARS DIED N STILL AFTER 20 YEARS I STILL CRY WHEN I LOOK AT PICTURES OF HER I
I saw this concert on TV in Japan ... it was with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli .. Japanese part is translated this songs lyric.
What clarity of pronunciation! What gorgeous virtuosity! And what a moving, amusing, and engaging rendition!
where are those singers today?
willythewave Men..
willythewave dead yes, but their wonderful spirits live on
Jeffrey Lebowski cant be replaced... who can?? you, me? god bless
Jeffrey Lebowski There will never ever be such marvelous singers today. What a shame on our society not to be able of delivering such legends anymore.
Hey guys, I got into all this late but I've taken up this kind of music cause it's so enjoyable to sing. Sammy Davis Jr is a fave of mine now. Please help me show these songs more by coming to "Swing My Way" on Facebook
Love it! :-)
Incredible! The one and only! There's really no better version and performance of this great song!
That is pure class.
A little man with huge, major, ginormous talent and soul. The best live performer I've ever seen and I've seen them all from Johnny Cash to Pavarotti.
R.I.P. Sammy :)
Oh good lord I'm crying. I first commented on this video over a year ago, and the replies I got back were beautiful
chills man. chills. 3:45 on
such a top tier elite performer in all aspects...many artists seem to lose their touch abit as they get older but sammy just always had it no matter how old he was...what an absolute inspiration...best multi talented performer of all time and a wonderful human being
Never to be surpassed,
64 years old here & sounds as good as ever. He would only live less then a year after this. RIP Mr. Davis one of our greatest entertainers ever.
Was he short?...I didn't notice because he was bigger than life...and his star was very very bright.
Hey thank you for your reply to Sammy being a TRUE LEGEND. Facinating and great to hear. I read his biography when I was 11. What an amazing person he was as well as a true performer. I love all his songs .... Mr Bojangles is a special song which I always love to sing...
Frank Sinatra never really got over Sammies death ! They were a lot closer than most people thought.
Lou McConnell Sinatra thought of Sammy as his kid brother!
SAMMY'S ENTIRE LIFE GROOMED HIM FOR THE BOJANGLES ROUTINE !! NOBODY COULD SING THIS SONG WITH " THE KIND OF CONVICTION " THAT SAMMY BROUGHT TO THE TABLE !! POUND FOR POUND SAMMY WAS THE GREATEST ALL-AROUND ENTERTAINER OF ALL TIME !!!..
@Jonathan Merely For EMPHASIS !!!.....
hate to be middleaged but what I would have missed all the talented stars sorry the next generations wont have any of these great people to enjoy thank god for utube
plenty of talented people out there.... but they dont make money for record labels and as such dont get signed. I sing for a living, could blow any modern pop star off the stage with few exceptions (Bruno Mars for instance, very talented guy) but I dont make the kind of music 13 year old girls want to listen to and they are the only people who buy music any more.
Kai Green lol,hey kai, I only just read this comment of yours,and when I read about the "13 year old girls", I realised that's almost exactly what I'd put in that other post to you! we must be cut from the same cloth mate,I think bruno mars is one of the few REAL talented artists around today too.
where abouts are you from?
Dan.
Dan Allured The UK. Originally from Essex, currently working and living in Cornwall.
Kai Green i'm uk too, but up in leicester, got family down devon.whats your act called?
Bo burnham.
This man was so gifted! Never could get enough of his magical performances!
Anyone else get goosebumps? People my age don't understand. I'm 19 btw
I'm 60 years old and I understand you. I cry.
I’m 22 and I’ve been listening to this man and Frank and Dean since I was nine. No one has inspired me more. They truly ARE the best!
Sammy was a master at his craft, awesome. RIP
Sandra flemming Yes!
@@cheese2cake1 b
THERE WILL NEVER NEVER EVER BE ANOTHER ENTERTAINER TO MATCH SAMMY DAVIS JRN. The world still weeps
He moved me to tears. Now everyone knows who Michael Jackson got his steps from.
did you notice the little moonwalk early on and the man was wracked with cancer at the time knew he had little time left this was his legacey
To me Michael Jackson was totally besotted with Elvis, he even married into the family. Michael was an Elvis impersonator.
He and Sammy were friends and Michael recognized greatness. The clean edge, the sharpness of Michael's moves, at least in my opinion, call homage loudly to Sammy. I believe there are more comparisons.
I Feel so bless when listing to this to have lived during this era in time to have experienced the entertainers we have had over the last 60 year. This song makes me reflect on my life and it has been a blessing regardless of the up’s and downs. thank for the post kara1464
Mr Sammy Davis Jr. really hated this song because he was terrified that he would turn in to Mr Bojangles when he got old.
A lonley washed out drunk that danced the small joints in the sticks...
Imagine being that famous and sucessful like Sammy and still be able to be humble enough to understand that it could all be gone in a blink of an eye..(no pun intended).
Really? wow.
People that come from a poor back ground,never forget that period in there lives.
Though they do worry about returning to having no financial security..
God bless you Sammy the millions that you cheered up with your wonderful life and hard work.
You were never going back..
Xxx
Sammy's tribute to Bill Robinson and all he contributed to dance, particularly tap, which clearly was one of Sammy's favorite ways to entertain. Where are legends like this now??
Doctors could have save Sammy by performing throat surgery. But Sammy said if he couldn't sing, he didn't want to live.
That's so sad. It reminds me of Big Bill Broonzy who opted to have surgery for throat cancer although it still didn't work and he died shortly afterward. There's actually a video on youtube from a couple of days before the surgery, and perhaps the last song he ever sung in front of people.
I loved Mr. Sammy, one of the greatest talents of all time. RIP SANNY DAVIS JR.
Somone said that Nitty Gritty DB did this better than Sammy....Really? What the hell are you smokin".
Arguably the greatest entertainer that ever lived. Singer,dancer, actor, player of musical instruements, side arm quick draw competitor. This man could electrify a huge crowd just by showing up. My favorite all around entertainer,..... and his "Bojangles" is just one of the many reasons why!!
OK I had to hear THE NITTY GRITTY BAND version....................................Are you KIDDING ME, Again you are entitled to your opinion - In my humble opinion - COULD NOT EVEN CARRY SAMMY'S LUGGAGE.............................Sammy had FEEL, EMOTION - The Nitty Gritty Band - NO FEEL, JUST A LADDY, DAA Version of this song. One of the greatest entertainers of our life time........................................
+Abc 60 King Only idiots think anyone could do this better than Sammy. He made it his song. He became Mr. Bojangles when he sang this.
I loved him and brat pack when i was younger..but Mr. Bojangles will always be special. My bro in law would sing it at Christmas and ....usually everyday. Time is passing quickly. And he requested this at his funeral. Such wonderful memories with Sammy Davis Jr. & Mr. Bojangles & DLT 😢❤
Unless I've forgotten any, only Tony Bennett is left of the great crooners. Sad.
JAZZ MAN that's right.. He still is crooning, what a man.
In my mind, and to my heart, Sammy was the greatest all around entertainer the world has ever known!!! He could do it all! The only one I knew that came close to his all around talent was Gregory Hines. He was from an era when there were so many stellar talents out there.
Thank you for giving the world a chance to see him do his magic, in a world that sorely needs it!