Who influenced Sammy Davis Jr?

Sammy Davis Jr. was influenced by many performers, including Bill Robinson, Al Jolson, and Eddie Cantor. He was also inspired by his father, Sammy Davis Sr., who was a dancer and vaudeville performer.

Sammy Davis Jr was known for his ability to mimic other performers, and he incorporated elements of their styles into his own performances. In 1944, during World War II, Sammy Davis Jr was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18.

Sammy Davis Jr earned the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal and was discharged in 1945 with the rank of private.

Sammy Davis Jr had a starring role on Broadway in Mr. Wonderful with Chita Rivera (1956). In 1959, Davis became a member of the Rat Pack, led by his friend Frank Sinatra.

In 2017, Sammy Davis Jr was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. On May 27–28, 1973, Davis hosted the first annual 20-hour Highway Safety Foundation telethon.