Gonna Do Great Things: The Life of Sammy Davis, JR.

by Gary Fishgall

Book Overview

A major reappraisal of the life of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., Gonna Do Great Things is at once an intimate portrait and an exuberant celebration of a wholly American icon. Through his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743227417
• ISBN13: 9780743227414
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 430 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Inside Picture of A True Star

This is an exceedingly well researched glimpse into the early, middle, and later life of the brilliant and God-gifted Sammy Davis Jr.- each period of his genius life very well explored. From birth onwards, SD went through stuff we never dreamed, and did stuff we never knew, but this book gives the whole story, warts and all. A very good read, full of fascinating insights and some tasty dish too. As a longtime Hollywood journalist myself (who had many interactions with Sammy) I found quite a few minor errors (Fishgall called Michael Cole of Mod Squad "Peter Cole",) but most people won't notice these, and will really enjoy this thorough look inside a truly amazing life. Congrats to the author! Barbara Sternig, Hollywood

i didnt want it to end

i was a fan before i m a bigger fan now. excellent pacing beautifully written and really tells the story of a truly remarkable man i very easliy could have read this in one sitting but i savored every page. highly recommended

"Sammy was the "only' of a kind."

This is the only biography I've read about Sammy Davis Jr.I am retired and though born about 10 years after him,it seems to me he was around forever.This biography jives exactly with how I saw his career over the years.The one great enlightenment I got from this book was the personal details;which obviously were new to me,and I suppose would be to anyone who reads it.Every page presented something new and in a very readible style. Davis did so much and interacted with so many people over so long a period that the author had a huge task to cover it all in such a short biography;I feel what he has done is a supurb job to say the least. The author makes you feel like you are traveling right along side as Davis pursues his life and career;what more can one ask for in a biogrphy? If you enjoyed Sammy,you'll surely enjoy this book.