Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis Jr.

by Sammy Davis Jr., Jane Boyar, Burt Boyar, et al.

Book Overview

YES I CAN is the self-portrait of one of the extraordinary men of our time, who became a figure of controversy because he dared to live his life not as a Negro but as a man. "I've got to be a star... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0006BLUDO
• Release Date: January 1965
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
• Length: 612 Pages
• Weight: 1.72 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Great Celebrity Bio...

The great Sammy Davis Jr. could sing, dance, act, do imitations and tell jokes. He also tells a captivating story about poverty, race in america, his unlikely fascination with Judaism, and the pitfalls of fame and fortune. This is definately one the best celbrity biographies I've ever read: extremely well written.

THE Guide for self-help and motivation!

To HELL with TD Jakes, Ilyana Van Zant, and all those other so-called self-help quickbuck gurus. You want inspiration? READ THIS BOOK! When I was 14 and going to a hellish jr. high school and dealing with bullies and home problems, I checked this out of the local lie-berry and I felt that if the "Candy Man" could go through TENFOLD the hell I was going through and still become the King of his field by believing in what God had given him, then DAMMIT, so could I! I have managed to overcome most of my childhood difficulties, thanx largely to this book and Louis Armstrong's music for getting me thru those tough times! Read this and you'll see what I mean.

The Worlds Greatest Entertainer

The most appropriatelly named book I have read. An inspiring and yet heartbreaking account of a remarkable mans life. I encourage ANYONE to read this book. It will give you a whole new outlook on Sammy Davis Jr., and life as well!

YES I CAN DO IT TOO

The first time I saw the book I looked at the volume of the book, which is about 700 pages, I thought, "I am never going to read this." But I bought the book and discovered it was easy reading and most of all it was very enjoyable. I finished reading the entire book in about two days. I really enjoyed its rich history and the peculiar way Sammy describes his way to success. I must tell you I cried a few times and couldn't help but to feel a part of Sammy's world. I would recommend this book to anyone who has had a dream in life and thought of it as impossible, Sammy would definitely make you believe that you can accomplish anything in this world. Yes I can is a winner in my eyes. If you have any questions as to how his life changed in the years after this book was published do not forget to read his daughter's, Tracy Davis, biography about her famous father named "Sammy Davis Jr., My Father"Finally, I especially recommend this book for anyone who is planning to write his/her own autobiography because you will learn a great deal just by reading it

Sammy Davis, Jr. is One Cool Cat!

We all know him as the guy who sang "The Candyman," and the black guy in the Rat Pack, but there is so much more to this beloved entertainer than meets the eye (no pun intended). This book thoughtfully recounts the unbringing of Sammy as a child star in vaudeville, and his rise as a top performer throughout the world. In a time when race was an issue in clubs and in Vegas, Sammy persevered and overcame these obstacles to become one of the most beloved and popular entertainers ever! I originally read "Yes, I Can!" when it first came out as a youngster. He was inspiring to me in my life struggles then, even though I wasn't black or a man or in show business. It was his positive outlook that stuck with me. Sammy Davis, Jr. is just the coolest cat! I recommend this book highly.