The greatest all 'round entertainer, ever!

[Honeycombe8]

Sammy Davis Jr. is almost certainly in the running of the greatest all around entertainer of all time.


As a 6 year old, he's already quite a hoofer:

He is one helluva tap dancer with amazing stamina (you have the watch this whole thing to appreciate it - and disregard the stupid song):

He plays drums (at :45):

He does impersonations (I'll skip this video...he talks too much)

He has perfect pitch and a beautiful voice (at :45):

And here's the voice again...oh, heck, this is just for the jumpsuit, I confess!:

An old dude does Michael Jackson:

Reeeeelly old dude still tap dances with the best (Gregory Hines) at minute 1:45:

And the latest King of all 'round entertainers gives his tribute:

[valerief]

1. I LOVE Sammy. Although he was a magnificent dancer, I think he was an even better singer. nt

[Bennyboy]

2. Whaddabout this guy?

Best I ever saw.

[Honeycombe8]

3. I love him, of course. But I don't think of him as an all around entertainer.

Mainly, he doesn't dance. He's a musician.

Entertainers sing AND dance, IMO.

Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr.....I can't think of another one, but I'm sure there must be others. Not Elvis...he was King, but not all around entertainer. Oh, I know...James Brown. But I don't think he was big enough, figuratively speaking, to be among the best of all 'round entertainers.

[LeFleur1]

4. Sammy

He was an amazing performer. So talented in so many areas. He sang, he danced, he played the drums, he was a mimic, a comic, a smoozer. He was one of those singers who is "with" the music...perfect sync.
Bobby Darin had that quality, too, but not to the same degree.

I saw Sammy live once on a round stage in a large dome. Chairs were set up all the way around the stage. I don't know how he did it but he managed to include everyone at all times. Of course, he grew up on the stage. He was doing a benefit for a local boxer who needed medical treatments.

[valerief]

8. Lucky you! I'd love to have been there. nt

[One_Life_To_Give]

5. Gene Kelly nt

[TrogL]

6. Much as I dislike him, Bob Hope

[Mr.Bill]

7. I've seen lots of bands

In the last 40 or so years, I've been to toomany concerts to count, and seen most of the great rock bands. But by far, the greatest show I ever saw was Sammy Davis, Jr. singing in front of Count Basie and his orchestra at Caeser's Palace in Tahoe in the earlly 80s.

[hifiguy]

11. That must have absolutely killed.

Sammy Davis in front of one of the greatest big bands that ever was. Wow. And I am at heart a rock 'n' roll guy.

Look for an album called Francis A. and Edward K. on Reprise from the mid-1960s. Sinatra at the peak of his powers with the Duke and his orchestra. Jaw-dropping stuff and incredibly lifelike sound.

[Honeycombe8]

18. Wow. Now THAT would have been something to see. You're so lucky. nt

[Smickey]

9. Not a doubt in my mind.....James Brown

Saw him in Hawaii in the late 70's and it was the most fun I have ever had at a concert. It was all about the vibe he put out. He was electrifying. Seem many concerts. Not one like his. His personal electricity/enthusiasm and ability to entertain were off the charts. RIP

PS Sorry no links or pics. Not up to that speed yet...regardless...."I feel good"

[hifiguy]

10. Sammy could do it all.

He was one of a kind.

Gotta dissent on Michael Jackson. He didn't play any instrument, as far as I know, and Quincy Jones was such a brilliant producer he could make the DU Lounge Chorus sound pretty good. He wasn't a prolific songwriter, either.

[Tom_Foolery]

12. No doubt about it! It's Sammy all the way!!!!

[BrendaBrick]

13. Say what you will...

talent is talent:

Change of pace:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xklj3x_prince-purple-rain-hq-copyright-by-a-m-reserved_music

So, OK, like - Prince in this song doesn't exactly *match* with the others...nevertheless, his talent to me, rises above it all the same and is grossly underrated! Personal homage/shout out to Prince...Sad really how the large main-stream media outlets have all but dismissed this very incredible, very massive talent.

Ya'll think you know Paula Abdul just from that popular reality show? Un-un. This chick used to rock BIG TIME and has a choreographer license under her belt and was *all that* back in the day:

Finally, as far as *old school* all-around entertainment is concerned - ain't nothin' can hardly touch Liza in this particular rendition of New York, New York:

[Honeycombe8]

17. Wow. You named some good ones there. Talk about having IT, they all rate.

I'd have to say Michael Jackson is at the top of your list, along with Liza (with a Z). Two phenomenally all-around talents...sing, dance, charisma, the ability to mesmerize and all-out entertain. They both set my heart to thumping.

And then there's this guy, which one of your videos makes me think of:

[BrendaBrick]

21. Oh gosh

that's so funny! I've never seen that one before!

[tishaLA]

14. Streosand, Garland, and Sinatra

But the order I'd put them in would depend upon the day.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

15. Frances Gumm, a/k/a Judy Garland.

Amazing emotional voice. I don't like crooners like crosby and sinatra.

[grasswire]

16. Mickey Rooney was (is) pretty versatile too

Actor, singer, dancer, yada yada.

At one time, people would have said Al Jolson was the greatest entertainer.

[Honeycombe8]

19. Yeah, Garland. Now there was a talent, like her daughter. Singer, dancer,

actor. Charisma.

[Honeycombe8]

20. Jerry Lewis?

Think about it. He sang, he acted, he danced, he prat fell, comedian, slapslick, director, choreographer.

He didn't sing that well, so maybe not. But he was a unique, very talented entertainer.