Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr.

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

Book Overview

SPECIAL 100TH BIRTHDAY EDITION OF THE CLASSIC BESTSELLER

"What have I got? No looks, no money, no education. Just talent. . . . I've got to be a star1 I have to be a star like another man has to breathe." --Sammy Davis, Jr.

Originally published in 1965, and now being reissued to commemorate Sammy Davis, Jr.'s hundredth birthday, Yes I Can is the groundbreaking and unforgettable legend's equally groundbreaking and unforgettable memoir, an absolute classic of its genre that retains its power and energy to this day. The famously frank entertainer (aka "Mr. Show Business" or, in his own words, "the only Black, Puerto Rican, one-eyed Jewish entertainer
in the world") reveals the truth about working, creating art, and surviving as a Black performer in twentieth-century America. On its original release, Yes I Can was a rare and candid--and hugely bestselling--exploration of the living contradictions and tensions Davis confronted throughout his storied career. It remains so today.

Davis's star power dazzled the world for decades--from his beginnings as a vaudevillian and a nightclub act in segregated bars and theaters, to sharing the first interracial kisses on Broadway and on network TV, to running with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra in the Rat Pack and with Elvis, Martin Luther King, Jr., and more. But out of the spotlight, he confronted racism and the unrelenting pressure to perform his identity inoffensively or face the consequences society imposed. His memoir was one of the first to immerse readers in the knotted intersection of Blackness and fame, recounted with unflinching honesty and a bold pursuit of authenticity.

Now, with a new introduction from Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson that reframes Davis for a new century, Yes I Can is a master class, a singular and revealing record of a man who subverted expectations with charm, humor, and what always appeared to be effortless grace, and the legacy born of his unique talents--and of the resilience that made him a star.

INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE SELECTION OF PHOTOS FROM THE ESTATE'S PRIVATE COLLECTION CURATED BY MANNY DAVIS

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374395438
• ISBN13: 9780374395438
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Auwa
• Length: 656 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.3"

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.