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In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr - Topshelf - Book Review

Ebony, Oct, 2003

As the title suggests, IN BLACK AND WHITE: THE LIFE OF SAMMY DAVIS, JR. (Alfred A. Knopf, $26.95) presents a rendering of extremes and stark contrasts. But it also presents a full picture of one of the most recognizable entertainers of the last century--a picture with all the shades of gray. In this extensively researched, wonderfully written biography, we watch Davis grow up in the spotlight, from the 6-year-old vaudevillian through the nightclub circuit of the '30s and on to recording and Broadway and Hollywood (where he virtually campaigned for the role of "Sportin' Life" in Porgy & Bess). We see his emergence as a Las Vegas draw and his tremendous drive to keep pushing forward, past a potentially career-ending car accident and the racism he encountered at every turn. The story dispels the myth that Davis was "missing in action" during the Civil Rights Movement, showing how he performed one-man fund-raisers and provided bail money for activists. At times we see Davis struggling with his identity, as America was struggling with its own.

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In reading In Black and White, it becomes clear why author Wil Haygood not only has won honors for his journalism, but also high praise for his work in biography. For this work, he conducted more than 230 interviews to provide a story that gives a full-access, backstage pass on a compelling life.

In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr - Topshelf - Book Review

Ebony, Oct, 2003

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