Jr. Sammy Davis - I've Gotta Be Me: The Best of Sammy Davis, Jr. on Reprise

An absolute blast and a can't miss!

Think about it, is there anyone in the entertainment business today that can even remotely compare to this amazing talent? This multi-talented man could simply do it all. On top of being an amazing singer and dancer, he was an actor, comedian, impressionist, and believe it or not a multi-talented instrumentalist (he played the drums, trumpet and vibraphone). There was nothing Sammy couldn't do.

The man was simply adored by all. Although small in stature, he was a giant among men. He was both confident and humble at the same time. He could be cocky one moment, and then turn around and be totally self-effacing the next. There was something so engaging about him, so honest, and open. This is why we love his music so much - because he makes you believe that every word he's belting out is the gospel truth. Could you possibly even imagine anyone else doing justice to his trademark, signature song "Yes, I Can" or "Gonna Build Me a Mountain" or "I've Gotta Be Me"? He isn't just asking our permission to be himself, nor is he trying to talk himself into 'being me'. He's telling the whole world to step aside and let the man through. He's telling you that there is only one way for him to live, his way. "I want to live, not merely survive..."

There isn't one mediocre song on this whole recording. This is a story folks and each song is a chapter in that story. The emotion, the feeling, the energy that he is able to express in each one of these songs is something unparralled among any singer I have ever heard before. The energy was the key! While other singers may have been able to match his passion and perception, none could match this man's energy. Play this CD and tell me you can't feel that energy! He makes you want to seize the moment and to live life to the very fullest. If I am having a day when my confidence is low, this album is my panacea. August 21, 2007

Sammy Baby

I have always loved Sammy's voice, and felt his singing talents were underplayed within the Rat Pack. I looked for a Sammy Davis Jr. CD for a long time and was glad to have found this one. It provides a wide range of songs; some of which were made famous by him. Best of all, it excludes the "chatty verbage" and jazzy arrangements often included in live performances that can make a song sound so dated. I particularly love "As Long as She Needs Me." January 11, 2007

Classic Sammy

A wonderful range of classic numbers by the great Sammy Davis Jr. The only one missing, that I also love is "Mr Bojangles", but I'm sure I'll pick that up on another one of your great Cds. Thanks for the music and the memories. August 25, 2006

ONE OF THE BEST BY SAMMY

THIS IS A FANTASTIC CD. THE FIRST TIME YOU HEAR "A STRANGER IN TOWN", YOU WILL BE SO GLAD YOU BOUGHT IT. AS USUAL, SAMMY BRINGS HIS OWN SPECIAL INTERPRETATION TO ANY SONG, AND THERE ARE A FEW GEMS HERE WRITTEN BY ANTHONY NEWLEY THAT SAMMY REALLY DOES JUSTICE TO. July 11, 2006

He had to be him

Sammy Davis Jr. often introduced as the greatest- all- around entertainer of all time was always trying harder than anybody else. He started out as the kid hoofer in his uncle's 'Will Masten Trio' and somehow through thousands of performances, not always in the most wonderful venues he made it to the top. His energy level was about ten times beyond the ordinary.
As a singer he often shries( i.e. cries out too loud in a slightly off- tune way) but gets right into the kishkes( guts). He had such great feeling, and was projecting that feeling all the time. Some of the songs here really reflect his life. The great Anthony Newley songs seem especially Sammy at his best. "What Kind of Fool I am " is penultimate here. Sammy was always overcoming all the insults and prejudices from without, and the sense of inferiority of the little black guy within. He had what is called real moxie. And when he sings 'I've got to be me'he is not only standing up and saying an affirmative what to what he is now he is telling us all the stuff that he has overcome to get where he is.
This work was made under the auspices of Sinatra's ' Reprise records'. I always felt a bit uncomfortable seeing Sinatra and Sammy together. You could see Sammy flattering and so much wanting to please.
When he sang he sang his heart out. And at its best it is wrenchingly moving.
The songs won't relax and give you calm pleasure, but they will make for powerful feeling. June 5, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...