12/7/22 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY:   The Jackson 5 On Hollywood Palace (1969)- First National Appearance

The Jackson 5 appear on Hollywood Palace Special for their first national TV appearance, performing with Diana Ross and Sammy Davis Jr., Oct 18, 1969. Continue reading

2/10/20 O&A NYC BLACK HISTORY MONTH MORNING FUNNIES: Sammy Davis Junior Impersonates His Peers

A spectacular example of Sammy Davis at his best. Here doing remarkable impressions of Rat Pack friends Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, as well as others. Continue reading

9/28/19 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985)

Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985) a star studded celebration of the 50th anniversary and re-opening of The Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. Proceeds from the concert went to the Africare/Ethiopian Relief Fund. The program received a 1985 for Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Program. Continue reading

7/14/19 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Sammy Davis Jr – Mr. Bojangles (Live in Germany 1985)

Mr. Bojangles, is a song written and originally recorded by American country music artist Jerry Jeff Walker for his 1968 album of the same title.  The song, however, is most widely associated with Sammy Davis Jr. who made the song part of his stage shows and live television performances for nearly two decades. Continue reading

7/14/17 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Legendary Tap Dancers Honor Sammy Davis, Jr. at Kennedy Center Honors (1987)

Legendary tap dancer Sammy Davis, Jr. received a special performance at Kennedy Center Honors (1987) by his legendary tap dance peers The Nicholas Brothers (Harold & Fayard),  Chuck Green, Jimmy Slyde, and ‘Sandman’ Sims.

LEGENDARY TAP DANCERS HONOR SAMMY DAVIS, JR. AT KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

9/17/16 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Lola Falana 1971- Spettacolo Teatro10 Italy

SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT
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Lola Falana, a singer, dancer, and actress got her first dancing gig at Small’s Paradise in Harlem. Dinah Washington, the Queen of Blues, was influential in fostering Lola’s early career. While dancing in a nightclub, Falana was discovered by Sammy Davis Jr., who gave her a featured role in his 1964 Broadway musical Golden Boy.   Continue reading

2/19/16 O&A NYC THEATRE: Maurice Hines- Tappin Thru Life

By Walter Rutledge

Shall We Dancetappin_thru_life_a_lMaurice Hines presents Tappin Thru Life, at the New World Stages (340 West 50th Street), an entertaining mix of song, and dance peppered with Hines winning blend of tongue in cheek comedic realism. The evening chronicled his career in show business, which spans over six decades (beginning at age five). Septuagenarian (plus two) Hines charmed and cajoled the audience with unabashed panache, creating a clap along good time from beginning to end. Through a series of autobiographical anecdotes accompanied by song, dance and a mosaic/collage of multiple projected images Hines reveals a life spent “walkin the walk” or in Hines case “tappin thru life”.

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6/13/15 O&A Its Saturday- Anything Goes: Sammy Davis Jr., Mr Wonderful

It is Saturday

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Sammy Davis Jr., Mr Wonderful – A true all round entertainer made his debut on the stage at age three. He began recording in 1954 with Decca Records, and his albums went to number one in the United States. Sammy was also known for his impersonations of other celebrities. In this performance, the magic of Sammy Davis Jr. is captured with fifteen memorable songs which include What Kind Of Fool Am I, One For My Baby, One More For The Road and This Could Be The Start Of Something Big. Davis is also well remembered for being a member of the 1960s Rat Pack( with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin).  Continue reading

(Repost) 10/9/20 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Sammy Davis Jr.- The Original Triple Threat

Shall We Dance

Sammy Davis Junior

Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. was born on December 8, 1925. He was an African- American entertainer who broke many barriers and paved the way for entertainers in all  disciplines. Davis was primarily a dancer and singer, but he also received acclaim as an actor of stage and screen, musician, and impressionist. Davis died at age 64 in 1990, after spending 61 years in the profession he loved.  Continue reading