In Black and White

The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr.

By: Wil Haygood

Narrated by: Kevin Free

This biography of entertainment legend Sammy Davis, Jr. is an enthralling portrait of one of the most recognizable figures from the golden age of American show business. Davis, a guarded man who protected his private life with great vigor, lived an extraordinary life in the limelight, while also forging new uncharted paths across racial lines.©2003 Wil Haygood (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Haygood never loses sight of Sammy the entertainer, indefatigable on stage and insatiable in his craving for adoration. A fascinating American life story, brilliantly told." (Booklist)
"[Haygood] does a vivid job of conjuring the many worlds [Sammy Davis, Jr.] traversed, and shows how the issue of race, in his own mind and in the minds of his fans and detractors, shaped his career and life." (The New York Times)
"Haygood's reporting and powerful prose reveal Davis's career against the backdrop of the swinging '60s and the Rat Pack (with Sinatra as a mighty presence in Davis's life) and Davis as a tragically complex man." (Publishers Weekly)

Sammy was a legend

Sammy Davis Jr. was a legend in his own time. A brilliant performer, but a troubled man.

Sammy Davis jr well worth remembering

As time fades so do memories but the life of Sammy Davis Jr ie worth recalling and this is the most honest and complete bio of him. Davis was both ahead of his times and an important cultural transitional figure. He was the first “negro” to break unto mainstream American show biz. And as the black revolution gained steam he was a figure of enormous importance and great controversies. This book has been out for a while but it meets the test of time. This story is told with intelligence but also with heart. As Davis might say yes he could and that is worth a listen.

Great talent, difficult life, died broke

great story of a man that had it all and could not manage it in the long haul, To bad he died a broke broken man. I love his voice and the things he accomplished, sad he got lost on the way.

Sammy & History

Would you listen to In Black and White again? Why?

Yes, because I enjoyed the history lesson along with learning about Sammy Davis Jr.

What did you like best about this story?

The way his life story was told against the struggles of race and history.

Have you listened to any of Kevin Free’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I have not.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it was very hard to get through the beginning about the couple the Boyle's, I actually had to skip through quite a bit, because I thought it was too much info. I do realize I might have missed a very important point, but it went on way too long.

Any additional comments?

I thought the book was very cleverly written with the exception of the beginning. It has made me appreciate his celebrity more and looking forward to listening to some of his music. I thoroughly enjoyed learning so much about his struggles and his successes.

Reading this book was a fabulous adventure!

I almost put it down after ten minutes. It started out not connecting with my curiosity as it came begins as angry and resentful, and I just didn't feel like being a therapist for the writer. Then, it took a sharp turn into a magical and well written story about culture, time, people, bridges, energy and time. I couldn't put it down. The author is a truly gifted story teller with very keen insight into the wants, needs, and intrinsic values of people. Clearly bringing out avenues of adventure and humanity not explored before by any one else. Many parts of the book read like prose poetry for me. He opened the door to Vaudeville culture for me. The book was generous towards the good natures of people and unbiased. I would pre order without any hesitation any book forthcoming from this author. He has the gift and artistry to take the reader places they would not go without his vision, and loving story telling.

The narrator as well, annoyed me for the first five to ten minutes. But as the story got better so did the narrator. He did a great job and I cam to appreciate hearing the small breaths that popped up now and then. It made the experience more human and real.

You will not forget the book, or the voice. A real pleasure!