SAMMY DAVIS JR.- Great and passion filled version of Old Man River. However terrific the song is, Sammy's rendition brings it to a higher level. We can feel that the words mean a lot to him personally. Sammy lets us "understand" this song in a new way from his perspective as a Black Man, who hopes and prays that the days of "tote that barge, lift that bale are over." Thankfully they are!
Wow-I was brought here by a commenter in the Sinatra version I watched who said "Sammy does Old Man River better than Frank", and I have to say I agree. This gave me goosebumps.
I have heard this song and loved it for decades; yet its full import did not really hit me until this rendition. Heck, I saw a Showboat revival on Broadway a few years back, and this version was far superior.
What an absolutely monumental rendition of the old standard. Reduces me to tears every time I listen to it. Talk about the voice of God from the most unlikely looking person - respectfully, who would think that a person of Sammy's stature would have such a "big, powerful, magnificent, flexible & above all beautiful voice?
Mr Davis Jnr continues to remind the rest of us how ordinary we are !
RIP Sammy.
gmonkey808 1 week ago
Wonderful!
LOULEITE 2 weeks ago
mind blowing
sherlockholmesfan 1 month ago
this is the most amazing thing ive ever heard
hbacker94 1 month ago
He was a credit to his race... the human race.
jeffmagic32 3 months ago 4
SAMMY DAVIS JR.- Great and passion filled version of Old Man River. However terrific the song is, Sammy's rendition brings it to a higher level. We can feel that the words mean a lot to him personally. Sammy lets us "understand" this song in a new way from his perspective as a Black Man, who hopes and prays that the days of "tote that barge, lift that bale are over." Thankfully they are!
Sammy Davis was a true American Icon!
TheMusicguy68 3 months ago
Wow-I was brought here by a commenter in the Sinatra version I watched who said "Sammy does Old Man River better than Frank", and I have to say I agree. This gave me goosebumps.
I have heard this song and loved it for decades; yet its full import did not really hit me until this rendition. Heck, I saw a Showboat revival on Broadway a few years back, and this version was far superior.
lalosalazar9999 3 months ago
A true Gentleman
klaos9999 4 months ago
What an absolutely monumental rendition of the old standard. Reduces me to tears every time I listen to it. Talk about the voice of God from the most unlikely looking person - respectfully, who would think that a person of Sammy's stature would have such a "big, powerful, magnificent, flexible & above all beautiful voice?
I will always love you Sam.
supe2944 4 months ago
Wow this is huge.
Jambo1134 5 months ago
Damn!
lukumi007 6 months ago
hmm quite a casual exit after that epic performance.
connormcj25 7 months ago
Amazing person,singer,actor and tap dance,We miss you,you were and are an amazing person a Legend for ages to come.
jose886053 11 months ago 4