Thanks to American Idol, I've been listening to Rat Pack era music nonstop for the last two days. I really wish I could have partied with those cats back in the day. Frank, Dean, Sammy, The fedoras, slick suits, smooth cigarette, glass of scotch... What I wouldn't give to be in Vegas in '61 seeing a show at the Sands then heading to the night club to hang with the crew. All the while having ladies around willing to do anything you wanted, and mobsters paying you in cash and drinks always on the house. Man, those were the days.

Today's Song of the Day...

"Mr. Bojangles"
Sammy Davis, Jr.
written by: Jerry Jeff Walker

Sammy Davis, Jr was born to two Vaudeville performers who toured around the country. When he was 3 his parents divorced, and his dad took custody, talking him on the road where he learned to sing and dance. He served time in WWII as part of a special entertainment division. He performed on Broadway in the 50s, and was invited to join the Rat Pack in 1959. In 1954, he was involved in a bad car accident that took out his left eye. He was fitted with a glass eye six months later. During his recovery, his friend and fellow Vaudevillian Eddie Cantor told him how awesome being Jewish is which led to Sammy's much publicized conversion.

He always had to battle racism througout his career. He had stints in several hotels in Vegas, as most Rat Packers did, and because of his race, he was not allowed to stay in the Hotel; he had to stay in an apartment outside the main part of the city.

The ultimate entertainer, he could dance, sing, play instrument, was a comedian and appeared as a guest on many TV shows, including the famous appearances as himself on "All in the Family."

The swagger these guys will never be acheived, that's for sure.

email