SAMMY DAVIS, JR.

SAMMY DAVIS, JR.

I don't remember when it was, but it was probably at least 35 years ago.

My wife then, Sandy, and I bought tickets to see Sammy Davis, Jr., perform at Houston's Arena Theater. For all practical purposes, it was theater in the round.

Sandy had magically gotten our two seats on the end of the fifth row. We were so excited that we were going to be able to see and hear him up close.

The orchestra began playing, the announcer said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Arena Theater is proud to present, Sammy Davis, Jr." With that Mr. Davis started singing "It's Almost Like Being in Love" from the back of the theater.

He came down the isle that was next to us, and I saw him in person for the first time. He was a very skinny urchin of a man, and far from handsome.

"Sandy, I don't know as I am going to be able to look at Sammy Davis for a couple hours," I said to my wife. I really meant it, and she nodded somewhat in agreement.

Within moments, he had taken over the stage and the audience. I decided he didn't look like an urchin at all. And for the remainder of the show, we were in his hands.

I was thinking tonight about the great entertainers that have passed through my life. Who was the best? No doubt, Sammy Davis, Jr. was the greatest entertainer of my generation.

What did he have besides enormous talent? Enormous charisma.

BILL CHERRY, REALTORS

DALLAS - PARK CITIES

Since 1964

214 503-8563