Photograph Description

Sammy Davis Jr. 1960. Sammy David Jr. was an American singer, actor, and comedian born in Harlem in 1925. His career spanned almost 60 years due to his father Sammy Davis Sr. taking him on the road from age 3 with the Will Mastin Trio. Davis Jr. was called to serve in the army in 1943 during World War II. During this time he was assigned to the Special Services which was the entertainment branch of the American military. On his return, he rejoined the Trio but was quickly singled out as an individual talent.

In 1959 Davis became a member of “The Rat-Pack” formed by his friend Frank Sinatra.

Photographed by Duffy smoking, with a cup of tea in 1960 – the same year he starred in the movie “Ocean’s 11.” At this time, Davis was recently married to Swedish born actress May Britt who also attended the shoot and was photographed by Duffy. This relationship at the time was very controversial in the United States. Although interracial marriage had been legal in California since 1948, Anti-miscegenation laws still stood in 23 states. Photo Duffy © Duffy Archive