[Dixielandjazz] Sammy Davis/That Old Black Magic - was Condon et al.

[Steve Barbone]

"Fr M J (Mike) Logsdon" <mjl at ix.netcom.com> wrote:
 
> This show is generally available from someone at eBay, where I got mine.  I've
> already promised it to someone, or I'd give it to one of you deserving folk.
> The music's quality, but the overal conception is weird.  Sammy Davis, Jr., as
> host?  Okay....  But when he sings That Old Black Magic, ... sorry, it just
> lost me.  I wonder who they wanted to host, wasn't available, and Sammy just
> happened to be walking by, overheard, and volunteered...,

Several years ago I was gigging in a show band at a Casino in Atlantic City.
We would play a jazz set, and then were followed by an elderly Black
Magician who had a great act.

We would finish our set and lead into his act with . . . . what else . . .?
"That Old Black Magic".

Brought down the house every time. He loved the lead in so much, he asked us
to go on the road with him. Would have done it if we were younger.

Sammy Davis Jr.? One of the great entertainers of our time. He would
graciously perform free in Vegas (benefit for St Jude) every year during the
Motor & Equipment Manufacturer's Convention. During some of my day gig
years, I coordinated the event regularly with Danny Thomas, Wayne Newton,
and Sammy Davis, sometimes adding Englebert Humperdink, Tom Jones, Joey
Heatherton and others, even Sinatra, when they happened to be performing
there. We raised over 6 figures for St Jude at this event each year, with
them donating their time. The musos got paid. How's that for a turnaround?

Back then, St Jude was MEMA's favorite charity and Danny Thomas helped us
considerably because it was his favorite also and he pressured his peers.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone