| " Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me and My Shadow reveals many things about a great entertainer that nobody but his best friend, Arthur Silber Jr. could know...it's a fascinating read..." Legendary Actor Glenn Ford |
| Actress May Britt, once married to Sammy who has only endorsed one book about Sammy, Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me and My Shadow. "I'm sure that the author's first-hand experiences will give the reader added insight into the life of one of the world’s greatest entertainers." May Britt |
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The original Ocean's 11 (1960)
brought together the famous Rat
Pack in Las Vegas for filming.
The all-star cast included Frank
Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy
Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford, Angie
Dickinson, and many more.
Sammy Davis, Jr. was a terrific
actor in both dramatic and
comedic roles. Ocean's 11 is
well known for bringing together
such a legendary group of stars.
brought together the famous Rat
Pack in Las Vegas for filming.
The all-star cast included Frank
Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy
Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford, Angie
Dickinson, and many more.
Sammy Davis, Jr. was a terrific
actor in both dramatic and
comedic roles. Ocean's 11 is
well known for bringing together
such a legendary group of stars.
The Rat Pack in Las Vegas during filming of
Oceans 11 in Las Vegas. Left to right: Frank
Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr.,
Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.
Oceans 11 in Las Vegas. Left to right: Frank
Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr.,
Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.
Frank Sinatra proved a big booster
of Sammy when he was an up and
coming star in the 1950s. He forced
the racist owner of the Copacabana
in New York City to book Sammy
Davis, Jr, who went on to break
house records and bring in the first
black patrons to the club. This was a
huge break for Sammy and he made
the most it by wowing the audiences.
of Sammy when he was an up and
coming star in the 1950s. He forced
the racist owner of the Copacabana
in New York City to book Sammy
Davis, Jr, who went on to break
house records and bring in the first
black patrons to the club. This was a
huge break for Sammy and he made
the most it by wowing the audiences.
In his biography of one of the greatest entertainers in history, Sammy Davis Jr.: Me and My Shadow, Arthur Silber, Jr. lays out his personal
journey as Sammy’s closest confidant, advisor and business partner from 1949 to the mid-1970s. Peppered with scores of pictures never seen
and stories never told, Silber also corrects details of major events in Sammy’s life which have become legend through re-telling or being related
in recent books.
Beyond setting the record straight and chronicling the life of an American icon, Silber is also on a mission to bring to light the very real strides
Sammy made in breaking down numerous color barriers well before and during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
journey as Sammy’s closest confidant, advisor and business partner from 1949 to the mid-1970s. Peppered with scores of pictures never seen
and stories never told, Silber also corrects details of major events in Sammy’s life which have become legend through re-telling or being related
in recent books.
Beyond setting the record straight and chronicling the life of an American icon, Silber is also on a mission to bring to light the very real strides
Sammy made in breaking down numerous color barriers well before and during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
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| Arthur Silber, Jr. Author of award winning Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me and My Shadow Contributing Story Author for Chopped Liver for the Gentle Spirit & The Spirit of David Author of Grandma's Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Things and Narrator & Creator of Audio CDs The Legend of the Christmas Rose & The Little Christmas Story Book |
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| Sammy Davis, Jr: Me and My Shadow Arthur Silber, Jr. |
| "One of the best books on Sammy Davis Jr. I've ever read! Arthur Silber Jr. captures everything on paper that made Sammy 'Mr. Wonderful.' It's a heartfelt tribute from someone who knew Sammy very well " James Bacon, Hollywood Columnist and Author |
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Sammy Davis, Jr., Marilyn Monroe and Arthur
Silber, Jr. receiving autographed picture of
Marilyn at 20th Century Fox Studio while she
was making How To Marry a Millionaire (1953).
Silber, Jr. receiving autographed picture of
Marilyn at 20th Century Fox Studio while she
was making How To Marry a Millionaire (1953).
Arthur Silber, Jr. with best friend Barbara
Crosby and Bill Miller, owner of the
Rivera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Crosby and Bill Miller, owner of the
Rivera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
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Writing and recording my Christmas stories has been a dream of mine for long time. In addition, I have written
two cookbooks, Grandma's Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Things and Grandma's Kitchen. I have now
published a biographical memoir of my years with Sammy called, Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me and My Shadow. Now
in progress a new coffee table book entitled Sammy, A Life in Pictures: From Vaudeville to the Rat Pack and
Beyond. Planned for the future is another book with highlights and anecdotes from the numerous stars I have
worked with during my fifty-five years in show business. I could go on but I feel I have covered a good part of
my life and career.
two cookbooks, Grandma's Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Things and Grandma's Kitchen. I have now
published a biographical memoir of my years with Sammy called, Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me and My Shadow. Now
in progress a new coffee table book entitled Sammy, A Life in Pictures: From Vaudeville to the Rat Pack and
Beyond. Planned for the future is another book with highlights and anecdotes from the numerous stars I have
worked with during my fifty-five years in show business. I could go on but I feel I have covered a good part of
my life and career.
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| Coming Soon! Click here to see about the new coffee book about Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy, A Life in Pictures: From Vaudeville to the Rat Pack and Beyond Arthur Silber, Jr. |
There is probably no greater test of a writer’s adjectival resources than the task of
describing Sammy Davis, Jr. Perhaps the easiest is to term him phenomenon,
which is what he was. He certainly rates the many descriptions of versatile,
dynamic, galvanic, kinetic, protean and exciting that have been pinned on him by
critics and audiences the world over. Sammy Davis, Jr. was simply one of a kind.
This Picture book of the best part of Sammy’s life is a dream of mine and a promise I
made to him one night in Australia when I said, “One day I may write a book about
all this stuff,” and he replied, “If you do Silber, be sure you tell it right.” After
writing my biographical memoir, Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me And My Shadow, how
better to show and tell the story of my best friend and partner than in pictures.
Entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr. was a human dynamo; a powerhouse of talent and
the favorite son of the show-biz universe for decades. His story has been told on
television, in magazine articles and in various biographies on which Sammy was
"consulted" but these renditions only skimmed the surface. Even Sammy's
autobiography Yes I Can did not contain the whole truth. At that time it was too
dangerous for him to tell it.
describing Sammy Davis, Jr. Perhaps the easiest is to term him phenomenon,
which is what he was. He certainly rates the many descriptions of versatile,
dynamic, galvanic, kinetic, protean and exciting that have been pinned on him by
critics and audiences the world over. Sammy Davis, Jr. was simply one of a kind.
This Picture book of the best part of Sammy’s life is a dream of mine and a promise I
made to him one night in Australia when I said, “One day I may write a book about
all this stuff,” and he replied, “If you do Silber, be sure you tell it right.” After
writing my biographical memoir, Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me And My Shadow, how
better to show and tell the story of my best friend and partner than in pictures.
Entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr. was a human dynamo; a powerhouse of talent and
the favorite son of the show-biz universe for decades. His story has been told on
television, in magazine articles and in various biographies on which Sammy was
"consulted" but these renditions only skimmed the surface. Even Sammy's
autobiography Yes I Can did not contain the whole truth. At that time it was too
dangerous for him to tell it.
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Sammy Davis, Jr. singing Ol' Man River at the Club
Pigalle in London. Paul Robeson, who made Ol' Man
River his trademark song after performing it in the
famous musical Showboat, gave Sammy a standing
ovation, something which Sammy really appreciated
and would remember forever.
Pigalle in London. Paul Robeson, who made Ol' Man
River his trademark song after performing it in the
famous musical Showboat, gave Sammy a standing
ovation, something which Sammy really appreciated
and would remember forever.
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| Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin, the Real Rat Pack, filming Robin and the Seven Hoods, 1964 |
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This is Sammy Davis, Jr. performing
with the Will Maston Trio opening
night at Ciros, a famous night in Los
Angeles, after almost being killed
and losing the sight in his left eye in
a major car accident, Nov. 19, 1954,
en route from Las Vegas to record
the title song of the new Tony Curtis
movie, Six Bridges to Cross.
with the Will Maston Trio opening
night at Ciros, a famous night in Los
Angeles, after almost being killed
and losing the sight in his left eye in
a major car accident, Nov. 19, 1954,
en route from Las Vegas to record
the title song of the new Tony Curtis
movie, Six Bridges to Cross.
| **Click on the image, below left, to enlarge autographed picture of Marilyn Monroe that she signed for Arthur Silber in the picture below and to the right. The original sold for $14,000 at Sotheby's.** |
Carpe diem--seize the day--sums up the fervor with which Sammy Davis Jr. spent 23 years navigating the peaks and valleys of
personal friendship and the entertainment industry. Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me And My Shadow is a biographical memoir told from the
inside out. It has a coming-of-age quality that is heightened by dozens of personal photographs from the from the author’s
collection. The relationship between Sammy Davis, Jr. and Arthur Silber, Jr. began when Arthur Silber, Sr. agent and manager for
the Will Mastin Trio consisting of Will Mastin, Sammy Davis, Sr. and young Sammy Davis, Jr., took his son to Hawaii where the
trio was performing.
The young juniors, Davis and Silber, became fast friends. The two got along so well that after a few years, Davis asked Silber to
accompany him on the road as his personal and production assistant. When Davis and Silber moved to the Sands the most
prestigious property on the Strip, Davis pushed the racial envelope. The Mob made the rules and their decisions were far reaching.
But they recognized the entertainers drawing power, and in a bold move, assigned Davis and Silber a large two bedroom bungalow.
But Davis wanted more. He wanted to eat at the restaurants, enjoy the steam room, and even deal a few hands of 21. Little by little,
he was able to achieve his goals, thus opening the door for blacks. Both young and eager to see the world, one black, one white,
their relationship became one of brotherhood, confiding in and protecting each other.
The author unveils the tragic details of the Davis, Jr. affair with Kim Novak, the car accident that cost him an eye, and the racial
hatred that erupted from his engagement and subsequent marriage to Swedish actress May Britt. Silber’s book is filled with stories
of show business legends such as Judy Garland, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis--
the list goes on.
Life was great on stage, offstage, however, in the 1950s and part of the 60, blacks were not allowed in a casino unless they were
working there, Silber could stay at the Frontier while the Will Mastin Trio had to stay at a colored boarding house across town.
Sammy Davis, Jr. began his stage career at the age of 3. He taught himself to read, but never learned math or writing skills.
After Arthur Silber, Sr. passed away, Davis became easy prey for the professionals “looking” after his financial interests. Today, he
is primarily remembered as one of The Rat Pack, a distinction the author points out that has been blown out of proportion. Silber’s
first hand account seems far more interesting than any of the myths. For details about the book go to www.sammysbook.com
personal friendship and the entertainment industry. Sammy Davis, Jr.: Me And My Shadow is a biographical memoir told from the
inside out. It has a coming-of-age quality that is heightened by dozens of personal photographs from the from the author’s
collection. The relationship between Sammy Davis, Jr. and Arthur Silber, Jr. began when Arthur Silber, Sr. agent and manager for
the Will Mastin Trio consisting of Will Mastin, Sammy Davis, Sr. and young Sammy Davis, Jr., took his son to Hawaii where the
trio was performing.
The young juniors, Davis and Silber, became fast friends. The two got along so well that after a few years, Davis asked Silber to
accompany him on the road as his personal and production assistant. When Davis and Silber moved to the Sands the most
prestigious property on the Strip, Davis pushed the racial envelope. The Mob made the rules and their decisions were far reaching.
But they recognized the entertainers drawing power, and in a bold move, assigned Davis and Silber a large two bedroom bungalow.
But Davis wanted more. He wanted to eat at the restaurants, enjoy the steam room, and even deal a few hands of 21. Little by little,
he was able to achieve his goals, thus opening the door for blacks. Both young and eager to see the world, one black, one white,
their relationship became one of brotherhood, confiding in and protecting each other.
The author unveils the tragic details of the Davis, Jr. affair with Kim Novak, the car accident that cost him an eye, and the racial
hatred that erupted from his engagement and subsequent marriage to Swedish actress May Britt. Silber’s book is filled with stories
of show business legends such as Judy Garland, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis--
the list goes on.
Life was great on stage, offstage, however, in the 1950s and part of the 60, blacks were not allowed in a casino unless they were
working there, Silber could stay at the Frontier while the Will Mastin Trio had to stay at a colored boarding house across town.
Sammy Davis, Jr. began his stage career at the age of 3. He taught himself to read, but never learned math or writing skills.
After Arthur Silber, Sr. passed away, Davis became easy prey for the professionals “looking” after his financial interests. Today, he
is primarily remembered as one of The Rat Pack, a distinction the author points out that has been blown out of proportion. Silber’s
first hand account seems far more interesting than any of the myths. For details about the book go to www.sammysbook.com
| Nevada Woman Magazine What Made Sammy Run? Suggestion for spring poolside reading: The truth about Sammy Davis Jr., as told by his Best Friend and Business Partner Reviewed By Linda Lane |
| Contact Arthur Silber, Jr. at arthursilber@sprintmail.com |
Click to Enlarge: Arthur Silber,
Jr. & Sammy Davis, Jr.
applying for business license
for Samart Enterprises
on Feb. 19, 1962. Their
business relationship included
every aspect of show biz and
thus intertwined their personal
lives in a highly successful
partnership which lasted till
the mid-1970s. Their loving
friendship never went away,
and the proof of that is the
books Arthur Sllber, Jr. has
and is creating in his honor.
Jr. & Sammy Davis, Jr.
applying for business license
for Samart Enterprises
on Feb. 19, 1962. Their
business relationship included
every aspect of show biz and
thus intertwined their personal
lives in a highly successful
partnership which lasted till
the mid-1970s. Their loving
friendship never went away,
and the proof of that is the
books Arthur Sllber, Jr. has
and is creating in his honor.
| This web site contains dozens of previously unpublished Photographs from the private collections of Sammy Davis, Jr. and Arthur Silber, Jr. which are from the Silber family archives or those for which I have been permission and/or credited. No pictures may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express written permission of the author, Arthur Silber Jr. , Samart Enterprises / StoryTime Enterprises © 1997-2007 All Rights Reserved. |
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| Click here to see the website about the new picture book, Sammy, A Life in Pictures: From Vaudeville to the Rat Pack and Beyond |
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The Rat Pack with Sammy in the
middle. This group of men have
come to define an era and time
that still holds interest for millions.
middle. This group of men have
come to define an era and time
that still holds interest for millions.
Literally growing up on the boards of the vaudeville circuit during the 1930s and 1940s, Sammy saw first hand racial discrimination decades prior
to the gains made in the tumultuous 1960s. Silber, whose father managed the Will Maston Trio (Sammy’s uncle), and Davis grew close in the
mid-1940s and became practically inseparable for over 15 years. When Sammy Davis, Jr. began to establish himself as a major star in the mid-
1950s, he was allowed to play hotels in Las Vegas but not allowed to stay in them, eat in the restaurants or gamble in the casinos.
Sammy broke that color barrier down. This is only one example of the racial divides he confronted and just one example of how this diminutive
man and entertainment powerhouse changed life in America, for one of his deepest desires was just to be treated equally. Much has been
made of other Civil Rights pioneers, but Sammy Davis, Jr. gets short shrift in this regard, something which must be changed.
While acknowledging the roles so many played in the Civil Rights Movement, Arthur Silber, Jr., and many others, feel that Sammy Davis, Jr.
deserves and must be given a proud place in the pantheon of those who fought this fight in the trenches. Sammy confronted it in his travels
around the country and very often had swallow his pride, often enduring death threats, so that those to follow would have it better than
previous generations.
Sammy Davis, Jr. was not only one of the greatest entertainers in history, he was a sensitive and gracious man who was all to aware of his
surroundings, determined to change them and, most importantly, a proud man who loved his family, friends and country with equal fervor. No
matter our race, creed or religious beliefs, all Americans and people around the world must give thanks for brave men like Sammy Davis, Jr.
to the gains made in the tumultuous 1960s. Silber, whose father managed the Will Maston Trio (Sammy’s uncle), and Davis grew close in the
mid-1940s and became practically inseparable for over 15 years. When Sammy Davis, Jr. began to establish himself as a major star in the mid-
1950s, he was allowed to play hotels in Las Vegas but not allowed to stay in them, eat in the restaurants or gamble in the casinos.
Sammy broke that color barrier down. This is only one example of the racial divides he confronted and just one example of how this diminutive
man and entertainment powerhouse changed life in America, for one of his deepest desires was just to be treated equally. Much has been
made of other Civil Rights pioneers, but Sammy Davis, Jr. gets short shrift in this regard, something which must be changed.
While acknowledging the roles so many played in the Civil Rights Movement, Arthur Silber, Jr., and many others, feel that Sammy Davis, Jr.
deserves and must be given a proud place in the pantheon of those who fought this fight in the trenches. Sammy confronted it in his travels
around the country and very often had swallow his pride, often enduring death threats, so that those to follow would have it better than
previous generations.
Sammy Davis, Jr. was not only one of the greatest entertainers in history, he was a sensitive and gracious man who was all to aware of his
surroundings, determined to change them and, most importantly, a proud man who loved his family, friends and country with equal fervor. No
matter our race, creed or religious beliefs, all Americans and people around the world must give thanks for brave men like Sammy Davis, Jr.
| After the Accident, New Years Eve, 1954 |
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My parents spent all of their lives in show business. My father started out as a
song and dance man in vaudeville and later became one of the most well known
and respected talent agents and managers in the business. President of the
Theatrical Agents Association for twelve years, Arthur Silber, Sr. managed such
stars as Hopalong Cassidy, Martha Raye, Ann Miller, Nat King Cole, Mary
Martin, Dorothy Dandridge and her sister Ruby, and Sammy Davis, Jr., just to
name a few.
On the maternal side, my mother was a world famous dancer who ended her
professional dancing career in Seattle, Washington. There, she owned her own
dance studio and among her students were Gypsy Rose Lee and her sister.
Mother later moved to Hollywood where she met my father and worked in motion
pictures for thirty-five years. I was an only child who traveled constantly with my
father. When I was fourteen years old, traveling with Dad in Hawaii, I met
Sammy Davis, Jr. and we became lifelong friends
My first big professional break came when I was twenty and Sammy Davis, Jr.
hired me as his personal assistant and lighting director, a position I remained in
for over thirty-three years. It would be impossible to measure everything I
learned from Sammy about show business. He was the consummate
professional, a genius at his craft. During that time we became business
partners and formed Samart Enterprises, which I still own to this day.
Some of the highlights of my years with Sammy were when I staged and
produced his portions of three Royal Command Performances. The first was
for Queen Elizabeth II in London, 1960. Then, in 1961 I staged and produced
Sammy's portion of Princess Grace Rainier Red Cross Gala in Monaco for their
Royal Family and, finally, a Royal Command Performances for England 's
Queen Mother in London, 1961.
Over the years I produced and co-produced many of Sammy's shows including
England’s Best TV Show of the year, 1961, Sammy Meets the British, and the
following year Sammy Meets the Girls. For eleven years I was company
manager, production manager and lighting director for The Lettermen during the
height of their popularity.
Since leaving The Lettermen, I was company manager, production manager and
lighting designer and director for Vikki Carr for over twenty-seven years. A few
of the highlights of my years with Vikki were as production designer and lighting
director of an NBC special, A Very Special Evening With Vikki Carr (which I won
the IRIS Award in 1979), the UNICEF All Children Show in Vienna, Austria and
last, but certainly not least, production design of her shows for Presidents Jerry
Ford, Jimmy Carter and a special show for President Reagan.
At the same time I have worked in one or more of these capacities for Bob Hope,
Bill Cosby, Charo, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis, Jr., Danny Thomas, and
Marco Antonio Muniz (known as the Bing Crosby of Mexico), Mariachi Sol de
Mexico, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Mariachi Cobre, and Mariachi
Vargas.
song and dance man in vaudeville and later became one of the most well known
and respected talent agents and managers in the business. President of the
Theatrical Agents Association for twelve years, Arthur Silber, Sr. managed such
stars as Hopalong Cassidy, Martha Raye, Ann Miller, Nat King Cole, Mary
Martin, Dorothy Dandridge and her sister Ruby, and Sammy Davis, Jr., just to
name a few.
On the maternal side, my mother was a world famous dancer who ended her
professional dancing career in Seattle, Washington. There, she owned her own
dance studio and among her students were Gypsy Rose Lee and her sister.
Mother later moved to Hollywood where she met my father and worked in motion
pictures for thirty-five years. I was an only child who traveled constantly with my
father. When I was fourteen years old, traveling with Dad in Hawaii, I met
Sammy Davis, Jr. and we became lifelong friends
My first big professional break came when I was twenty and Sammy Davis, Jr.
hired me as his personal assistant and lighting director, a position I remained in
for over thirty-three years. It would be impossible to measure everything I
learned from Sammy about show business. He was the consummate
professional, a genius at his craft. During that time we became business
partners and formed Samart Enterprises, which I still own to this day.
Some of the highlights of my years with Sammy were when I staged and
produced his portions of three Royal Command Performances. The first was
for Queen Elizabeth II in London, 1960. Then, in 1961 I staged and produced
Sammy's portion of Princess Grace Rainier Red Cross Gala in Monaco for their
Royal Family and, finally, a Royal Command Performances for England 's
Queen Mother in London, 1961.
Over the years I produced and co-produced many of Sammy's shows including
England’s Best TV Show of the year, 1961, Sammy Meets the British, and the
following year Sammy Meets the Girls. For eleven years I was company
manager, production manager and lighting director for The Lettermen during the
height of their popularity.
Since leaving The Lettermen, I was company manager, production manager and
lighting designer and director for Vikki Carr for over twenty-seven years. A few
of the highlights of my years with Vikki were as production designer and lighting
director of an NBC special, A Very Special Evening With Vikki Carr (which I won
the IRIS Award in 1979), the UNICEF All Children Show in Vienna, Austria and
last, but certainly not least, production design of her shows for Presidents Jerry
Ford, Jimmy Carter and a special show for President Reagan.
At the same time I have worked in one or more of these capacities for Bob Hope,
Bill Cosby, Charo, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis, Jr., Danny Thomas, and
Marco Antonio Muniz (known as the Bing Crosby of Mexico), Mariachi Sol de
Mexico, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Mariachi Cobre, and Mariachi
Vargas.
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