Sammy Davis Jr. had hip surgery in 1985

[darkstar]

But seriously. When did that cat do anything that *wasn't* hip?

*********
After undergoing reconstructive hip surgery in 1985, Davis recovered sufficiently to co-star and dance with Gregory Hines in the film "Tap" (1989).
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=263

[gizmonic]

1. "When did that cat do anything that *wasn't* hip?"

Beat me to it!

Back at ya babe!

[darkstar]

2. Thanks babe....

[gizmonic]

3. Don't mention it.

I've had a swingin' time! :)

[darkstar]

4. Swinging indeed....

[gizmonic]

5. It's been a kooky ride tonight!

Peace, my man, Peace!

[darkstar]

6. Right on!!! Peace and love...

beads.

[Bullwinkle925]

7. God I loved that man ....

my husband and I met him outside of Harrah's in Tahoe one evening. He was very gracious. Of course, my heart melted as we shook hands. Then he jumped onto someone's motorcyle (that he didn't know) and went off for a bit of a ride with that person. Doubt very much that he'd do that now with all the scary monsters out there. This was in the '70's before things really became 'hairy'.

[gizmonic]

9. Cool! I've replied to a post of someone who shook the hand of SD jr...

You are one hep cat by osmosis!

wtg! :pals: :headbang: :yourock: :applause: :hi:

[Bullwinkle925]

10. I miss him - tremendously .....

can't tell you how many times I've been to see his shows. It's funny - I even had a dream about him performing onstage the other night. Perhaps he visited me? Who knows.
What a package of talent he is. I'll never say was!!


RIP Sammy - Sing me a song when I get up there.

[darkstar]

11. Wow. Did you live in Vegas?

That is really too cool. I never got a chance to see him. I would have truly loved too. He was so captivating and I love his voice. I don't think he gets his due, always left out of discussions including Frank, Tony, Mel, Deano, etc. I really love him in his softer range and he could wail broadway style w/ *anybody*.

Anyhow, here's to Sammy. The Man.

[Bullwinkle925]

13. No - I'm in the SF Bay Area.

He used to appear at a venue in Redwood City - "The Circle Star Theater". It was a theater in-the-round where the stage was circular with seating 360 degrees around the stage. The stage would revolve slowly so that every seat was a good one. In fact, he at one time owned a portion of that theater. His show-stopper was always his rendention of "Mr. Bojangles". What a voice. So powerful from such a little body. I would never, ever miss seeing him in person whenever he was in the Bay Area or appearing at Tahoe. Vegas was a bit too far for me to go. Honestly, my heart would be in my throat hearing him sing. Just a tremendous showman.
Have you read his book, "Yes I Can"? I read it (I think) in my sophomore year of High School. His story was one that opened my eyes to the racial inequality in this country. Of course, this was in the mid-60's - the height of the Civil Rights era. Sammy did a lot to help, sadly, he is often remembered as hugging Nixon - but that was a spur-of-the-moment thing on his part - something that Sammy was often want to do.

[alphafemale]

8. He had to endure racial hatred once when he married a white woman.

A Swiss movie star. Very sad.

[Kutjara]

12. Coming out in support of Tricky Dicky Nixon was not especially hip.

I think he regretted the hug he gave Nixon on stage until the day he died.

Apart from that, though, he was hipper than a hippopotamus.