5 Iconic Sammy Davis Jr. Tracks That Everyone Should Hear
When music lovers mark what would have been the 100th birthday of Sammy Davis Jr. — born December 8, 1925 — it’s a perfect time to revisit five of his most iconic tracks. Though decades have passed since his heyday, these five iconic tracks showcase the extraordinary range, charisma, and emotional depth that made him a legend: from Broadway-tuned showstoppers to chart-topping pop hits.
1. “The Candy Man“
No list of Davis classics would be complete without “The Candy Man.” According to ThyBlackMan, “Originally from the film ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’, the song became a signature hit for Davis despite his initial reluctance to record it.” Recorded in 1972, this cheerful, whimsical tune became his only No. 1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 — a rare feat for a singer best known for jazz and show-tune stylings.
What’s perhaps most fascinating is that Davis reportedly hated the song. Yet despite his misgivings, his warm, smooth delivery and the bright arrangement transformed “The Candy Man” into a feel-good classic that still brings nostalgia today.
2. “I’ve Gotta Be Me“
A soul-stirring anthem of individuality and self-expression, “I’ve Gotta Be Me” struck a chord when Davis released it in 1968. It hit #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in the Top 40 for 11 weeks, while topping the Easy Listening chart for seven weeks.
The song’s message of authenticity — “I want to live my life the way I want” — resonated deeply in an era of social change. It remains a defining statement in Davis’s catalog, offering a moving glimpse into his personal artistry and the confidence he carried as a performer.
3. “What Kind of Fool Am I?”
Originally from the musical “Stop the World – I Want to Get Off”, “What Kind of Fool Am I?” became one of Davis’s iconic tracks after he recorded it in 1962. His version peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the Easy Listening chart.
Davis delivered the song with dramatic vulnerability and emotional nuance, bringing to life a troubled character’s self-reflection and regret. As one tribute writes, the “orchestral arrangement, paired with Davis’ dynamic vocal delivery … makes every note feel like a cry of desperation.” It’s a masterclass in how a singer can transform theatrical songwriting into personal catharsis.
4. “Mr. Bojangles”
Though originally penned by folk songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, it was Davis’s 1972 recording of “Mr. Bojangles” that cemented the song as part of his legacy. According to UDiscoverMusic, “However, Davis gets right into the soul of ‘Mr. Bojangles,’ and his slow-building version of Jerry Jeff Walker’s 1968 country standard is now widely cited as one of his signature performances.” His soulful reading of the introspective tale about a life of performance and pain showcases his capacity for deep storytelling through song.
In Davis’s hands, the track transcends genre — blending a touch of nostalgia, melancholy, and empathy. It remains one of his most emotionally potent performances, and a must-hear for anyone exploring the more contemplative side of his repertoire.
5. “Hey There”
“Hey There” may be one of Davis’s iconic tracks — a tender ballad originally from the musical “The Pajama Game” — but it reveals a softer, more introspective side of his artistry. His rendition helped bring the song mainstream popularity in the 1950s.
With gentle jazz-inflected accompaniment and a conversational delivery, Davis conveys inner doubt and longing in a way that feels intimate and relatable. It’s a lovely showcase of his versatility — reminding listeners that beyond the spectacle and glamour, he could also inhabit quiet, vulnerable moments with grace.
Why These Iconic Tracks Still Matter
Together, these five iconic tracks illustrate the vast range of Davis’ talent: from pop-chart earworms to gut-wrenching ballads, from show tunes to soul-baring jazz. As we reflect on what would be his centennial, they stand as reminders of a voice that could dance, charm, break your heart, and lift your spirits — sometimes all in one performance.
For both longtime fans and newcomers, these iconic tracks offer entry points into a career defined by boldness, emotion, and an enduring commitment to authenticity and artistry.
