Sammy Davis Jr. (1925 - 1990) was one of the most charismatic American artists as a singer, dancer and actor. Show Business «celebrated. Born to two dancers in Harlem, New York, he was taken over by his father as a three-year-old after his parents separated; at the Vaudeville shows where Sammy Davis Jr. worked, he made his first appearances as a tap dance prodigy. With the Will Mastin Trio they went on big tours, only interrupted by military service. In 1941 he met Frank Sinatra, with whom he had a lifelong friendship and professional collaboration as a singer, actor and entertainer. When Dean Martin and others joined them in the 50s, they operated as Rat Pack and guested alongside their joint films such as "Ocean's Eleven" in Las Vegas and on world tours. When the debut album entitled "Starring Sammy Davis Jr." was released in 1954, one was dealing with a newcomer who had already learned all the ups and downs of an entertainer and the bar of his talent as an interpreter of jazz and pop songs screwed far up. Surrounded by the best arrangers and orchestras, he presented one successful record after the other, as can be seen here. Particular highlights were the duets with the jazz singer Carmen McRae and the first joint record with the Count Basie Orchestra. As an all-round talent and voice imitator, he shines best in his live performances, such as »At Town Hall«, which still sound so fresh and wonderful today that you'd prefer to book tickets on the spot.