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Yes I Can
- The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr.
- Narrated by: Burt Boyar
- Length: 20 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Entertainment & Celebrities
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Publisher's Summary
Yes I Can is the self-portrait of one of the extraordinary men of our time, who became a figure of controversy because he dared to live his life not as a Negro but as a man. "I've got to be a star like another man has to breathe" writes Sammy Davis. "I've got to get so big, so powerful, so famous that the day will come when they'll look at me and see a man, and then somewhere along the way they'll notice he's a Negro."
Yes I Can “is:...one of the most candid, engrossing and important American autobiographies of our time,” wrote the N.Y. Herald Tribune Book Editor and Critic Maurice Dolbier. "One of the really great autobiographies ever written." Brother Judd, Audible.com.
What listeners say about Yes I Can
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Michael
- 04-06-2013
Great story boringly read
What did you like best about Yes I Can? What did you like least?
The whole background of Sammy's life and over comings, his rise above adversity is a great story of his tenacity and grace in the front line of prejudice. The reading by Burt Boyar spoils a great bio.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Yes I Can?
His army experience during WW2
What didn’t you like about Burt Boyar’s performance?
His boring monologue, basically there is no emphasis of any in all his reading, it's beige while Sammy's life was technicolour.
Could you see Yes I Can being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?
A great movie, I'll leave others to decide on the actors.
3 people found this helpful
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- Kdoll
- 03-04-2014
Sammy Davis was the performer of all times. . .
What did you love best about Yes I Can?
While Sammy's life appeared glamorous, the book tells a very different story. It reveals the truth behind the broad, make-believe smile and the eyes that spoke louder than the voice.
Would you listen to another book narrated by Burt Boyar?
This book should have been narrated by a better voice. . .the one thing I did not like about the book.
2 people found this helpful
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- VeeBee47
- 09-06-2015
A Story Beautifully Told
Burt Boyar was emotional, REAL, loving and wonderful. I was moved to tears at times. I loved it. Would read again.
1 person found this helpful
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- Matthew Bucklin
- 27-03-2013
An amazing biography
This is one person I knew nothing about, and I'm glad that I listened. It is a well written and fun biography.
1 person found this helpful
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- Aliaspbj
- 02-03-2022
Very illuminating and well narrated
Sammy Davis Jr. was trailblazer in the entertainment industry and broke down barriers through his excellence, hard work and most of all perseverance. This book in his own words chronicles his life and experiences as America was changing in the 50s and 60s. This book paints an excellent picture of how the volatile beginnings of desegregation affected him and how he adapted from vaudeville schtick to polished solo performer. This book was written in 1965 so it isn’t the full picture of his life, but it is an entertaining snap shot of his recounting of his life when he was 40. It’s quite compelling and worth the listen.
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- L.L. Scott II
- 08-12-2021
Informative
Loved It!
if you go by what you see you can be mislead--misinformed about people and their reality. Just ine view...
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- Shay Wells
- 11-07-2021
Loved Sammy
Sammy Davis Jr. was one of my favorite entertainers. I don't think there is any person, living or dead, who could do what Sammy did. singer, dancer, actor, comedian, voice actor -- he was Mr. Entertainment.
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- Tracy F.
- 03-03-2021
Fascinating story!
Shocking what Mr. Davis went through in his life! Not only was he a multi talented man, and one of the best singers in the world, but he was kind, polite, highly articulate, and wise. My only beef with this book was that the gentleman that reads Mr. Davis’ story, mumbles all his words together making it difficult to understand him. But this book is full of interesting facts, and celebrity stories. His was quite a life!
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- Victor Mizrahi
- 05-01-2021
A Fascinating Story About A Fascinating Man
If you have any interest in a real human story about one of the most fascinating entertainers ever, then this book is it. From his early struggles to his reaching the highest highs, Sammy’s story is a lesson in determination and resilience. His 1st person account of the blatant racism he overcame, to meeting Sinatra, to becoming the hottest ticket everywhere, to the Rat Pack days and marrying a white woman in the 60’s is riveting. I was lucky enough to have seen him perform live at Caesars Palace in VEGAS so this book has extra value to me. Well worth the investment. Such a great American success story. Enjoy.
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- Amazon Customer
- 28-06-2020
Incredible book.. a book for all ages!
This book is incredible! You won't want to put it down! It transcends time and is really appropriate with everything going on today regarding race and prejudice and how one hero handled it.
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- jb91
- 05-01-2021
A wonderful listen
The story is moving, inspirational, emotional, heartbreaking and funny throughout. A must read/listen for any SDJ fan. Also, even if you only have a passing interest in it is still an incredible story that takes place during a divisive time in American history
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- J Clark
- 24-01-2017
Loved it!
Fascinating story of Sammy 's life. I had so much trouble tearing myself away each night!!!
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- Mark
- 12-04-2016
Yes I Can Sammy Davies Jr
Very moving, I just didn't want it to end. Inspirational. What an incredible man. He has now turned me on to his music. Thank you Sammy.
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