Back in the late 40’s, before either of them were famous, Frank Sinatra performed in a theater in New York. After his show, he went to Harlem to see a performance by the Will Maston Trio, led by a young Sammy Davis Jr. Frank was amazed by Sammy’s talent, and after the show, he invited Sammy to come see his performance.
A week passed, but Sammy didn’t show up. Frank went back to Harlem to see the Will Maston Trio again and asked Sammy why he didn’t come. Sammy told him that he had been there, but they wouldn’t let him in. Frank was furious. He went back to the theater, tore up his contract in front of them, and promised he would never perform there again. This kind of loyalty to Sammy became a big part of their friendship throughout their careers. For example, when Sammy was banned from performing at the Copacabana, Frank refused to perform there as well.
When Sammy was denied a hotel room in Las Vegas, Frank said, “Give him my room!” After Sammy had a car accident and lost his eye, Frank paid all his medical bills. After performing together for 40 years, a reporter once asked Frank why he was always so kind to Sammy. Frank simply replied, “He’s my brother.”
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