The iconic Rat Pack, consisting of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop, symbolized the epitome of cool during the 1960s. Together, they dominated Las Vegas, ruled Hollywood, and influenced presidential politics. But amidst the glitz and camaraderie displayed in public, rumors have long circulated about the real relationship between Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., with some suggesting that Sinatra did not actually like Davis. This article delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring whether these rumors hold any truth.
To understand the dynamics between Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., it’s important to contextualize their relationship. Both men rose from humble beginnings to become titans in American entertainment, but their paths were markedly different due to racial barriers. Sinatra, born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants, faced ethnic prejudices but could still navigate spaces that were off-limits to African Americans during the era of segregation. Sammy Davis Jr., on the other hand, battled overt racism throughout his ascent in the racially divided United States.
Their initial bond formed during the late 1940s and early 1950s when Sinatra witnessed Davis's performance in Las Vegas. Sinatra, already a major star, was impressed by Davis’s talent and charisma. Reports from those early days suggest Sinatra took on a protective and supportive role in Davis's career, even advocating for him in venues that were reluctant to book black performers.
The Rat Pack’s formation in the late 1950s was marked by a public display of unity and equality among its members. However, the social norms of the time often made these displays complex. Sinatra, as the unofficial leader of the Pack, was said to have insisted that all venues they played at would accommodate Davis without racial prejudice. This act has often been cited as evidence of Sinatra’s fondness for Davis.
Yet, the relationship was not devoid of tension. Biographers and insiders have noted that Sinatra could be a controlling figure who expected loyalty and sometimes obedience from his circle, which likely included Davis. There were also instances where Sinatra's behavior towards Davis could be seen as demeaning, particularly in the racially charged jokes that were part of their act. Whether these were mutual banter or had a deeper, more problematic undertone is still debated by historians and those who knew them.
The 1960s brought new challenges for Davis, including his controversial marriage to Swedish actress May Britt at a time when interracial marriages were still illegal in many states. Sinatra’s reaction to this union was reportedly one of support in private but was less enthusiastic in public, possibly due to the potential backlash against his and Davis's careers. This period showed a strain in their relationship, exacerbated by the changing social and political climate in America.
Additionally, Davis's increasing involvement in civil rights and his support for Robert Kennedy did not fully align with Sinatra’s shifting allegiances, particularly his support for Richard Nixon in the late 1960s. Such political differences might have also cooled their personal relationship, though professional respect remained intact.
Despite any personal differences, the bond between Sinatra and Davis endured. They continued to perform together into the 1980s, suggesting a reconciliation of sorts or at least a mutual understanding of the importance of their shared history and success. In later years, both reflected positively on their times together, with Davis often speaking of Sinatra’s pivotal role in his career.
So, did Frank Sinatra really like Sammy Davis Jr.? The answer is not a straightforward one. While there were undoubtedly complexities and strains in their relationship, the notion that Sinatra did not like Davis seems to oversimplify the dynamics between two complex individuals bound by an era of intense social change. Their relationship was multifaceted, marked by moments of genuine support and friendship but also challenged by the societal pressures of their time. Thus, it might be more accurate to say that Sinatra and Davis experienced a friendship that, like many, had its highs and lows but ultimately contributed significantly to each other's lives and to American cultural history.