Sammy Davis Jr. was a multi-talented artist, a singer, dancer, stage and movie actor, comedian and TV personality, whose career encompassed not only performing and recording in those arenas, but also film and TV direction. Later famous as a member of the Rat Pack, led by his friend Frank Sinatra, which included fellow performers Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford, Davis Jr. made his first records in 1949, but came to the fore after performing at the 1951 Academy Awards, to develop his many-faceted career. With a style rooted in old school big band music, he expanded his musical scope to have a dozen or so hits during the era covered by this collection, and as many again in subsequent years, as well as being a highly successful album seller.

This 78-track, 3CD, set comprises most of the A- and B-sides from releases on the Capitol, Decca and Reprise labels from these years, including duets with Carmen McRae, Gary Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. It features all his US & UK chart entries from this era, including the Top 20 hits Hey There, Love Me Or Leave Me, Something’s Gotta Give, That Old Black Magic, Me And My Shadow and What Kind Of Fool Am I? What Kind Of Fool Am I?, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley was originally appeared in Stop The World - I Want To Get Off. The Davis Jr. version peaked at No.17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and at No.6 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart.

The repertoire and the style of his performances  across sophisticated pop, big band jazz, straight chart-focused pop, classy ballads and novelty-ish pieces, all making for a varied showcase for his extraordinary talent and versatility.

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