60 Years in Show Biz Earns ‘Candy Man’ a Dose of Sweet-Talk

Ailing superstar Sammy Davis Jr. basked in an outpouring of love from fans ranging from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra at a tribute honoring the actor-singer-dancer’s 60 years in show business.

The star-studded salute Monday night at the Shrine Auditorium included performances by Jackson, Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston.

Davis, presently undergoing radiation treatment for throat cancer, said the show of affection during the benefit for the United Negro College Fund topped any other honor bestowed upon him during his long career.

“I thank you all from my heart,” the hip, scratchy-voiced performer said. “It’s the greatest night of my life.”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Magic Johnson joined the gathering, which was hosted by Eddie Murphy and was attended by Clint Eastwood, Bob Hope, longtime Davis co-performer Dean Martin, Gregory Peck, Shirley MacLaine, Henry Mancini and heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson.

Jackson moved Davis to tears with the song, “I Am Here Because You Were There” and actor-dancer Gregory Hines did a few steps with Davis before kissing the entertainer’s feet.

Davis, 63, was diagnosed several months ago with throat cancer and is undergoing treatment at a Los Angeles hospital. He appeared tired, and a red blotch from the treatment was visible on his neck.

The carcinoma in his throat was found in September, but the condition is believed localized and Davis is expected to recover after treatment.

“I got good word today from the doctor--about four or five weeks of recovery and I’ll be back yelling and screaming again,” he said.

Comedian Murphy said the highlight of the night for him was a picture taken backstage.

“I look and Bob Hope is standing here, and Sammy Davis is there,” Murphy said. “And I’m 28 years old. That’s like the highlight of my life.”

Many black entertainers, including Wonder and Quincy Jones, said Davis was an inspiration to them and others because he broke down barriers for blacks in show business.

Davis began his career at age 3 performing with his father and uncle in a song and dance group called the Will Mastin Trio.

As a popular recording artist, Davis has won gold records with the songs, “What Kind of Fool Am I,” “I Gotta Be Me” and “Candy Man.”

He has also appeared on Broadway, on television and in the movies, with credits such as “Cannonball Run,” “Sweet Charity” and his recent co-starring role with Hines in “Tap.”

The actor was also the first black performer to star in his own hourlong variety program, “The Sammy Davis Jr. Show” on NBC.

Most recently, he embarked on a global tour with Sinatra and Martin, reuniting the famed “Rat Pack” trio before Martin canceled because of illness and was replaced by Liza Minnelli.

Monday’s event was videotaped and was scheduled for broadcast by ABC early next year.