{"value"=>"<p>Born in Harlem, Davis began his career as a toddler in vaudeville and grew up performing with his father and uncle in the Will Mastin Trio. He went on to stardom in Las Vegas nightclubs, motion pictures, television, and Broadway plays. He made scores of hit recordings, among them his signature songs, \"Candy Man\", \"Mr. Bojangles\", \"What Kind of Fool Am I\", and \"I've Gotta Be Me.\" Active in the Civil Rights Movement, Davis was also a humanitarian, contributing generously to black colleges and other causes. His many honors include the NAACP Spingarn Medal, American Black Achievement Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honor, and induction to the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. His numerous academic awards include honorary degrees from Atlanta University, Wilberforce University, and South Carolina State College. He wrote three autobiographies: <span class=\"title\">Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr.</span>, <span class=\"title\">Hollywood in a Suitcase</span>, and <span class=\"title\">Why Me?</span>.</p>"}