Some years ago, I interviewed Burt Boyar, biographer and longtime friend of the late Sammy Davis Jr. Burt knew Sammy as well, if not better, than anyone, as he and his wife Jane Boyar were very close friends with the entertainer. Burt and Jane edited Sammy’s bio “Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr.”, and co-wrote with Sammy “Why Me? The Sammy Davis, Jr. Story”. Later, Burt compiled Sammy’s vast collection of candid photos into a gorgeous coffee table book (“Photo by Sammy Davis Jr.“) filled with images Sammy snapped of the Rat Pack and movie stars who orbited in their circle.
Among Burt’s friends is former first lady Nancy Reagan. Burt kindly assisted ThirdWaveDave and me last year by personally delivering a collection of well wishes written by many of you to the former First Lady, marking the late President Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday anniversary.
Yesterday Burt told me a story that — with his permission — I’ll share with you.
Dear Andrea, I was so happy to see Dave smiling and holding my book. And with our flag draped on the chair next to him. I have had an interesting flag experience recently.
As a member of the Board of this building I accomplished getting our flag displayed over our entrance way 365 days a year. Recently another director (who confided to me that he had voted for Obama and was not sure what he would do in 2012) made a motion that our flag be removed, that it was “Ostentatious patriotism”. And we’re the only building on Wilshire that flies the flag and that we as directors have no right to impose our political opinions on our homeowners (many of whom are Iranians).
Before I could respond that the American flag is not political he was shouted down by home-owners present at the monthly meeting. One especially strong voiced lawyer overwhelmed all other voices by reminding this fool that there are thousands of young Americans dying and being wounded in defense of the Freedom that flag represents to millions of people around the world and that we must honor them. The result of his motion is that it was not seconded and therefore not voted on. However, the Design and Decor Committee was asked to find a larger, more prominent flagpole and a larger all weather flag that we can display.
Finally, yesterday, driving home up Wilshire Boulevard I saw two buildings flying the flag. Something that I have never seen here even on the Fourth of July. I am hoping that we have set an example so that soon the entire Boulevard will be ablaze with the red, white and blue star spangled banners.
Bravo Burt!
As I said, Burt knew the Rat Pack very well because of his friendship with Sammy, who is seen in this show filmed in 1965 at the Kiel Opera House in St Louis. It was while Johnny Carson was still hosting The Tonight Show and The Rat Pack was playing Vegas, but for some unknown reason, all came to St. Louis for this performance.
Remarkably, this is the ONLY time Carson reportedly sang in public!
Quincy Jones was conducting the Count Basie band and is visible in the background.
So now… Heeeeere’s Johnny!
