You would not believe it wasn’t Sammy up there at times.’ Babatundé was a young performer working with Liza Minnelli when he met Davis in Lake Tahoe in 1978.

"Sammy Davis Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me" will open the Columbus Jewish Film Festival, with director Sam Pollard attending the screening.

I want audiences to know that Sammy Davis, Jr., was one of the greatest entertainers in the 20th century and to recognize how talented he was as a dancer, singer, impressionist, musician and actor.

An “American Masters” documentary and “Lyrics & Lyricists” show at the 92nd Street Y explore the entertainer’s immense talent and complex struggles.

Q: What attracted you to the Sammy Davis project? A: Growing up in the 1960s, I had seen Sammy Davis Jr., on “The Ed Sullivan Show” — everywhere. I was a big fan.