Sammy and Dino Episode 3: Nothing But a Dollar Sign / by Karina Longworth

Sammy Davis Jr. dancing shot by Phil Stern, mid-1950s

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

In the first half of the 1950s, Martin and Lewis mint money as movie stars--and find unique ways to make their access to gangsters payoff--but stardom tears them apart. During this period, Sammy tries to prove himself to a Hollywood that still has little use for Black performers. Then, a horrible accident changes Sammy’s life--and changes his perceived value to the gate-keepers of the entertainment industry.

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in publicity portrait for the film 'You're Never Too Young', 1955. Photo by Paramount/Getty Images

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin in Artists and Models, 1955

Music:

The music used in this episode, with the exception of the intro, was sourced from royalty-free music libraries and licensed music collections. The intro includes a clip from the film Casablanca.  

Excerpts from the following songs were used throughout the episode: 

"Luca 75” by Vermouth
"Chase and We Follow” by Ray Catcher
"Late Comer” by Cafe Nostro
"Jat Poure" by The Sweet Hots
"Pacing” by TinyTiny Trio
"Gin Boheme” by Vermouth
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" by Kevin MacLeod
"Glass Stopper" by Vermouth
"Laser Focus (Piano Improv)" by TinyTiny Trio
"Doghouse" by Warmbody
"Impromptu in Quarter Comma Meantone" by Kevin MacLeod
"Single Still" by Vermouth
"Faster Does It" by Kevin MacLeod

Sammy Davis, Jr with Jacques Sernas, Marilyn Monroe, photographer Milton H Greene and jazz musician Mel Torme at the Crescendo Club, 1954. | Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images

Credits:

This episode was written, narrated, and produced by Karina Longworth.

Our editor this season is Evan Viola. 

Research and production assistant: Lindsey D. Schoenholtz.

Social media assistant: Brendan Whalen.

Logo design: Teddy Blanks.