From dancing in nightclubs as part of the Will Mastin Trio, this dynamic black performer defied racial barriers and rose to stardom on stage, screen and television. He fascinated fans as the only black member of Frank Sinatra's infamous Las Vegas Rat Pack, and infuriated others with his interracial marriage and vocal stance on civil rights. 

In this multimedia talk, entertainment historian John Kenrick  uses exciting performance clips and fascinating behind the scenes stories to show us how Davis overcame bigotry to become a celebrated show business legend.

Entertainment historian John Kenrick has worked in the theatre at every level from amateur to Broadway, eventually serving as personal assistant to six Tony Award winning producers, including the team behind the original production of Rent. He has taught musical theatre history courses at New York University’s Steinhardt School, The New School University, and Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. He is the creator of the educational website Musicals101.com, and his books include Musical Theatre: A History.

The program is free and open to all and registration is required.

The zoom link will be emailed the day before the event.

The program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.