Dynamic, consummate entertainer, noted for his aggressive drive and versatility. Dubbed 'Mr. Entertainment', Davis sustained a successful career as a nightclub and concert headliner, film actor and recording artist for almost 60 years. A polished song stylist with a distinctive throaty baritone, an energetic, graceful tap dancer, an accomplished impressionist and musician, Davis began as a professional performer at age three touring with his father and "uncle" Will Mastin on the vaudeville circuit. By age seven he had made his film debut in the Vitaphone short "Rufus Jones for President"
First became a professional entertainer at age 2 in parents' act
Joined "adopted" uncle Will Mastin's all-black family act of seven men and seven women before he was four (was sometimes passed off as a 44-year-old midget billed as 'Silent Sam the Dancing Midget' to bypass child labor laws); act was later reduced in size during the Depression and consisted of Davis, his father and "uncle" and was retitled The Will Mastin Trio
1933
First film appearance in Vitaphone short, "Rufus Jones For President" opposite Ethel Waters
1938
Performed in vaudeville with the Will Mastin Trio
Served with US Army Special Services in one of the first integrated barracks; had his nose broken twice in fights with white soldiers; produced camp shows, some of which he wrote and directed
