Sammy Davis: Sedona’s Unforgettable Musical Legend

Sedona musician Sammy Davis speaks passionately about his enduring love for performing, stating, “You gotta love it, and I love it, and I look forward to doing it every time I step on stage.” Music has been a significant part of his life since childhood, shaping his artistic journey.

With thousands of miles traveled and countless hours spent on stage, Davis began his career playing six nights a week in Minneapolis, dedicating Sundays to travel. Originally hailing from Chicago, he grew up surrounded by musical talents like the Emotions and Earth, Wind and Fire. “I was singing rock just as much as I was singing the Motown music,” he reminisces.

His aspirations included performing alongside famous Motown acts. “I’ve opened up for the Temptations, The Supremes… it’s been an interesting ride,” he noted. Davis’s musical background includes gospel, which he embraced from church and neighborhood choirs. He credits a variety of rock influences—from INXS to Journey— for expanding his musical repertoire. “That’s why I can’t really tell you that I’m an R&B singer or a rock singer or blues. I do them all,” he explained.

Davis’s joy in performance translates into a relentless pursuit of his craft, and he fondly remembers his move to Sedona. In 1991, while on tour at Los Abrigados Resort, he decided to make it his home after a two-week gig. “I said, ‘The next time that I come back here, I’m staying,’” he recalled. These years in Sedona have led to some of his most cherished musical experiences.

Among his highlights was opening for the Temptations in Sedona. “They called me in to put my hand with them, before they went out on stage and did the prayer here in Sedona,” he shared. Reflecting on that moment, he said, “I don’t think my feet ever hit the stage; [I was] floating across the stage.”

However, not all memories are joyous. Davis faced a significant loss in 2012 when a fire destroyed his home in the Village of Oak Creek. “The community came in and helped out … People helped us out, and that’s why I like giving back every chance I get to help other organizations,” he said, emphasizing the support he received during that difficult time.

His time on stage has contributed to a sense of resilience. “You’re always going to have things that [go wrong], it happens in every performance,” Davis remarked. His experience allows him to manage mishaps seamlessly, ensuring the show goes on despite challenges.

Davis recalled a particularly challenging performance in North Dakota where a blizzard delayed the band’s arrival. He and a few other members began the show without the full band, improvising until they caught up. “Little things like that, you have to bounce back from,” he noted.

Mark your calendars: Davis is set to perform at the 16th annual Walkin’ on Main in Cottonwood on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. He will continue to showcase his talent at Northern Arizona Hospice’s third annual Lady Luck Casino Gala from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Main Stage in Cottonwood. For further details, interested parties can call (928) 458-4796.