Backgrounder: Sammy Sings, Laurindo Plays, 1966

One of Sammy Davis Jr.'s finest albums is Sammy Davis Jr. Sings and Laurindo Almeida Plays, an LP he recorded in June 1966 accompanied only by Brazilian guitarist Laurindo Almeida. Captured at United Recordings in Las Vegas and released on Reprise, the album of ballads allowed listeners to hear Sammy's voice exposed in an intimate, near-a cappella setting.

In many respects, the album for Sammy was a return to a format that was successful in 1958, when he recorded Mood to Be Wooed on Decca, accompanied only by jazz guitarist Mundell Lowe. Also a gorgeous album.

Here's the complete Sammy Davis Jr. Sings and Laurindo Almeida Plays without ad interruption...