The Voice of a Dying Man
Sadly, Sammy Davis Jr. was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1989, after doctors discovered a tumor growing in his throat. His best bet at survival was a laryngectomy, but the singer said he prefers to keep his voice, over having his throat removed. Therefore, he underwent chemotherapy and radiation instead.
Photo by Bill Lovelace / Associated Newspapers / Shutterstock
It has been reported that even though he was sick, his singing voice was still incredible. Burt Boyer told Vanity Fair, “It was stunning. Here’s a man dying of throat cancer, and his voice was glorious, like a nightingale. It was almost unreal.” Not only was he born with talent and the voice of an angel, but he also died with it too.