In September 1967, Sammy Davis Jr. made history as the first Black man to appear on the cover of GQ magazine. The iconic photograph, taken at the height of his career, captured him leaning against a blond-wood fence. He wore a three-piece double-breasted plaid suit, casually draped with the jacket over his shoulders. His right arm was loosely wrapped around his torso, highlighting his wide gold pinky ring, a key feature of his distinctive style.
This image, still striking today, is a timeless representation of both his impeccable fashion sense and undeniable cool. The cover line, written in swoopy, hand-drawn letters, simply stated “something else!” And indeed, Sammy Davis Jr. was more than just a musical talent—he was a cultural icon, influencing fashion, entertainment, and race relations in ways that were ahead of his time.
Breaking Barriers in Fashion and Entertainment
Sammy Davis Jr.’s appearance on GQ’s cover was a bold move, breaking down racial barriers in an industry that was not known for its inclusivity. At the time, Black entertainers were often sidelined in mainstream publications, but Davis had long been challenging these norms.
As a Harlem-born performer, Davis rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with his incredible talents as a singer, dancer, and actor. He was a member of the famous Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, which further solidified his place in the entertainment world. But his influence extended beyond the stage. Davis became a trailblazer for Black men in fashion, using his platform to showcase a sophisticated, elegant, and effortlessly cool style that spoke to his unique blend of artistry and confidence.
A Bold Symbol of Black Excellence in the 1960s
The 1960s were a time of intense social change, especially for Black Americans. Civil rights movements were gaining momentum, and representation in media was a crucial part of that fight. Sammy Davis Jr.’s appearance on the cover of GQ was a groundbreaking moment not just in fashion, but in the broader cultural landscape.
By gracing the cover of a mainstream magazine like GQ, Davis helped pave the way for future generations of Black entertainers to be seen and celebrated for their talent and style. His image was not just about fashion—it was a statement of Black excellence in a space that had largely excluded people of color. In many ways, his appearance on GQ symbolized the progress Black Americans were making in the face of systemic racism and inequality.
Sammy Davis Jr. and His Lasting Impact on Style
Looking back at that iconic cover, it’s clear that Sammy Davis Jr. was not just a man of incredible talent but also a visionary when it came to style. His laid-back yet sophisticated look redefined what it meant to be fashionable in the entertainment world, making him a style icon for generations to come.
Davis’s influence extended far beyond his music. He understood the power of image and used it to craft a persona that was both daring and refined. His fashion choices, from his bold suits to his signature accessories like that gold pinky ring, have inspired countless others. Today, his legacy as a fashion trailblazer lives on, influencing both designers and everyday people alike.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
While Sammy Davis Jr.’s time in the spotlight may have been decades ago, his impact on fashion and culture continues to be felt. His groundbreaking appearance on GQ in 1967 remains a pivotal moment in both the history of fashion and Black representation in the media. Davis’s legacy shows that true style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you carry yourself and the messages you convey through your image.
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