Pamela A. Sherrod

Sammy Davis Jr.: The Writer Who Saved His Estate

Sammy Davis Jr., The Writer Who Saved His Estate recounts the stormy journey of a Christian author who teamed up with the widow of a Rat Pack legend to create musical films for children, only to be caught up in one of Hollywood's longest and most vicious battles over an estate. In this exclusive account, Pamela Sherrod delivers the untold story of the shocking events that took place behind the scenes, and the personal triumphs and tragedies that led to the final outcome of the Sammy Davis Jr. estate. This book, with its unusual spiritual viewpoint, is the result of three unlikely stories that, not only collided, but significantly changed history - that of the late Sammy Davis Jr., his widow, Altovise, and the writer. Breaking her silence, Pamela documents the experiences that would haunt her for years. Overcoming the fear and repercussions of writing about famous figures, she takes on an even more formidable challenge: the paralyzing and deep sense of guilt she carried for years over the tragic deaths of Altovise Davis and her fiance. Pamela was initially introduced to Mrs. Davis to help write her autobiography. Altovise, who inherited over $5 million of debt after Sammy's death, was struggling to harness the ravages of alcoholism, financial destitution and legal battles that were complicated still further by the manipulation of partners who nearly took over Sammy's estate. Hoping to give Altovise a sense of independence and accomplishment, Pamela partnered with her, in a common goal to impact young people's lives. Altovise wanted to fulfill a request made by her late husband. Sammy had never attended school and couldn't read or write until he was an adult. This had plagued his life and left him vulnerable to unscrupulous partners and the mismanagement of his estate. Sammy had asked Altovise to reach out to kids and urge them to get an education. Pamela, who was looking for ministry work, wanted to inspire and encourage young people with stories of miracles. Together, the two women created a screenplay for a musical that would fulfill their mutual goals. The story, itself, was about a talented family of traveling musicians who had a message of their own to deliver. Their journey, however, was filled with unexpected challenges. Unfortunately, like the very characters that they created, Pamela and Altovise were headed toward a misadventure, one full of tragedies that would test their own resolve. With the release of her book, Pamela shares the revelations that would finally give her the courage to finish the work that they began. In retracing her steps, she'd realize that her actions hadn't led to the losses that they experienced, but to the final outcome of the Sammy Davis Jr. estate.