Altovise Davis passed away from stroke recently at age 65.  By most accounts her life had fallen apart since her husband, Sammy Davis, Jr. died.  Hopefully she has finally found peace. Tweet this

I recently read, Deconstructing Sammy, the story of how Sammy Davis, Jr., one of the greatest entertainers of his time.  Sammy died $7 million in debt.

This is the famous dancer, actor and Grammy award-winning singer, who recorded Old Black Magic, I Gotta Be Me and perhaps most famously, The Candy Man.

Sammy was a talented impressionist, a good singer, a funny comedian, and a gifted dancer.  Many people think he was far more talented than Frank Sinatra. 

So why did Sinatra have a better career?

It’s true that Davis made bad decisions and hung around with some unsavory characters, but then again, so did Frank. 

It’s also true that African Americans of that time were still being subjected to blatant forms of racism and inequality.

But, according to the author, Matt Birkbeck, the entertainer’s biggest mistake was not negotiating to own his own master recordings.

Artists who own their own masters usually enjoy much higher residual or passive income.

Sammy Davis, Jr. grossed over $50 million over a six-decade career, but by age 50, the bulk of his income was derived from live performances.  

For almost all of his life, Sammy would have to work–that is, physically put in time–in order to get paid.

By contrast, Frank Sinatra, whose career also lasted 60 years, signed contracts that called for ownership of the masters to revert back to Old Blue Eyes. 

Frank even owned his own record label, Reprise.  And guess who was under contract to that label?  That’s right, Sammy Davis, Jr.

Davis practiced the old work model:  work once, get paid once.  Frank found a way to work once and get paid over and over again.

Be like Frank

Everyone reading this message has an opportunity to practice the newer work model.  It’s easier than ever to work once an get paid over and over. 

The easiest way to do this is to become a recognized expert in your area of expertise.  Do this by writing articles and giving presentations. 

To get paid over and over for the same work, all you have to do is create an information product that helps people. An info product is a book, an e-book, a podcast or audio program or even a video.

From Nashville, TN,

Michael Angelo Caruso

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