Magnum Editions Poster: Sammy Davis Jr Looks out a Manhattan Window, 1959

Sammy Davis Jr endured virulent racial prejudice to establish himself as one of greatest American entertainers of all time. Indeed, his popularity was instrumental in breaking down some of the segregation that had plagued the American entertainment industry since its very beginnings. But while Davis was loved for his charm and profound magnetism, he weathered a huge amount of personal scandal throughout his career. In an unusually intimate portrait, he is captured by Burt Glinn in a moment of quiet reflection. Glinn was gifted with a singular ability to connect with his subjects, allowing him to reveal their more vulnerable sides.

Burt Glinn became an associate member of Magnum in 1951, along with Eve Arnold and Dennis Stock, before becoming a full member in 1954. He served as Magnum’s president twice.