Mr. Bojangles, Dance: Jerry Jeff Walker, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the Song That Made Nixon Cry

Three men’s lives, told through the story of one song. Jerry Jeff Walker, the singer and writer behind the classic hit ＂Mr. Bojangles,＂ never would have expected that his song, inspired by an experience in a New Orleans jail cell, would make Richard Nixon cry, or that it would be covered by Sammy Davis, Jr., the entertainment giant and, controversially, a supporter of Nixon.

This work, told through the perspective of writer, performer and listener, traces these three men’s overlapping journeys through the American consciousness. Chapters discuss the history of Walker’s song, Davis’s rise from rags to riches, Nixon’s journey from grocer’s son to president, and more.

Ryan B. Case is a writer and musician, and was the leader of the critically acclaimed Americana band The Victrolas from 2005-2011. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.