Four Stars in the Night Sky

A Multiple Case Psychobiography Exploring the Lives and Careers of Bert Williams, Ethel Waters, Dorothy Dandridge, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

By:
Ellen L. Short, Long Island University

In Press 2024

Psychobiography has the potential to reveal the complexity of individuals’ lives. Psychobiographies of well-known individuals have focused, with a few exceptions, primarily on analyses of the lives of well known White males, whose profiles and accomplishments have certainly been worthy of such attention. The availability of psychobiographies, however, of well known People of Color in history and contemporary contexts is quite limited. Additionally, psychobiographies of prominent women and especially Women of Color is also limited. This book will contribute to filling a void in the psychobiographical literature about prominent Black/African American individuals.

This book is a multiple case psychobiography of the lives of four Black/African American performing artists Bert Williams (November 12, 1874 – March 4, 1922), Ethel Waters (October 31, 1896 – September 1, 1977), Dorothy Dandridge (November 9, 1922 – September 8, 1965), and Sammy Davis Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990). Bert Williams, Ethel Waters, Dorothy Dandridge, and Sammy Davis, Jr. were talented and successful Black/African American entertainers and artists. But, despite their talent and success, they faced unique barriers in the entertainment industry and in society in a variety of contexts, including but not limited to racism and sexism. Moreover, the eras that each of them came of age in were historical time periods that reflected particular societal mores and values related to race, culture, gender and other aspects of intersectionality. It is my belief that the attention and rewards they received as performing artists were not commensurate with their talent. This book will present a psychobiographical examination of each subject’s racial-cultural identity, personality, intersectionality, talent, and professional careers as well as their embeddedness in historical and contemporary cultural contexts.

Bert Williams, Ethel Waters, Dorothy Dandridge, and Sammy Davis, Jr. had complex placements in American history based on the eras in which they were born, lived, and subsequently attained success in their careers. In addition to variables of identity, pyschobiographical examination of each subject will explore the barriers and challenges they faced as a result of the racism, prejudice, sexism and other forms of discrimination and mistreatment they experienced personally and professionally. The psychological impact of these experiences upon each subject will also be explored.

ENDORSEMENT

"Dr. Short provides a riveting and fascinating psychological exploration of the lives and social-cultural context of four legendary African American artists/entertainers whose careers span the beginning and close of minstrelsy and vaudeville (Williams and Waters) through the dawning of the Black Hollywood era of the early 20th century (Dandridge and Davis, Jr.). Modeling best historical research practices and integrating select psychodynamic theories, empirically supported personality science, and advances in racial identity and gender theory, Dr. Short unveils for her readers the inner psychological and relational lives of these gifted and dedicated artists. While very scholarly, the writing is also personal and approachable - - it draws us in and transports us back in time if we were there in the auditorium or on the movie set watching and listening to these creative artists, and then following them home to respectfully peer into their personal lives and significant relationships. A socio-culturally centered and theoretically rich multiple case study that will set a standard for best practices in psychobiographcial research." — Joseph G. Ponterotto, Fordham University

CONTENTS
Endorsement. Acknowledgements. Preface. Introduction. CHAPTER 1: Bert Williams. CHAPTER 2: Ethel Waters. CHAPTER 3: Dorothy Dandridge. CHAPTER 4: Sammy Davis, Jr. CHAPTER 5: Subject as Artist and Conditions of Being: Making Connections. References. Name Index. Subject Index. Author Biography.