Born into the creative richness of a home with his jazz-drummer father and brother, it seems almost inevitable that the author would begin his working career in a band. However, being hired by Sammy Davis, Jr. to take over as drummer when his brother Ray Porrello left the band is the impetus for this memoir. It is an unusual coming-of-age story, as at the young age of eighteen, the author began a two-and-a-half-year stint touring the world with Davis and his band.

The author recounts his childhood in Cleveland, where his parents hosted renowned jazz musicians who were friends and acquaintances of his father. Musically respected by other musicians of his day, the older Porrello was very happy about his two sons' musical talents and their foray into the entertainment field. However, early in his life, the author caught another bug. After the family purchased a Patrolman 6 multi-band radio, he became enthralled with the idea of becoming a policeman. There was also a family story he heard about his grandfather and three uncles who were mob leaders murdered during Prohibition. Both of these interests led to a second career as a police officer and a third as an author of crime books. Now, the writer has reached back through the years to remember and honor his time on the road with Sammy Davis, Jr.

Porrello's stories of the life of a traveling musician are fascinating. From his very first days with the band, he was a rather innocent young man who found himself among veteran road musicians. His stories of the friendships and lessons learned during these years are a fascinating, and sometimes hilarious, look at life on the road. Porrello writes of the social and political events during this time. His work with Davis took him all over the world and opened his eyes to a life that was glamorous but tiring. When he could no longer fight his desire to pursue a career in law enforcement, he gave his notice to management and embarked on a new adventure.

Porrello writes in a conversational tone that invites readers into his early life. His descriptions of the band's daily operations and the antics of these road-weary musicians are entertaining. Readers grasp the great affection Porrello feels for these days and the people he meets. It is, however, the insights into Sammy Davis, Jr. that are the most interesting. Readers get a real sense of the entertainer's personality, and it is obvious that the author cared greatly for him. Photos accompany many of the tales and enhance the book's enjoyment by putting faces to names. Perhaps the most endearing thing about this memoir is the author's obvious fondness for this time in his life when he was given an unbelievable opportunity to live a life most would envy.

Readers who are looking for a fantastic read about life on the road will find it here. Not only that, but Porrello's early life in a musical family, where at age nine, he played drums for visiting jazz greats, is mesmerizing. One can trace his interest in music, police work, and the mafia to his early life. It's an intriguing read that will have readers humming "The Candy Man " or tapping their toes to "Mr. Bojangles " as they read along.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

A 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award Nominee

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