In 1990, much of the world mourned the tragic passing of Sammy Davis, Jr. The man whose talent delighted millions and whose career spanned five decades, was gone. Lonnie Parlor, a successful solo singer, song stylist and Las Vegas review star mourned also, one of his long time idols was dead! For years Lonnie had been told that he looked and sounded like Sammy.

In 1978, Lonnie had the privilege of performing for Sammy in Reno. At the after show party, Sammy and Lonnie chatted about their similarities. Sammy as always was very supportive to his fellow performers and urged Lonnie to do a take off of Sammy in his act. Thus, Lonnie Parlor’s tribute to the late great Sammy Davis Jr. was born. Raised in Oklahoma, Lonnie credits Sammy, Ella Fitzgerald, Lou Rawls and Quincy Jones as the most positive influences in his career.

To date, Lonnie has been busy with star stints in theatres across the U.S, the Caribbean, Canada and Asia. He has also worked with many notable Recording Artists as a backup singer in studios across the country. He is now working on his second solo CD.

During the summer of 1990, Lonnie ventured forth with a full scale tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. which caught the eye of Legend’s producer John Stewart who hired him immediately for a nine week run at the Nugget in Reno, Nevada. His success there led to a regular spot in the Legend’s concert ensemble. In 1991, Lonnie suffered a near death experience himself, a stroke which curbed his career for two years. Upon recovery he decided to take his act international where he captivated and delighted audiences.

Whether at home in Chicago or abroad he strives daily to perfect his Sammy impersonation so that the memory of the world’s greatest entertainer won’t be forgotten and can be shared forever by old and young alike.