Keely Smith was a renowned American jazz and popular music singer who captivated audiences with her captivating vocal skills and enchanting stage presence. Her fascinating magic drew listeners into a world of smooth melodies and delightful harmonies. Born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1928, Smith's musical journey began at a young age. She was influenced by legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, who inspired her to pursue a career in music. Smith's unique blend of jazz, swing, and pop set her apart from her contemporaries and carved a niche for herself in the music industry. Smith's voice was a revelation – a perfect marriage of technical brilliance and emotional depth.
Now, on the occasion of Louis Prima’s 100th birthday, comes the first book on this duo, illustrating not only one of show business’s greatest love stories but also the Vegas milieu in which they reached the pinnacle of their success.
But they went on to invent The Wildest, the most exciting and successful lounge act Las Vegas has ever seen, an act that became one of the hottest in the U. But they went on to invent The Wildest, the most exciting and successful lounge act Las Vegas has ever seen, an act that became one of the hottest in the U.
Smith's voice was a revelation – a perfect marriage of technical brilliance and emotional depth. Her smooth and velvety vocals effortlessly glided across notes, leaving a profound impact on her listeners. Her performances were characterized by a timeless elegance and effortless charm that made her a favorite among audiences.
That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, and the Golden Age of Las Vegas (Hardcover)
In 1948, New Orleans veteran trumpeter and singer Louis Prima stumbled into a young girl named Keely Smith. She was barely a performer at all, almost half his age, destined for a relatively quiet life; their encounter was pure coincidence. But they went on to invent “The Wildest,” the most exciting and successful lounge act Las Vegas has ever seen, an act that became one of the hottest in the U.S. in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Their records were hugely popular, and they were courted by Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Robert Mitchum, and other well-known entertainers of the day. Their professional success helped bring about the rise of Las Vegas as a mecca of American entertainment. Their love story ended soon after they helped usher in John F. Kennedy’s presidency--singing “That Old Black Magic” for him at his inauguration--but their influence is still evident. And Keely still draws SRO audiences to her nightclub appearances.
Now, on the occasion of Louis Prima’s 100th birthday, comes the first book on this duo, illustrating not only one of show business’s greatest love stories but also the Vegas milieu in which they reached the pinnacle of their success.
Tom Clavin is the author/coauthor of ten books, including Roger Maris , The Last Stand of Fox Company , and Halsey’s Typhoon . His articles have appeared in Cosmopolitan , Family Circle , Men’s Journal , Parade , Reader’s Digest , and others. He was a contributing reporter for the New York Times for 15 years.
- Music / Genres & Styles / Pop Vocal
- Biography & Autobiography / Music
"This book brought me back to my days in Vegas, which we’ll never see again. That was a one-time-only event. I enjoyed Louis Prima more than any other entertainer I’ve seen onstage, that’s how good he was." —Shecky Greene
"Clavin has produced an easy read that is informative, entertaining and enlightening . . . makes a valuable contribution to the world's body of knowledge about one of the greatest entertainers of all time." —NewOrleans.com
"Crisply written and engaging." —PopMatters
In 1948, New Orleans veteran trumpeter and singer Louis Prima stumbled into a young girl named Keely Smith. She was barely a performer at all, almost half his age, destined for a relatively quiet life; their encounter was pure coincidence. But they went on to invent “The Wildest,” the most exciting and successful lounge act Las Vegas has ever seen, an act that became one of the hottest in the U.S. in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Their records were hugely popular, and they were courted by Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Robert Mitchum, and other well-known entertainers of the day. Their professional success helped bring about the rise of Las Vegas as a mecca of American entertainment. Their love story ended soon after they helped usher in John F. Kennedy’s presidency--singing “That Old Black Magic” for him at his inauguration--but their influence is still evident. And Keely still draws SRO audiences to her nightclub appearances.
One of Smith's most notable collaborations was with the legendary entertainer Louis Prima. Together, they formed a dynamic duo, mesmerizing audiences with their infectious energy and chemistry. Their hit songs 'That Old Black Magic' and 'I've Got You Under My Skin' became instant classics, solidifying their place in music history. Smith's fascinating magic extended beyond her vocal abilities. She effortlessly brought songs to life with her impeccable interpretation and storytelling. Whether it was a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat swing number, she had the ability to transport listeners to a world of emotions and experiences. Keely Smith's influence on jazz and popular music cannot be overstated. Her distinctive style and mesmerizing voice continue to inspire singers and musicians to this day. She left a lasting legacy that will forever be remembered and celebrated. In conclusion, Keely Smith's fascinating magic lay in her enchanting vocal skills, captivating stage presence, and unique interpretation of music. She brought songs to life, leaving audiences spellbound with her effortless grace and timeless elegance. Her impact on the music industry will forever be remembered, making her a true legend of jazz and popular music..
Reviews for "Captivating Audiences: The Legacy of Keely Smith's Magical Performances"
- John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Keely Smith Fascinating Magic". The magic tricks were not impressive at all and felt like they were the same old tricks you see everywhere. Keely Smith's presentation lacked charisma and enthusiasm, making the performance boring and unengaging. I expected to be entertained and amazed, but instead, I left the show feeling like I wasted my time and money.
- Jane - 2 stars - "Keely Smith Fascinating Magic" fell short of my expectations. The tricks were predictable and lacked any originality. Furthermore, the pacing of the show was off, with long breaks between tricks and too much unnecessary banter. It felt like the show was trying too hard to be funny, which ended up being more irritating than amusing. Overall, I was left unimpressed and would not recommend this show to others.
- Mike - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Keely Smith Fascinating Magic", but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The tricks were nothing special, and I've seen them done better by other magicians. While Keely Smith had a good stage presence, the show lacked coherence and a clear narrative. It felt disjointed and didn't flow smoothly from one trick to another. Overall, it was a forgettable experience.