Saw a one-line item in one of those entertainment columns that singer Keely Smith had died at age 77. I felt bad for two reasons: one, that she had passed away and two that she was dismissed with so few words. In the 1950?s Keely and her mentor/husband Louis Prima produced some of the wildest versions of traditional love songs I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Keely's crystal clear tone; phenomenal range and rocking rhythm blended beautifully with Prima's rough edge and unique arrangements. And Sam Butera and the Witnesses provided just kind of hard driving backup that they needed.As I listen to their CD "Louis Prima's Collector Series" including top recordings from the 50's and 60's her cool bell like high tones from songs like That Old Black Magic ("I should staaaaay away but what can I do?") I've Got You Under My Skin and Embraceable You still send a shiver up my spine to this day.After a decade playing some of biggest clubs in Vegas and a few years on TV the combo drifted apart. Keely and Louis divorced and he replaced her with a new singer who became his 5th wife but neither Keely nor Louis ever achieved the heights they had together although they both kept performing for many more years. Her real name was Dorothy Jacqueline Keely and she was born in Virginia Beach. Somewhere, some choir just got a new swinging soprano and they will be much richer for it. Break a leg, Keely and thanks for the memories...
I promise we'll get back to the Tall world and my adventures in it next time.
Saw a one-line item in one of those entertainment columns that singer Keely Smith had died at age 77. I felt bad for two reasons: one, that she had passed away and two that she was dismissed with so few words. In the 1950?s Keely and her mentor/husband Louis Prima produced some of the wildest versions of traditional love songs I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Keely's crystal clear tone; phenomenal range and rocking rhythm blended beautifully with Prima's rough edge and unique arrangements. And Sam Butera and the Witnesses provided just kind of hard driving backup that they needed.As I listen to their CD "Louis Prima's Collector Series" including top recordings from the 50's and 60's her cool bell like high tones from songs like That Old Black Magic ("I should staaaaay away but what can I do?") I've Got You Under My Skin and Embraceable You still send a shiver up my spine to this day.After a decade playing some of biggest clubs in Vegas and a few years on TV the combo drifted apart. Keely and Louis divorced and he replaced her with a new singer who became his 5th wife but neither Keely nor Louis ever achieved the heights they had together although they both kept performing for many more years. Her real name was Dorothy Jacqueline Keely and she was born in Virginia Beach. Somewhere, some choir just got a new swinging soprano and they will be much richer for it. Break a leg, Keely and thanks for the memories...
I promise we'll get back to the Tall world and my adventures in it next time.
I promise to post regularly--at least once a week--and to respond to comments or questions promptly; probably faster if I don't agree with you.
Seagull2000
My Bad---and my happy apologies to Keely. The mention I saw in the paper was about her BIRTHDAY not her death! But I meant all the nice things I said about her---she still sends shivers up my spine.
And my thanks to "Sensous Writer" for seting me straight.
My Bad---and my happy apologies to Keely. The mention I saw in the paper was about her BIRTHDAY not her death! But I meant all the nice things I said about her---she still sends shivers up my spine.
And my thanks to "Sensous Writer" for seting me straight.
I promise to post regularly--at least once a week--and to respond to comments or questions promptly; probably faster if I don't agree with you.
Seagull2000
