Keely Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Keely Smith
Smith in 1960
Background information
Birth name	Dorothy Jacqueline Keely
Born	(1928-03-09)March 9, 1928 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
Died	December 16, 2017(2017-12-16) (aged 89) Palm Springs, California, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, pop
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1949–2017
Labels	Capitol, Dot, Reprise
Associated acts	Louis Prima

Dorothy Jacqueline Keely (born March 9, 1928 – died December 16, 2017) was a famous American singer. She was known professionally as Keely Smith. She sang jazz and pop music.

Keely became very popular in the 1950s. She often performed with her husband, Louis Prima. Later, in the 1960s, she had a successful solo career. Keely and Louis Prima were a very popular duo. They performed on stage, TV, and in movies. They also made many hit songs. In 1959, they won the first-ever Grammy Award for their song "That Old Black Magic". This song was a big hit for 18 weeks!

Keely Smith's Early Life

Keely Smith was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Her family had Irish and Cherokee roots. Her stepfather, Jesse Smith, was a carpenter. Her mother worked hard doing laundry. She used the money to buy beautiful gowns for Keely to wear when she sang.

Keely Smith's Singing Career

Keely started singing at a young age. When she was 11, she sang regularly on a radio show. It was called The Joe Brown Radio Gang in Norfolk. At 14, Keely sang with a band led by Saxie Dowell. When she was 15, she got her first paid job. She sang with the Earl Bennett band.

In 1949, Keely saw Louis Prima perform in New York City. They started recording music together that same year. Keely and Louis got married on July 13, 1953.

Hit Songs and Awards

Keely and Louis Prima had many popular songs. One of their biggest hits was "That Old Black Magic". It was written by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen. This song became a Top 20 hit in the U.S. in 1958.

At the first 1st Annual Grammy Awards in 1959, Keely and Louis won a Grammy. They won for Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus. Their unique stage act was very popular. Keely had a "deadpan" style. This meant she kept a serious face while singing fun songs. The duo also had other hits. These included "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen".

Keely and Louis Prima performed a lot in Las Vegas. Their shows were a main attraction in the 1950s. Keely also appeared in movies. She sang "Fever" in the movie Hey Boy! Hey Girl!. She also sang "Whippoorwill" in the film Thunder Road. Keely also appeared in the movie Senior Prom.

Solo Success

Keely had her first big solo hit in 1957. It was the song "I Wish You Love". This song earned her a Grammy nomination. Her first solo album, also called I Wish You Love, became a gold record.

In 1961, Keely and Louis Prima divorced. After that, Keely signed with Reprise Records. Her music director there was Nelson Riddle. In 1965, she had two Top 20 hits in the United Kingdom. One was an album of The Beatles songs. It was called Keely Smith Sings The John Lennon—Paul McCartney Songbook. The other was a single, "You're Breaking My Heart". This song reached No. 14 in April.

Keely returned to singing in 1985. She recorded the album I'm in Love Again. She worked with musicians like Bud Shank and Bob Cooper. Her later albums also received praise. These included Swing, Swing, Swing (2000) and Keely Sings Sinatra (2001). She even got another Grammy nomination for Keely Sings Sinatra. In 2008, she sang a duet with Kid Rock. They performed "That Old Black Magic" at the 50th Grammy Awards.

Keely's last performance was on February 13, 2011. It took place at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center.

Keely Smith's Personal Life

Keely Smith was married several times. She first married Matteo Gambardella Jr. in 1947. They later divorced in 1950. She married Louis Prima in 1953. They had two daughters, Toni Elizabeth and Luanne Francis. She later married Jimmy Bowen in 1965. They divorced in 1969. In 1975, Keely married singer Bobby Milano.

Keely Smith passed away on December 16, 2017. She was 89 years old. She died in Palm Springs, California. She is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.

Keely Smith's Legacy

Keely Smith is remembered for her amazing voice. In 1998, she received a Golden Palm Star. This star is on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star is at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard. It was dedicated on September 22, 1998.

Discography

Solo albums

With Louis Prima

With Louis Prima, Sam Butera & The Witnesses