Keely Smith
The “Queen of Las Vegas” swing, Keely Smith, is one of the last living legends of the great Rat Pack era of the 1950s and ‘60s. For nearly half a century, the Cherokee-Irish singer has thrilled audiences around the world, entertaining music fans with unequaled charm. Keely is perhaps best known for her partnership with Louis Prima, with whom she helped turn Las Vegas into an entertainment mecca for the rich, the famous and everyone in between.
Keely’s royal ascent began in Norfalk, Virginia, where she, aged just 11-years old, became a regular on a popular, Saturday morning children’s radio program, “Joe Brown’s Radio Gang.” By 16, she was singing professionally alongside local big bands, entertaining servicemen at local Army, Navy and Marine bases and, more importantly, getting a chance to experience the swing movement first-hand. However, a chance to audition for Louis Prima, one of the hottest musicians on the scene in a vibrant post-war America, changed everything.
Prima’s forte was his animated, trumpet-carrying swagger that mixed his music with humor and an unforgettable gravel voice. On his visit to Virginia Beach in 1948, he would discover that Keely’s sizzling vocal delivery perfectly suited his established swing orchestra. They went on to tour the country, her with older brother Piggy as her chaperone. The pair soon fell in love, marrying in 1953. Only a few years later, they, Keely pregnant with their first child, brought their unbeatable act to Las Vegas and opened wider horizons for both. What was initially a two week gig at Sahara’s Casbar Lounge went on to help change the face of Las Vegas entertainment.
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Extended Analysis
Album Review
- The Essential Capitol Collection by David Rickert
- Vegas 58 - Today by Celeste Sunderland
- Las Vegas '58-Today by Jim Santella
- Keely Swings Basie-style with Strings by Jim Santella
- Keely Swings Basie Style...with Strings by Dave Nathan
- Keely Sings Sinatra by Mathew Bahl
- Keely Sings Sinatra by Jim Santella
- Swing, Swing, Swing by C. Michael Bailey
- Swing, Swing, Swing by John Sharpe
December 18, 2017
October 19, 2016
July 16, 2007
Capitol/EMI to Release Swingin' New Hits Collections for Louis Prima...
April 05, 2007
Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights in Jazz Presents Keely Smith in Concert...
March 16, 2007
Keely Smith, "The Queen of Swing," Set to Play NYC's Cafe Carlyle April...
September 28, 2005
Keely Smith Opens "Highlights In Jazz" 33rd Season Thursday, October 6...
September 28, 2005
Keely Smith Opens "Highlights In Jazz" 33rd Season Thursday, October 6...
September 01, 2005
Keely Smith Opens "Highlights In Jazz" 33rd Season Thursday, October 6...
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