Keely Smith, born Dorothy Jacqueline Keely, was an American jazz and pop singer known for her distinctive voice and performances. One of her most famous songs is "That Old Black Magic," which she recorded in collaboration with her husband and bandleader, Louis Prima. Released in the late 1950s, "That Old Black Magic" became an instant hit and solidified Keely Smith's position as a prominent vocalist of her time. The song has since become a timeless classic and is recognized as one of her signature tunes. With its catchy melody and captivating lyrics, "That Old Black Magic" showcases Smith's powerful yet sultry voice. Her smooth and effortless delivery brings an enchanting quality to the song, perfectly complementing the mysterious and magical themes it explores.
Her smooth and effortless delivery brings an enchanting quality to the song, perfectly complementing the mysterious and magical themes it explores. Smith's unique vocal style and ability to captivate audiences with her performances set her apart from other singers of the era. She effortlessly transitions between soft, intimate moments and powerful, belting notes, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for the listener.
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
Mr. LOUIS PRIMA (Bandleader): (as King Louie) (Singing) Oh, I wanna be like you. I wanna walk like you, talk like you, too.
In addition to her vocal talent, Smith's partnership with Louis Prima played a crucial role in her success. Prima, a renowned trumpet player and bandleader, provided the perfect backdrop for Smith's vocals, creating a harmonious and captivating sound. Beyond her impressive musical career, Keely Smith's personal life also attracted attention. Her romantic relationship and professional collaboration with Louis Prima captivated audiences and made them one of the most beloved duos of the time. Together, they created a unique and memorable style that continues to inspire artists today. Keely Smith's exceptional voice and contributions to the world of jazz and pop music have left a lasting impact. Her rendition of "That Old Black Magic" remains a testament to her talent and continues to be celebrated as one of the best interpretations of the song. In conclusion, Keely Smith's performance of "That Old Black Magic" is a true testament to her talent and influence as a jazz and pop singer. Her captivating voice and unique style have made her a timeless icon, and her interpretation of this classic song continues to delight audiences..
Reviews for "Exploring the Lyrics of "That Old Black Magic" and Keely Smith's Interpretation"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Keely Smith That Old Black Magic". The album lacked any originality and felt like a generic cover of songs that have been done a million times before. Keely Smith's voice, while technically good, didn't bring anything new or exciting to the table. Overall, I found the album to be forgettable and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - "Keely Smith That Old Black Magic" had its moments, but overall it didn't leave a lasting impression on me. I appreciate Smith's smooth vocals and the nostalgic feel of the songs, but there was something missing to make it truly captivating. The arrangements were decent, but lacked creativity. It's an okay album to listen to if you're in the mood for some easy-listening jazz, but it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. David - 2/5 stars - I tried really hard to enjoy "Keely Smith That Old Black Magic", but it just didn't do it for me. The song choices were uninspired and failed to showcase Smith's talent to its full potential. The whole album felt repetitive and lacked any standout tracks that would make me want to revisit it. For avid jazz listeners, this album might be a disappointment, as it fails to bring anything new or exciting to the genre.