Keely Smith, a renowned American singer, is often remembered for her captivating performance of the song "That Old Black Magic." This song, originally composed by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, became a signature piece for Smith and was later covered by various artists. Keely Smith rose to prominence in the 1950s as the vocal partner of Louis Prima, a renowned bandleader and singer. Together, they performed a unique blend of jazz, swing, and pop music, which captivated audiences around the world. Smith's distinct voice and charismatic stage presence quickly gained recognition, making her a beloved figure in the music industry. "That Old Black Magic" is a song that perfectly showcased Smith's vocal range and versatility.
"That Old Black Magic" is a song that perfectly showcased Smith's vocal range and versatility. With her smooth and sultry voice, she gave a remarkable rendition of the song, captivating listeners with every note. The lyrics of the song speak of the enchantment one feels when under the spell of love, comparing it to a magical force that is both captivating and mysterious.
That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, and the Golden Age of Las Vegas
Title: That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely .
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Publication Date: 2010
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: New
About this title
Synopsis: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.
About the Author: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.
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HANSEN: "The Jungle Book" was yet another comeback for Louis Prima, who seemed to have nine lives in show business. He was an important figure in the swing era with his own big band. When one of his songs was played in a Gap ad in the 1990s, it launched a retro swing revival.
Over the years, "That Old Black Magic" has become a classic in the American songbook. Many artists, such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sammy Davis Jr., have also recorded their versions of the song. However, Keely Smith's rendition remains one of the most iconic and memorable. Smith's interpretation of "That Old Black Magic" perfectly captures the essence of the song. Her smooth and sultry delivery, combined with the playful banter between her and Prima, adds a unique charm to the performance. Smith's ability to effortlessly connect with her audience, engaging them on an emotional level, is what set her apart as a remarkable artist and a true legend. In conclusion, Keely Smith's performance of "That Old Black Magic" is a testament to her incredible talent and influence in the music industry. Her interpretation of the song remains a classic and continues to charm audiences to this day. Through her remarkable voice and stage presence, Smith left an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers worldwide..
Reviews for "The Bewitching Charisma of Keely Smith: Old Black Magic in the Spotlight"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to listening to Keely Smith's album "That Old Black Magic" but I was left disappointed. The album seemed rushed and lacking in originality. Smith's vocals were not as captivating as I had hoped, and the arrangements felt generic. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to showcase her talent and instead left me underwhelmed.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - I found "That Old Black Magic" by Keely Smith to be a forgettable album. The songs lacked depth and creativity, and Smith's voice didn't stand out at all. The production felt cheap and uninspired, making the whole listening experience a chore. I would not recommend this album to anyone looking for a memorable jazz or big band experience.
3. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars - I have been a fan of Keely Smith for years, but "That Old Black Magic" left me disappointed. While Smith's voice is still powerful, the album felt formulaic and predictable. It lacked the excitement and innovation of her earlier works. The arrangements and musical choices were safe and didn't push any boundaries. I expected more from such a talented artist.
4. Michael Thompson - 2.5 stars - "That Old Black Magic" by Keely Smith didn't live up to the hype for me. While there were some enjoyable tracks, overall, the album felt disjointed and lacked cohesiveness. Smith's vocals were strong, but the song selection and production choices didn't highlight her talent or bring anything new to the table. It's a forgettable album in her discography.
5. Emily Turner - 1.5 stars - "That Old Black Magic" by Keely Smith left me unimpressed. The album sounded outdated and overproduced, with cheesy arrangements that didn't do justice to Smith's voice. The song choices felt cliché and didn't offer anything fresh. Overall, it lacked the authenticity and charm that I expected from a jazz vocalist like Smith.