Keely Smith was an American singer known for her collaborations with her then-husband, Louis Prima, in the 1950s and 1960s. One of their most famous songs together was "That Old Black Magic," which became a hit and continues to be a classic today. Keely Smith's smooth and sultry voice perfectly complemented Prima's boisterous and energetic style, creating a unique and captivating sound. Their performances were often characterized by their playful banter and chemistry on stage, making them a beloved duo among audiences. "That Old Black Magic" was originally written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 musical film "Star Spangled Rhythm." The song portrays the magical and enchanting effect that love can have on a person, comparing it to a spell or witchcraft.
" The song portrays the magical and enchanting effect that love can have on a person, comparing it to a spell or witchcraft. Keely Smith's rendition of the song became a standout in her discography as she effortlessly brought the lyrics to life. Her rich and emotive vocals captured the essence of the song, evoking a sense of mystery and allure.
Lighting Design In Depth: Magic Sheets
This week, award-winning theatrical Lighting Designer Mike Wood returns to the Lighting Lounge to talk about the importance of Magic Sheets and how they can be extremely helpful on-site. (The article was originally posted on Mike's website here.)
The song's iconic melody and Smith's sublime interpretation ensured its enduring popularity. Apart from "That Old Black Magic," Keely Smith had a successful solo career, releasing several albums and earning critical acclaim for her vocal talent. She continued to perform and record music until her passing in 2017 at the age of 89. Overall, Keely Smith's contribution to the music industry, particularly her unforgettable rendition of "That Old Black Magic," solidified her status as a legendary singer. Her unique voice and charismatic presence continue to captivate listeners and inspire future generations of artists..
Reviews for "Exploring the Influence of Keely Smith's "That Old Black Magic" on Contemporary Artists"
1. John Doe - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with Keely Smith's performance in "That Old Black Magic". Her voice sounded strained and she seemed to struggle with hitting the high notes. The arrangement of the songs also felt lackluster and uninspired. Overall, I found the whole album to be quite underwhelming and far from the quality I expected from Smith. I wouldn't recommend it to jazz fans looking for a standout vocal performance.
2. Jane Smith - 1/5 - "That Old Black Magic" by Keely Smith was a major letdown for me. Her vocals lacked energy and enthusiasm, making the songs feel bland and emotionless. The choice of songs on the album was also questionable, with many of them feeling outdated and out of touch. I couldn't connect with the music at all and found myself skipping through most of the tracks. This album was a complete miss for me, and I would advise others to give it a pass.
3. Robert Johnson - 2/5 - I was not impressed with "That Old Black Magic" by Keely Smith. The album lacked creativity and originality, with the songs sounding generic and formulaic. Smith's voice felt strained and she didn't bring anything new to the table in terms of interpretation or style. I found myself bored and unengaged while listening to the album, and it failed to leave a lasting impression. I would recommend exploring other jazz vocalists instead of wasting time on this forgettable release.
4. Emily Thompson - 2/5 - "That Old Black Magic" by Keely Smith didn't live up to my expectations. Smith's voice sounded weak and flat throughout the album, lacking the charisma and power that I had hoped for. The arrangements felt repetitive and there was a lack of variation in the song selection. This album felt like a missed opportunity to showcase Smith's talent and didn't leave a lasting impact on me. I would recommend exploring other jazz vocalists before giving this one a listen.