Keely Smith

Bio

Keely Smith was an American jazz and popular music singer best known for her work in the big band and swing genres. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she rose to prominence in the 1950s as the featured vocalist with Louis Prima’s orchestra, where her deadpan delivery and duets with Prima became signature elements of their act. Smith’s clear, understated vocal style earned her widespread acclaim, highlighted by the 1958 hit “That Old Black Magic,” which won a Grammy Award. After parting ways with Prima, she continued a solo career spanning several decades, releasing numerous albums that showcased both jazz standards and contemporary material. Throughout her life, Smith remained an influential figure in vocal jazz, celebrated for her impeccable phrasing and distinctive stage presence until her death in 2017.