Jazz Vocalist. Remembered for her recordings with her husband Louis Prima, she would go on to a successful solo career, in addition to working with Frank Sinatra. Born Dorothy Jacqueline Keely, she began singing at an early age and landed a spot with Earl Bennett's band while a teenager. After relocating to New York, she began her association with Prima when he needed a female vocalist for his band. Recordings were followed by successful engagements in Las Vegas and in 1953, Prima and Smith married (They divorced in 1961). In 1957, they collaborated with Sam Butera to record the albums "The Wildest" and "The Wildest Show in Tahoe." Also, during that year (1957), she recorded her first solo album "I Wish You Love" which was conducted by Nelson Riddle. In 1958 with the Capitol label, Prima and Smith achieved a number 18 placing on the American Billboard Chart with their version of "That Old Black Magic." Further solo records include "Politely!" (1957) arranged by Billy Mays and "Swingin' Pretty" (1959). Smith also recorded a number of memorable singles with Frank Sinatra which include "So In Love", "How Are Ya Fixed For Love" and "Nothing in Common." The later two were from Sinatra's 1959 album "Come Dance with Me!" In 1964, she recorded "Keely Smith Sings the John Lennon and Paul McCartney Songbook." In 1965, she left the entertainment industry to raise her children. Also, during that year she married record producer Jimmy Bowen (They divorced in 1969). During the mid 1980s, she returned to recording and performing. She died from heart failure.
Jazz Vocalist. Remembered for her recordings with her husband Louis Prima, she would go on to a successful solo career, in addition to working with Frank Sinatra. Born Dorothy Jacqueline Keely, she began singing at an early age and landed a spot with Earl Bennett's band while a teenager. After relocating to New York, she began her association with Prima when he needed a female vocalist for his band. Recordings were followed by successful engagements in Las Vegas and in 1953, Prima and Smith married (They divorced in 1961). In 1957, they collaborated with Sam Butera to record the albums "The Wildest" and "The Wildest Show in Tahoe." Also, during that year (1957), she recorded her first solo album "I Wish You Love" which was conducted by Nelson Riddle. In 1958 with the Capitol label, Prima and Smith achieved a number 18 placing on the American Billboard Chart with their version of "That Old Black Magic." Further solo records include "Politely!" (1957) arranged by Billy Mays and "Swingin' Pretty" (1959). Smith also recorded a number of memorable singles with Frank Sinatra which include "So In Love", "How Are Ya Fixed For Love" and "Nothing in Common." The later two were from Sinatra's 1959 album "Come Dance with Me!" In 1964, she recorded "Keely Smith Sings the John Lennon and Paul McCartney Songbook." In 1965, she left the entertainment industry to raise her children. Also, during that year she married record producer Jimmy Bowen (They divorced in 1969). During the mid 1980s, she returned to recording and performing. She died from heart failure.
Bio by: C.S.
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"O sing unto the Lord a new song"
I wish you love
A star on Earth, a star in Heaven ~ we love you mom.
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