Keely Smith, a renowned singer, was born on March 9, 1928, in Norfolk, Virginia, to a family that would later face significant challenges. When Keely was just nine years old, her parents divorced, and her mother remarried Jesse Smith, who would become her stepfather. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in her life, as her family struggled to make ends meet.
Keely's family of six, including her three brothers, would often take in laundry to supplement their income. The difficult circumstances would shape her early life and influence her future endeavors. In 1947, the family embarked on a vacation trip to New York City, but the oppressive heat prompted them to change their plans and head to Atlantic City, New Jersey instead.
It was during this trip that Keely discovered her passion for singing. She stumbled upon the Steel Pier, where Louis Prima and his band were performing, and was captivated by their music. Prima, a renowned musician, would later become her mentor, and she would join his band in 1948.
After auditioning for Prima, Keely was selected to join the band, and at just 18 years old, she began her career as a singer. Her talent and dedication earned her a spot alongside Prima, and they would go on to perform together for many years. The couple married on July 13, 1953, and had two daughters, Toni Prima and Luanne Prima.
As a member of Prima's band, Keely became a staple of the Las Vegas entertainment scene, performing alongside Prima and bandleader Sam Butera. Her rendition of "That Old Black Magic" became a standard, and she would continue to perform with Prima until they divorced in 1961, citing extreme mental cruelty.
Keely would go on to marry record producer Jimmy Bowen in 1965, but the union would ultimately end in divorce. She currently resides in Nevada and continues to make appearances in the Las Vegas area.
Tragically, Keely's life was forever changed when Prima passed away on August 24, 1978, after being in a coma for several years. Keely's film credits include Sing Sing Sing (2002),Thunder Road (1958),and Hey Boy! Hey Girl! (1959),a testament to her enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
