Keely Smith was an American singer who became famous for her collaboration with bandleader Louis Prima during the 1950s. One of their most notable songs was "That Old Black Magic," which became their signature tune. "That Old Black Magic" was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer in 1942 for the movie "Star Spangled Rhythm." The song's lyrics describe the feelings of being under the spell of love and how it can affect someone's thoughts and actions. It has since become a jazz standard, with numerous artists performing their own versions of the song. When Smith and Prima recorded "That Old Black Magic" in 1957, it became an instant hit and solidified their place in the music industry.
When Smith and Prima recorded "That Old Black Magic" in 1957, it became an instant hit and solidified their place in the music industry. Their rendition of the song perfectly showcased the unique dynamic between Smith's sultry vocals and Prima's energetic performance. The song's success helped propel Smith's career, and she went on to release several more albums and singles throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
LOUIS PRIMA & KEELY SMITH - That Old Black Magic - CD
Bandleader/singer/trumpeter Louis Prima, who'd enjoyed huge successes in the 1930s and '40s, mounted a major comeback in the 1950s alongside his new wife Keely Smith, and their band, Sam Butera & The Witnesses. This compilation, which is one of a closely-linked trilogy, presents the Very Best of Louis Prima and Keely Smith's duets for RCA Victor, Mercury, Robin Hood, Columbia, Decca and Capitol, between 1949-59. It features pre-Capitol collectors' items like 'Heap Big Smoke (But No Fire)' (their first record together), 'I Beeped When I Shoulda Bopped', 'Enjoy Yourself', 'Here Pretty Kitty', 'Oh Babe!', 'Teardrops From My Eyes', 'Ooh-Dahdily-Dah', etc. Their Capitol sides include the million selling 'That Old Black Magic', 'I've Got You Under My Skin', and tracks from the hit albums "The Wildest", "The Wildest Show At Tahoe", "Las Vegas Prima Style" and "Hey Boy! Hey Girl!".
| Product Code | JASCD1052 |
|---|---|
| Format | CD |
- Heap Big Smoke (But No Fire)
- Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue
- Charley My Boy
- I Beepeed When I Shoulda Bopped
- I Ain't Gonna Take It Settin' Down
- Enjoy Yourself
- Here Pretty Kitty
- Ai Ai Ai
- Oh Babe!
- Teardrops From My Eyes
- Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
- Zooma Zooma Baccala
- Ooh-Dahdily-Dah
- Basta
- Barnacle Bill The Sailor
- Shepherd Boy
- Chop Suey Chow Mein
- Until Sunrise
- (Nothings Too Good) For My Baby
- The Lip
- Baby, Won't You Please Come Home
- Sentimental Journey
- Don't Worry 'Bout Me / I'm In The Mood For Love
- Embraceable You / I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
- That Old Black Magic
- I've Got You Under My Skin
- Hey, Boy! Hey, Girl!
- (Nothings Too Good) For My Baby - Alternate Version
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Smith's voice was often described as smooth, warm, and full of emotion. Her ability to effortlessly transition between different vocal styles, from jazz to pop and even country, made her a versatile and highly sought-after performer. She had a unique ability to connect with her audience and convey the deep emotions of the songs she sang. Despite their success as a musical duo, Smith and Prima eventually parted ways both professionally and personally. Smith continued to pursue her solo career, releasing albums and performing live throughout the following decades. She remained a respected and beloved figure in the music industry until her death in 2017. "That Old Black Magic" remains one of Keely Smith's most iconic and memorable performances. It showcases her exceptional talent and charisma, leaving a lasting impression on listeners for generations. Her rendition of the song continues to captivate audiences and remind them of the magic of love and music..
Reviews for "Keely Smith's Cultural Significance and "That Old Black Magic"
1. Pete - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Keely Smith That Old Black Magic". The album lacked any originality and felt like a cheap imitation of classic jazz. Smith's vocals were lackluster and didn't do justice to the iconic songs she was covering. I felt like I was listening to elevator music rather than a true jazz album. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this album to any jazz enthusiasts.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - "Keely Smith That Old Black Magic" was a complete letdown for me. The arrangements were bland and repetitive, and Smith's voice lacked the depth and emotion that is essential for jazz. The album felt rushed and uninspired, and it failed to stand out among the numerous jazz albums out there. I found myself skipping through tracks, hoping to find something that would capture my attention, but unfortunately, it never happened. Save your time and skip this one.
3. Max - 2/5 - While "Keely Smith That Old Black Magic" had its moments, overall, I found it quite underwhelming. Smith's voice lacked the power and control that I had expected, and her interpretations of the songs were just average at best. The instrumentation felt dated and repetitive, not bringing anything new or exciting to the jazz genre. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this album, but it failed to deliver anything memorable. I would recommend exploring other jazz albums before giving this one a try.
4. Linda - 1/5 - "Keely Smith That Old Black Magic" was a disappointment from start to finish. Smith's voice sounded strained and tired, and there was no energy or enthusiasm in her delivery. The album lacked any innovation and felt like a rehashed version of songs we've all heard a million times before. I expected more from a jazz veteran like Smith, but this album fell flat. I suggest looking elsewhere for a truly captivating and refreshing jazz experience.