Louis Prima & Keely Smith on TV

Louis Prima & Keely Smith on TV

[@jmej832]

Keeley performed here in Palm Springs..Purple Room..til her recent passing! She is fabulous and beyond. As for Louie..greatest..together well not enough words to cover how wonderful, funny and entertaining they were!!! Love and miss them so much..have their vinyl. .priceless!!! Enjoy them youngsters..

[@donmacduff75]

The best!

[@scrella8043]

As a 33 year old I hope I’m considered a youngster lol I love Keely and Louis!!

[@karlhungus5554]

Keely was so beautiful. I wish I had a time machine to go back and meet her in person.

[@manfredilamarca8697]

Me too

[@melindahall5062]

I’d love to meet Keely too. From all the videos I’ve seen of her she seems a “no nonsense woman”…….and I can see that she is up there with sarcastic remarks too!

[@kymkantaris7821]

Never be another Louie!!!❤

[@donnarouse9432]

Keeley smith an absolute ly wonderful voice!

[@RaduAngheluta]

In memoriam in semn de respect si aducere aminte ca un pios omagiu adus aminte marelui si regretatului artist fiind totodata bineinteles preferatul meu maestrul actor, cantaret, compozitor si trompetist Louis prima. Anul nasterii:7 decembrie 1910,new Orleans, louisiana statele unite. Zodia sagetator- decedat:24 August 1978(67 de ani).cauza decesului cauze naturale ( hemoragie cerebrala).Mare pacat ca nu mai stim sa ne apreciem marii nostrii artisti minunati si super geniali de mare clasa cat mai sant inca in viata langa noi sa ii iubim pretuim si respectam valorile si care au plecat la cele vesnice si care ne-au parasit in aceasta viata. Bunul dumnezeu sa va aiba in imparatia cerurilor in paza si protectie si sa va odihneasca in pace maestre acolo unde ati plecat la domnul printre stele eterne regrete si sincere condoleante familiei sale pentru ca nu se va mai putea naste niciodata un asemenea mare om genial si unic prin filmele, spectacolele si turneele domniei sale cu care a incantat milioane de fani din intreaga lume atat dupa micul ecran cat si din salile de cinema in care se umpleau spectatorii in sala. Din partea unui admirator fan si spectator drag si fidel. Amin. ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😢😢😢

[@jimr4319]

Such a lovely vocal talent. Extraordinary. RIP Miss Smith.

[@JiveDadson]

Keely Smith was Irish-Cherokee. 54:33

[@eyefulpower]

The hottest ensemble in the 1950s. Paved the way to rock & roll.

[@fattymatty5380]

Man I would have loved to have have seen their reaction to The Brian Setzer Orchestra. I know Brian has a great respect for Louis and his band has the same crazy, fun vibe that Louis' band did. You're right though, they were really a rock band back in those days without the heavy guitar. Real trend setters

[@robertboney4493]

Once there was louis prima---just once.

[@morskaprasica]

These guys make me happy when I'm sad. Great energy!

[@GaryMPhoto]

I was going to say the same thing... no way to be down when Louis and Keely are around

[@gorojo1]

What entertainers. This is amazing.

[@larrygrant-hy8sk]

Loved Keely. Remembering her song on the movie...."thunder road" with Robert Miitchem. But her videos with this guy are hilarious.

[@RaduAngheluta]

Mi-ar fi facut mare placere sa il cunosc personal pe marele si regretatul artist fiind totodata bineinteles preferatul meu maestrul actor, cantaret si compozitor Louis prima si sa ii recomand sa vina sa sustina un mare concert de la noi din tara bucuresti Romania 🇷🇴. ❤❤🎉🎉🎉😢😢😢

[@madelinetramantano8302]

They were great. Top act. Loved them.

[@jefferyrightmire9520]

These folks put on a SHOW . Wonderful times.

[@kornazov4]

Absolutely AMAZING! GREAT LOUIS PRIMA!

[@selmonb921]

I have three favorite LOUIS's Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan, and Louis Prima!

[@scrella8043]

OMG ME TOO!!!! What country are you from and how old?

[@dasteven10]

I just love Keely Smith's voice

[@malimom6011]

Loved Keeley with Robert Mitchum in the movie Thunder Road!!!! 1 of my favorite movies of all time...

[@leonardodalongisland]

Was unaware of that. I'm going to watch it tonight. Thanks

[@leonardodalongisland]

You owe me my money back! Thunder Road is by far a TERRBILE film. One of the very worst I've ever seen or ever made. I can write twenty pages on how bad it is. The acting is HORRIBLE. The script is worse. ......It's illogical and so on and so forth.

[@stevendegnan617]

Smiling when I hear Louie

[@cpt444]

This is SO Good I can't stand it!!! Priceless moments - all LIVE. Unbelievable - Thank You So Much! ct

[@rickcaruso7351]

Great Jazz from the father of Swing. It is immeasurable what the Italian culture has done to elevate the music in America.

[@blueduck5589]

How do you like the food in that mental institution you're in?

[@Dr-Curious]

And "Louis" was jewish.

[@leonardodalongisland]

You sir are correct. And it's a shame most people don't have any idea.

[@martinrodzzz5329]

@@Dr-Curious ????????????

[@producermarin2480]

What a character and performer! I wish I was around back in the 20's and through the 40's...I feel it would have been great. Never mind the great depression, this music certainly helped people get past the hard times.

[@rickmcdonald1557]

When I was a kid in the 50's I remember my Mother playing their records and she always liked their music so this brings back some fond memories of those times.

[@chrisozzy56]

Keely Smith had a fantastic voice . What a doll .

[@madelinetramantano8302]

Thier voices great. And she can sing.

[@GigglePlox]

I love the way Keely just stands there like she's totally bored with it all.

[@tetodijuneau1]

not sure why, part of the act i guess. doesn't quite work for me. but love the music

[@Fargosportsmassage]

man! keely was so sweet woman hard to find.. and she was so talented!

[@uslines]

Keeley was terrific with or without Louie. Wonderful vocalist, jazz or ballad.

[@emcameron]

Keely was Louis' raison d'etre. Keely's raison d'etre was singing.

[@rocknroller77]

Exactly, she had a fantastic voice

[@TAROTAI]

it was an *act* - not a *competition* between co-stars

[@rickmcdonald1557]

Yes and you get to see her up close and personal in the movie Thunder Road with Robert Mitchum.

[@teijaflink2226]

She's hilarious too, how bored she looks on a song like this.

[@joandeluca6846]

They ALL loved music and fun and showed it! Fantastic performers all!

[@db5837]

Wonderful entertainers and singers.

[@kayregulski6828]

I loved this guy and Keely Smith. I was a little girl when I First saw them and when i grew up I actually named my daughter after her.

[@willswalkingwest7267]

I'm so grateful we have these films of Louis Prima and the group. Real entertainment.

[@AmericanShia786]

Great act! My father and mother had lots of Louis and Keely and Sam Butera albums.

[@malimom6011]

Wow, Great Music!!!!! Thanks for this amazing memory!!!

[@deanbrandl1987]

They played Las Vegas in the 50s... for something like 7 years..that band was amazingly tight.. five or six shows a night...six nights a week

[@MikeC32958]

Casbah lounge, Sahara hotel and casino. Shows start at midnight 😊

[@bruce9942]

Yep, they were the best and Keely has an unbelievable voice !

[@hairnsap]

I love the fact that Louis wrote "Sing Sing Sing" of Benny Goodman fame 👌

[@juanmonge7418]

He also wrote”A Sunday kind of love”. Which is really sweet song.

[@anatolyveitsenfeld9801]

The great showman! The giant trumpeter!

[@JackNorth]

I will never understand how in the world Keely Smith could keep her feet from tapping, or otherwise not moving to the music.

[@wlangley88]

I think she joined Count Basie later on

[@melindahall5062]

It was her JOB to play deadpan difficult.

[@JackNorth]

@@melindahall5062 I completely agree that it was her job, and understand that it was difficult. That's why I am amazed at her ability to pull it off so well, given Prima's infectious energy. It was a great act.

[@ClaudioRocco-CR]

Louis Prima & Keely Smith ♥️♥️♥️

[@MyMy-zi7yv]

So obvious that they were so popular. What a distinctive voice!!!!

[@jaimeboetsch]

I love Louis Prima and Keely Smith. Saludos desde Chile.

[@madelinetramantano8302]

They were unbelievable.

[@rayvalencia6726]

Keely Smith was a great singer!

[@gastronautadf]

This video is an absolute treasure

[@josephineananda]

8:33 is Hold That Tiger

[@juanmonge7418]

Tiger rag.

[@theoldman2821]

Wow. Incredible compilation. What must it have been like to see them in a Las Vegas lounge?

[@rickcaruso7351]

They were Sonny and Cher before Sonny and Cher. They had the magic.

[@TAROTAI]

Sonny looked like a cave-man & Cher has a mouth like she hasn't gotten over the dentists novocaine shot

[@bdadolph]

Um no comparison musically

[@jaydavid1942]

Sonny and Cher did the comedy part, but they couldn't touch Louie and Keely for musicality. They would have blown them off the stage.

[@marlenewatson5715]

Louis and Keely had real talent.

[@localboy4584]

Not even close. Louie and Keely were the real deal; not a copy.

[@joetheplumber2970]

Simply the best the very best. And only 73k views? a sacrilege.

[@donnarouse9432]

He and splike jones ! Both have the same energy!

[@hegelbot]

Track list: 0:15 When You're Smiling. (Louis Prima) 5:40 Buona Sera. (Louis Prima) 6:45 Old Man River (Sam Butera) 8:33 Tiger Rag (Lou Sino) 10:50 Indian Love Call (Keely Smith) 13:50 I've Got You Under My Skin (Louis Prima & Keely Smith) 17:43 When You're Smiling. (Louis Prima) 18:22 Just a Gigalo (I Ain't Got Nobody) (Louis Prima, Keely Smith, Sam Butera, Lou Sino, Bob Roberts) 21:48 Waiting for the Robert E. Lee (Lou Sino) 24:08 Fever (Sam Butera) 26:55 Nighty Night Little One (Keely Smith) 29:48 Old Black Magic (Louis Prima & Keely Smith) 32:45 When You're Smiling. (Louis Prima) 33:50 Waiting for the Robert E. Lee (Lou Sino) 36:01 Turn the Lights Down Low (???) (Bob Roberts) 38:13 Night Train (Sam Butera) 40:30 All Night Long (Keely Smith) 42:48 When My Baby Smiles at Me (Louis Prima & Keely Smith) 44:35 Embraceable you (Louis Prima & Keely Smith) 47:00 I'm in the Mood for Love (Louis Prima & Keely Smith) 49:28 Lazy River (Louis Prima) 51:38 I'm Confessin' (that I Love You) (Louis Prima & Keely Smith) 53:45 I've Got You Under My Skin (Louis Prima & Keely Smith) 55:40 I Don't Wanna Marry Marry Girl From Napoli (Louis Prima) 58:54 I'll Be Seeing You (Louis Prima) 1:01:00 Oh Babe (Louis Prima) 1:03:45 Come Over to My House (Louis Prima)

[@F0nkyNinja]

8:33 is "Tiger Rag"

[@hegelbot]

​@@F0nkyNinja thanks

[@SDW90808]

Beautiful! Thanks!

[@masqualero09]

@hegelbot You missed at 44:35 Embraceable you (Louis Prima & Keely Smith)

[@CJPooz]

“Buona” Serra by the way. Just thought a dago like me would let ya know

[@ralphu.7568]

Man! I don’t see how she keeps a straight face the whole time. She’s good!

[@jamesharrington4752]

I can still remember watching them on TV as a child. Keely Smith was a native American.

[@oldhardmanjohnson6585]

Her deadpan expression was her hallmark, and a running gag

[@mango8918]

Better than good...she was great!

[@eightapeach2861]

When Sam came in singing on the last verse of Fever, there came a hint of a smile on her face.

[@joandeluca6846]

😂😂I agree! When Louie and Sam Butera were wailing on horn!

[@7karlheinz]

I swear Keely Smith is the Buster Keaton ("stone face") of pop music!

[@infonut]

That's the native American in here. Totally un-impressed. I love it.

[@leonardodalongisland]

Great analogy!

[@martybrynildsen4001]

@@infonut Very odd. She often appears completely detached, even annoyed by all the excitement that Prima is generating. Immense talent and showmanship.

[@BlueSkyFalling]

absolutely brilliant.. 🎙️🎺👁️👁️

[@billhampton8004]

It’s unfortunate today few people appreciate Great Talent like this.

[@ericcaravag4614]

what a voice

[@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025]

It's kinda nice when talented entertainers can horse around in their act a little bit and then just bring it on home...

[@leonardodalongisland]

It is, or should I say, "it was." Too bad that this kind of fun ended basically with Elvis.

[@spacemissing]

Keely. Great singer.

[@ProjektErde]

Great!

[@leonardodalongisland]

Johnny cash and June Carter were a fun couple on stage but Louie and Keely were SO fun and funny!!

[@brucknerian9664]

Keely Smith ... what can I say? Great actress. Greater Singer. Most beautiful female I've ever seen.

[@TAROTAI]

Brigitte Bardot

[@thebull3206]

I used to sell the heck out of this VHS tape in the 1990s, holy cow - it's missing the early Prima segments solo on Sullivan - but this is basically the famous Copa Show, they came over from the Copa and were going back for the later show, but this is when they were the hottest act in NYC, before Sullivan's musical acts were forced to lip-sync.

[@leonardodalongisland]

I didn't know acts on his show "were forced" to lip sync. Why ???

[@thebull3206]

@@leonardodalongisland Hi, hello - not sure why myself, but for some reason the acts on his show were all live in the 50s, but the bands you see in the 60s The Doors, Stones, Beach Boys all lip-synced. Mama Cass famously says "que the tape" on the Mamas and Papas segment ... try finding Beat Club episodes - they were live the first year in B&W (later on tape in colour) , and they are terrific.

[@leonardodalongisland]

@@thebull3206 Thanks! Perhaps it was a network decision? Maybe it cut back on mistakes?"???

[@JiveDadson]

​@leonardodalongisland The 60's groups had to lip-sync in order to prevent acts from inserting political or scatological content. When Elvis performed, they showed him from the waist up.

[@recordguy4321]

@@JiveDadson only his third and last appearance

[@davidhallett8783]

And when the end comes i know They ll say just a gigolo. Life goes on Without me

[@ReverendoVinny]

In my 52 years of giving Rock and Roll to the world and although I have known Louis Prima, Keely Smith, Sam Butera and Woody Herman for a long time, if I am not mistaken, these performances have left me with my mouth wide open. One thing is to hear it on the record, that music full of life and good vibes, my Russian neighbors were banging on the wall of my room at 3 am, I guess out of joy and happiness, uttering shouts like: “I'm so happy! Сукин сын, сделай музыку потише, или мы сделаем икру из твоих глаз, ублюдок! !!! And another thing to see him on stage, his real personal Olympia, the way he moves, the grimaces, the way he pokes his partners to get them into it. I would give an arm and a leg to attend one of his concerts in Las Vegas, at the Ceasar or the Sahara, with Don Rickles as master of ceremonies, from midnight till dawn, non-stop. Isn't it to die for? Louis Prima is life, it is naturalness on stage, spontaneity and in the smiles of his musicians you can see it, that is not fake, real as life itself. I have no words to thank how happy Louis Prima and friends make me, even if the day appears cloudy, Louis Prima makes the sun come out. Thank you Master.

[@rosemarymagrino772]

How Keely stood so still with all that mayhem around astounds me!

[@briannewman6306]

I just want to say I love all the comments I have read on these two. You are all so right.

[@jeanmariebasset2544]

Formidable solo trompette de Louis Prima

[@mquartarone]

Really hear the influence of Louis Armstrong and Al Jolson in his performance - so talented. Keely a real beauty and stunning singer.

[@stevekonbass]

I just realized Keely Smith was the actress that starred with Robert Mitchum in Thunder Road. Great voice.

[@CJPooz]

My Italian family every hour of living with me: 1:30

[@DonnaLang42rockglobally]

I wasn't aware that Louis Prima played trumpet before I saw this video. Good to know.

[@madelinetramantano8302]

Loved Louis voice. And Kelly she's got a strong voice.

[@davidhallett8783]

Keely

[@madelinetramantano8302]

@@davidhallett8783 I know it was a mistake.

[@stephenvincent4989]

Yes, great comedy however Keeley stood head and shoulders above it all with “THAT VOICE” - possibly underrated but stand alone she was up there with the greats.

[@DJRobbieTroncoRemix]

ENJOYED THIS SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! thank you for posting!!! i only wish that we could find to originals wich would be much clearerrrrrr

[@nuwavedave]

Louis Prima and his band were an undeniable force that helped pave the way for Rock 'n' Roll. Nobody can tell me his unmatched showmanship didn't influence Bruce Springsteen.

[@bdadolph]

They were wolder than Elvis

[@rickmcdonald1557]

Bruce don't make a wort on Prima's A$$~!!

[@Potatotenkopf]

Bangers honestly

[@robertafierro5592]

Wasn't he the voice for Ballu in the Jungle Book?

[@DonnaLang42rockglobally]

He was in Jungle Book, but he voiced King Louis.

[@coolcpa3321]

As King Louis, he sang "I Wan'na Be Like You."

[@iamfelixthecat7233]

Baloo the Bear was voiced by Phil Harris.

[@rickriffel6246]

This was from May 10, 1959, according to the timestamp.

[@roybodden9243]

I saw them in the mid 1950’s at the New York Paramount Theatre. Believe it or not Frank Sinatra was on the program! How is that for a program!

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Did Louis Prima ever play with Louis Armstrong? THAT would have been a hoot!

[@pj61114]

Imagine This. Perhaps they could sandwich a digital recording together and use digitized imagery. 🎉 Like your comment.

[@martygras378]

You would think it probably happened at some point

[@tikitavi7120]

Imagine Louis Prima doing some Cajun music.

[@jazzkat6721]

The Tempo is crazy!

[@BostonCleaningCo]

awesomeness on steroids........

[@magdielbetancourt5164]

Awesome

[@dennisdjy]

Man had SWAG since way back!!!!

[@MARIOK124]

MUSIC. REAL MUSIC.

[@fludashcamjage6159]

RBF progenitor Keely Smith

[@peterbischoff8924]

❤

[@Marleneann]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@elainepatino5625]

I loved Louis Prima though!

[@lesterbrandt3203]

Beanie & Cecil ,"Snow What & the 7 Whatnots" . Wanted to see where Squeely Smith came from. She does rub her nose!

[@marimbadearco]

what are the dates of the shows? thanks so much for posting!

[@hoegild1]

damn they are good..

[@chirelle.alanalooney8609]

What's up and happening with Keely Smith?

[@sandy3482]

My grandpa would always sing Wey Marie but not Loui6s, Love the way Keely would not crack a smile.

[@eloyguevara9447]

hoy dia este tipo de cantante y artista no existe ni de milagro..........................................

[@kennethreed2186]

😎👍

[@dbbubba1]

What would it be like if Sonny and Cher could sing? OH!!!! Like Louis Prima and Keely Smith! To be fair Keeley had left Louis and the the group and didn't do this act any longer, so I guess that it was open to be stolen. Still...

[@chirelle.alanalooney8609]

I'm only asking because I've only seen her standing there and staring.

[@wayneblack990]

That was her "shtick" so to speak. Part of a comedic routine. While Louis and his band were making idiots of themselves she stood there bored. I would have given anything to see them live in Las Vegas, but a little before my time. She also had one of the best voices in jazz.