Keely Smith

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Keely Smith stands as a towering figure in the history of American jazz and swing music. Her induction into the Las Vegas Hall of Fame highlights her impact on the city's entertainment culture. Being recognized as one of the last living legends of the Rat Pack era underscores her enduring influence. Her Grammy win in the inaugural year of the Best Rhythm & Blues Performance category remains a historic achievement. She is frequently mentioned alongside the greatest female vocalists of the swing and jazz eras.

AwardsKeely Smith won the first Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance in 1959 for her hit song That Old Black Magic with Louis Prima. This award was significant as it was the inaugural year for this category. Her contribution to the Rat Pack era and Las Vegas entertainment is also recognized through inductions into the Las Vegas Hall of Fame.

Honours & Distinctions

Las Vegas Hall of Fame

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority·1990

Inducted as a legend of the city's entertainment history.

Queen of Las Vegas

Media and Industry Circles·1955

Moniker widely used to describe her status during the 1950s and beyond.

Rankings & Lists

#12

Greatest Female Vocalists of the Swing Era

Jazz Times·2010

Records & Feats

First Grammy Winner for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance

Awards·1959

Won the inaugural award in this category in 1959.