Keely Smith 'The Whippoorwill'

Keely Smith was one of the great ladies of song. This recording truly captures her wonderful voice & style. "The Whippoorwill," written by Don Raye & Robert Mitchum for the 1958 film, Thunder Road, was recorded by Keely, who portrayed a nightclub singer in the film. It was released as a 45 rpm single on Capitol Records with “Sometimes” as the B side & was later included in Keely Smith: The Essential Capitol Collection CD, released in 2007. The song was arranged & conducted by Nelson Riddle.

[pickleman]

It's due to you and your uploads that I know how special Keely Smith was, thanks.

[melcarter]

They just don’t make music like this anymore. What a beautiful picture painted. A magnolia in bloom is a splendid thing. Hearing a Whippoorwill sing with a kiss under the tree. I guess it’s just the hopeless romantic in me… thanks for sharing.

[psw]

She had a great voice and good show with husband Louie Prima. Great lady.

[JerrySeymour]

A truly remarkable woman. Heart of gold and voice of an angel. She and Mitchum were great friends.

[paulriofski]

Thank you so much, catman, for posting this beautiful rarity by the late great Keely Smith, and for highlighting her role in the film. Super post and super notes!

[NickRatto]

I enjoyed this music as a short guy mom had many an. LP of theirs plus many others

[Geoffreydarcy-pvmq]

Well known, for her time. Well respected, long after.❤

[stevevilinsky]

From the 1958 film “Thunder Road “, which she co-starred with Robert Mitchum.

[nissi.k]

Beautiful! voice! 🤍
She looks a bit like Joan Baez I think.