Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

April 13, 1919 in Gillespie, IL

Death

:

November 7, 2004 in Palm Desert, CA

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Howard Keel was an American actor and singer who was born on April 13, 1919, in Gillespie, Illinois. He was the seventh child of a coal miner and grew up in poverty. Keel's love for music began at an early age, and he started singing in church choirs and local events. He attended high school in nearby Mount Olive, where he played basketball and sang in the school choir. After graduating from high school, Keel worked as a laborer in the coal mines and as a car salesman. In 1940, he moved to California to pursue a career in music. He worked as a singing waiter at a restaurant in Hollywood and performed in local nightclubs. Keel's big break came when he was discovered by Oscar Hammerstein II, who cast him in the Broadway production of "Oklahoma!" in 1943. Keel's performance in "Oklahoma!" was a huge success, and he went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "Carousel" and "Kiss Me, Kate." In 1950, he made his film debut in "Annie Get Your Gun," opposite Betty Hutton. Keel's deep, rich baritone voice and rugged good looks made him a popular leading man in Hollywood musicals of the 1950s and 1960s. Some of Keel's most notable film roles include "Show Boat" (1951), "Calamity Jane" (1953), "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954), and "Kismet" (1955). He also appeared in several television shows, including "Dallas" and "The Love Boat." In addition to his acting career, Keel was also a talented singer. He recorded several albums of popular and classical music, including "Howard Keel Sings and Tells" (1958) and "The Best of Howard Keel" (1995). He also performed in concert halls and on television, showcasing his powerful voice and impressive range. Keel received several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1984, he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989. In 1994, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton for his contributions to American culture. Keel continued to perform and make public appearances until his death on November 7, 2004, at the age of 85. He was survived by his wife, Judy Magamoll Keel, and his four children. In conclusion, Howard Keel was a talented actor and singer who made a significant contribution to American culture. His powerful voice and rugged good looks made him a popular leading man in Hollywood musicals of the 1950s and 1960s. Keel's love for music began at an early age, and he pursued a career in music before transitioning to acting. He received several awards and honors throughout his career, including induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame and the National Medal of Arts. Keel's legacy lives on through his recordings, films, and performances, which continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.

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