Emma Kelly
Emma Thompson Kelly (December 17, 1918 – January 17, 2001) was an American musician. Known as the "Lady of 6,000 Songs",[1] she appeared in both John Berendt's 1994 book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and its 1997 movie adaptation.
Emma Kelly | |
|---|---|
 Emma Kelly (at the piano) and Nancy Hillis in 1994 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | December 17, 1918 Statesboro, Georgia |
| Died | January 17, 2001 (aged 82) Savannah, Georgia |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Piano |
| Years active | 1940s–1980s |
Her nickname was given to her by Johnny Mercer, who — after challenging her to play numerous songs he named — estimated she knew 6,000 songs from memory.[2]
Personal life
Kelly was married to George Kelly for 47 years — from 1936 until his death from a heart attack in 1983 at the age of 70.[2] Together they had ten children.[1]
Death
Kelly died on January 17, 2001, from a liver ailment. She was 82.[1]
Accolades
Kelly was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1998.[3] She performed at the event.[4]
References
- "Emma Kelly, 82, 'Lady of 6,000 Songs'" - New York Times, January 29, 2001
- "Our 'Mrs. Emma'" - Statesboro Herald, October 18, 2015
- Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee list
- "Emma's acceptance piano speech Emma Kelly Ga Music Hall of Fame" - YouTube, October 26, 2014
External links
- Emma Kelly at IMDb
- Emma Thompson Kelly at FindAGrave.com
- Emma Kelly - Statesboro - YouTube, May 7, 2010
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