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Emma Kelly

Emma Kelly (December 17, 1918 – January 17, 2001) was an American pianist and singer from Georgia, best known as the "Lady of 6,000 Songs" for her encyclopedic knowledge and performance of American popular music standards spanning decades.^[1]^[2] Born Emma Thompson in Statesboro, Georgia, she began playing piano at age four and developed her vast repertoire through self-taught mastery of thousands of tunes, earning the nickname from songwriter Johnny Mercer in recognition of her ability to perform virtually any requested song.^[2]^[3] Kelly's career spanned over seven decades, starting with local performances at church socials, school graduations, weddings, and civic events in her native Bulloch County, where she became a beloved community figure.^[3] She expanded her reach during World War II by entertaining at USO events, playing for presidents, movie stars, and troops, and later performing in nightclubs five nights a week while raising a family of ten children as a teetotaling Baptist.^[1]^[2] Her national and international prominence surged in 1994 with a dedicated chapter in John Berendt's bestselling nonfiction book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which portrayed her as a quintessential Savannah eccentric and led to appearances in the 1997 Clint Eastwood film adaptation, where she played herself.^[3]^[2] This exposure prompted a late-career "Midnight" concert tour, including sold-out shows at New York's Lincoln Center and Los Angeles' Wadsworth Theater, and the release of three albums, with her final one issued posthumously.^[1]^[3] In recognition of her contributions to music and Georgia culture, Kelly was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1998 and received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Georgia Southern University in 1999, where a scholarship in her name now supports music students.^[2]^[3] She died in Savannah at age 82 from a liver ailment, leaving a legacy as a versatile performer who bridged local traditions with broader American entertainment history.^[1]

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Emma Kelly was born Emma Thompson on December 17, 1918, in Statesboro, Bulloch County, Georgia, to William F. "Willie" Thompson and Sarah J. Parrish Thompson.^[4]^[5] She grew up in a rural family setting, with her father owning a large farm and operating a general store in the area, providing a stable socioeconomic foundation amid the agrarian economy of southeast Georgia.^[6] Her mother was an energetic homemaker who managed sewing for the household and contributed to the family's cultural life through her own musical abilities.^[6] Kelly was one of several siblings, including a sister born when she was about two and a half years old, as well as brothers who later pursued higher education and professional careers outside Georgia, such as one becoming a Pan American pilot in Miami and another attending the Virginia Polytechnic Institute.^[6] Her childhood unfolded on the family farm outside Statesboro, a time marked by the rhythms of rural life in early 20th-century Bulloch County, where agriculture—particularly cotton production—dominated the landscape and economy following the county's transformation into a key commercial hub around 1900.^[7]^[8] She attended school in the nearby town of Brooklet, often riding a pony for the journey, and enjoyed a gregarious upbringing filled with frequent visitors, family gatherings, and social events that reflected the close-knit community dynamics of the region.^[6] During her early years, Kelly developed an initial interest in music through her mother's influence, learning to play the piano at home as a foundational step toward her later pursuits.^[6] The family's ties extended to nearby Savannah, where her grandmother was buried in the historic Bonaventure Cemetery, underscoring the interconnected social networks of coastal Georgia families.^[6]

Early musical influences

Emma Kelly's musical journey began in her early childhood in Statesboro, Georgia, where her talent was first noticed at the age of three when she spontaneously played the hymn "Jesus Loves Me" on the family piano without any prior instruction.^[9] Her mother, an energetic teacher and seamstress who had joined the household and brought a piano with her, immediately recognized this aptitude and began providing informal lessons, starting when Kelly was around four years old.^[10]^[6] This rural upbringing in Statesboro offered a supportive environment, with the family farm and general store fostering a lively atmosphere filled with social gatherings that included music and dancing.^[6] Under her mother's tutelage, Kelly received her initial musical training at home, where her mother also taught half-sisters and hosted other pupils for lessons, emphasizing a hands-on approach to piano playing.^[6] She briefly experimented with the violin around age twelve but quickly returned to the piano as her preferred instrument.^[6] Her education included attendance at New Hope Methodist Church, where community involvement likely introduced her to gospel hymns and Southern folk traditions through choir activities and services during the 1920s and 1930s.^[6] At age fourteen, she spent one year in Orangeburg studying music under her mother's cousin and other teachers, honing her skills before completing high school in Brooklet at sixteen.^[6] Kelly's exceptional memory for music developed early, as she learned pieces primarily by ear rather than through sheet music, a method that allowed her to absorb and retain tunes effortlessly from radio broadcasts and family gatherings.^[11] In her teens, this aptitude enabled her to begin building a vast repertoire, memorizing hundreds of songs from the era's popular standards, emerging jazz influences, and regional folk melodies that permeated Southern culture.^[6]^[12] Her mother's encouragement to not only play but also sing these pieces further shaped her versatile style, laying the foundation for her lifelong command of thousands of compositions.^[12]

Musical career

Early performances

Emma Kelly entered the professional music scene in the 1940s, several years after her marriage in 1936, debuting as a pianist and singer at local venues in Statesboro, Georgia, including college dances and community events.^[6] Her early training on the piano, which began at age four under her mother's guidance, provided the foundation for these versatile performances.^[6] During World War II, Kelly expanded her gigs by performing at USO events for troops at Fort Stewart, a military training facility in southern Georgia, which opened doors to additional paid engagements across the region.^[9] To secure and fulfill these opportunities, she frequently traveled by car throughout southern Georgia, often driving long distances alone or with her young children to reach venues, demonstrating her dedication despite the demands of raising a growing family.^[9] These trips sometimes extended into the night, with returns home as late as 2 a.m., highlighting the logistical rigors of her schedule, which included performances six to seven nights a week.^[13] Kelly's initial style featured a blend of piano accompaniment and vocals, drawing from an early repertoire of popular songs, big band tunes, and classic American standards that appealed to local audiences.^[13] As a female musician in the mid-20th century South, she navigated challenges such as societal expectations to prioritize marriage and motherhood—having ten children—over her career, which delayed further musical studies, alongside the physical strains of solo travel and late-night performances in a conservative region where women in public entertainment faced scrutiny.^[6] Audience reception was generally positive in community settings, though her role often required adapting to informal requests while managing family responsibilities.^[9]

Rise to prominence

Kelly's reputation as a versatile pianist and singer grew significantly in the mid-20th century, culminating in her acquisition of the enduring nickname "Lady of 6,000 Songs." This moniker was coined by renowned songwriter Johnny Mercer during their collaborations from 1970 to 1976, after he challenged her to perform a vast array of tunes from memory and estimated her repertoire encompassed approximately 6,000 popular songs.^[5]^[14] Mercer's endorsement, stemming from her ability to flawlessly play his compositions and countless others without sheet music, elevated her status among music circles in the Southeast.^[9] By the 1950s, Kelly had expanded her performances beyond regional venues in Georgia, embarking on tours and appearances across 39 states throughout the 1950s to 1980s.^[12] These engagements included high-profile gigs for civic organizations, political events, and entertainment circuits, where her encyclopedic knowledge of standards from the Great American Songbook drew repeat audiences.^[9] Her rigorous schedule, often involving long drives from her home in Statesboro, allowed her to build a loyal following while balancing family life as a mother of ten.^[12] Interactions with prominent musicians further boosted Kelly's profile during this period. She jammed with bandleader Tommy Dorsey and accompanied singer Robert Goulet, experiences that showcased her adaptability and deepened her connections within the entertainment industry.^[12] Additionally, humorist Lewis Grizzard frequently joined her at the piano, contributing to her growing acclaim among literary and cultural figures in the South.^[9] In 1985, Kelly co-owned and opened Emma's Piano Lounge on River Street in Savannah, Georgia, with musician Joe Odom, marking a personal venture to establish a dedicated space for her performances.^[5] The bar operated briefly until 1990, hosting intimate sets that highlighted her signature style and attracted local patrons eager to request from her extensive songbook.^[5] This endeavor underscored her entrepreneurial spirit amid her expanding career, though it closed after five years due to financial challenges.^[5]

Signature venues and style

By the 1990s, Emma Kelly had made Hard-Hearted Hannah's East, located upstairs from the Pirates' House at 20 E. Broad Street in Savannah, her signature venue, where she performed solo piano-vocal sets five nights a week from 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.^[15] This intimate jazz club became synonymous with her artistry, drawing locals and visitors alike for its cozy, dimly lit ambiance and reliable schedule of live music.^[16] The venue's association with Kelly was so strong that it was frequently highlighted as a key spot for experiencing authentic Savannah nightlife centered around her performances.^[17] Kelly's performance style emphasized request-driven shows drawn from her extensive repertoire, allowing audiences to guide the evening's selections while she delivered them with a soft, hearty vocal tone accompanied by her skilled piano playing.^[3] Often improvisational in nature, these sets showcased her ability to flawlessly adapt to any musical request on the spot, reflecting her encyclopedic knowledge of tunes.^[3] Known as the "Lady of 6,000 Songs"—a nickname bestowed by songwriter Johnny Mercer that highlighted her unparalleled request-handling prowess—she maintained a regal stage presence, frequently donning a gold tiara while seated at the grand piano.^[1] Her shows cultivated a vibrant social atmosphere through direct audience engagement, such as signing autographs and conversing with patrons, which helped foster a loyal local following among Savannah residents who returned regularly for the communal experience.^[15] This interactive dynamic turned performances into inclusive gatherings, particularly appealing to older crowds who appreciated the familiar, nostalgic vibe of her music.^[1] Over the decades, Kelly's approach evolved little in core elements, consistently prioritizing pre-1950s American popular standards over modern trends, ensuring her sets remained a timeless escape rooted in classic melodies like those from the Great American Songbook.^[1] This steadfast focus preserved the enduring appeal of her artistry, even as she performed in diverse settings from nightclubs to community events across south Georgia.^[1]

Association with Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Feature in the book

In John Berendt's 1994 nonfiction book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Emma Kelly is introduced in Chapter 6 as a quintessential Savannah icon, dubbed the "Lady of 6,000 Songs" for her vast repertoire of American popular standards that she could perform from memory.^[1] Berendt portrays her as a teetotaling Baptist pianist and singer in her seventies, whose elegant demeanor and devout faith contrasted with the smoky cocktail lounges where she entertained on Saturday nights, only to transition seamlessly to playing for children's Sunday school classes the following morning.^[1] Her performances at local spots, such as the bar she co-owned with Joe Odom, are depicted as lively gatherings that captured the idiosyncratic spirit of Savannah's social life, where she would take song requests from patrons, evoking nostalgia and joy through her versatile renditions.^[18] Berendt recounts specific anecdotes highlighting Kelly's interactions with him and Odom, including Odom introducing her to the author during one of her evenings at the bar, where her warm hospitality and musical prowess quickly endeared her to visitors.^[19] The book also describes her close business and personal partnership with Odom, the charming but unreliable local figure. Following Odom's death in 1991 from an AIDS-related illness, Kelly continued to pay off the debts he had accumulated during their joint ventures, later sharing her mixed feelings of loyalty and burden, reflecting her compassionate yet pragmatic nature.^[20] These personal exchanges underscore Berendt's immersive style, positioning Kelly not just as a performer but as a resilient participant in Savannah's interconnected web of friendships and eccentricities. The book's focus on Kelly elevated her from a beloved local entertainer to a national figure, with the entire chapter dedicated to her life and talent drawing widespread attention upon its publication as a long-running New York Times bestseller.^[1] This exposure led to increased demand for her performances beyond Georgia, including bookings in New York City and even Switzerland, transforming her routine gigs at church socials and wedding receptions into opportunities to represent Southern musical tradition on larger stages.^[1] Through excerpts that emphasize her ability to connect emotionally with audiences—such as her reflections on music's power to revive memories of love and simpler times—Berendt highlights Kelly's personality as one of unassuming grace and enduring optimism.^[18] Within the broader context of Savannah's cultural scene as chronicled in the book, Kelly emerges as a symbol of timeless Southern charm, embodying the city's blend of hospitality, eccentricity, and quiet resilience amid its historic squares and hidden dramas.^[18] Her depiction reinforces Berendt's narrative of Savannah as a place where ordinary talents like hers sustain the community's soul, contrasting the sensational murder trial at the book's core with the everyday poetry of local luminaries.^[18]

Role in the film adaptation

In the 1997 film adaptation of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, directed by Clint Eastwood, Emma Kelly appeared as herself in a cameo role during the Christmas party scene at Jim Williams' Mercer House.^[21] She is depicted performing on the piano, providing musical accompaniment that captures her signature style of playing a vast repertoire of songs from memory, consistent with her nickname "Lady of 6,000 Songs."^[18] This on-screen portrayal highlighted her as a colorful Savannah character, blending seamlessly into the film's ensemble of real-life locals. Kelly contributed original piano performances to the film's production, which were integrated into the party sequence to evoke the eclectic social atmosphere of Savannah high society.^[9] Although not featured on the commercial soundtrack album, her recordings for the movie helped underscore the narrative's focus on the city's musical heritage, drawing from standards associated with her longtime friend Johnny Mercer. These contributions amplified her visibility beyond the book's pages, introducing her talents to a broader cinematic audience and sparking renewed interest in her live shows.^[3] The film's depiction of Kelly differed from her portrayal in John Berendt's source material, where she is the subject of an entire chapter centered on her taking song requests during performances at her bar, Emma's. In the adaptation, Eastwood dramatized this into a more festive, integrated party performance, emphasizing visual spectacle over intimate dialogue while retaining her essence as an unassuming musical fixture.^[9] This cinematic choice streamlined her role but heightened its dramatic flair. Kelly's involvement in the film significantly boosted her late-career popularity, attracting national media coverage and tourists to her regular gigs at Savannah venues like The Pirates' House.^[21] The movie's release, following the book's success, positioned her as a living emblem of Southern eccentricity, leading to increased bookings and recognition until her death in 2001.^[14]

Personal life

Marriage and family

Emma Kelly married George Ross Kelly, a sign maker from Statesboro, Georgia, in 1936 after he visited her during a brief stay in Miami where her brother lived.^[9]^[6] The couple's union lasted 47 years until George's death in 1983.^[12] George, known for his hardworking nature and successful business, provided stability during their early years, including obtaining permission from Emma's father to marry.^[6] Their marriage reflected the family-oriented values instilled in Emma during her rural upbringing in Bulloch County.^[9] Together, Emma and George raised ten children—four daughters followed by six sons—in Statesboro, where the family initially lived in a duplex owned by George's mother.^[9] The demands of motherhood significantly shaped Emma's early adult life, as she prioritized homemaking and childcare, sewing clothes for her children and forgoing formal music studies despite her passion for the piano.^[6] In a 1990s interview, she reflected on this period: "I had to work hard. I had so many children. And I never did really get back out there to study some music at a college."^[6] Balancing these responsibilities with her emerging musical interests proved challenging, yet the household was filled with music, fostering a creative environment.^[9] As Emma's performances gained traction later in life, her family played a supportive role, incorporating the children's musical talents into her shows and assisting with logistics for gigs and travels.^[9] George and the children helped sustain her career by creating a nurturing backdrop that allowed her to perform once her children were older, often joining her on stage for family-oriented renditions.^[11] This familial involvement underscored the Kellys' close-knit dynamic, where music intertwined with everyday life.^[9]

Lifestyle and travels

Emma Kelly maintained a simple, music-centric lifestyle centered in Savannah, Georgia, where she resided in a modest home after her children had grown and established their own independent lives. With ten children ranging in age from 35 to 60 by the late 1990s, all of whom were college-educated and professionally successful, Kelly enjoyed a quiet domestic routine focused on her passion for music, often driving an hour home from evening engagements while reflecting on song requests that evoked personal memories.^[12]^[9] As a devout, teetotaling Baptist, Kelly balanced her evenings with community-oriented activities, such as playing piano for children's Sunday school classes the morning after her nightclub performances, embodying a disciplined routine that prioritized faith and service alongside her musical pursuits. Her personal habits reflected this unassuming existence; she favored simple refreshments like orange-cranberry juice and milk, and during travels, she often wore the same practical attire to maintain ease and focus on her work. Community involvement was integral to her daily life, including performances for local Rotary Clubs, country clubs, and church groups, which provided outlets for her encyclopedic repertoire beyond professional venues.^[1]^[14]^[12] Kelly's travels were a hallmark of her independence as a performer, involving habitual drives across southern Georgia to fulfill engagements at church socials, high school graduations, Kiwanis luncheons, and wedding receptions, crisscrossing the region in her later years to sustain her career. Following the death of her husband, George Kelly, in 1983 after 47 years of marriage, she adapted by embracing greater mobility on her own, occasionally joined by family members in her early travels but increasingly relying on her self-sufficient routine to navigate long distances. Her journeys extended beyond Georgia to 39 states and international performances in Switzerland, such as in New York, yet she always returned to her Savannah base, where music remained the core of her enduring vitality.^[1]^[12]^[4]

Death and legacy

Final years and passing

Following her appearance in the 1997 film adaptation of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Emma Kelly continued to perform actively, including five nights a week at a nightclub.^[1] She became ill about a month before her death and died on January 17, 2001, at the age of 82, in Savannah, Georgia, from a liver ailment.^[1]^[22]^[4] She was survived by her ten children, including son Bill Kelly.^[1] Kelly was buried at Eastside Cemetery in Statesboro, Georgia, her hometown.^[4] The Savannah community responded with immediate tributes, remembering her as a cherished musical figure whose encyclopedic repertoire had entertained generations.^[3] Local friends and admirers gathered to celebrate her life and enduring influence on the region's cultural scene.^[3]

Accolades and honors

In recognition of her extensive contributions to Georgia's music scene, particularly her vast repertoire and performances in Savannah's nightlife venues, Emma Kelly was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1998 as a Mary Tallent honoree.^[23] That year, the Georgia Senate also passed Resolution 597 to formally acknowledge her as a beloved pianist and singer who had enriched the state's cultural landscape through decades of live performances.^[24] The following spring, in 1999, Georgia Southern University conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree, honoring her self-taught mastery of thousands of songs and her role as a staple of Southern entertainment.^[2] Posthumously, Kelly's enduring influence was celebrated through the naming of the Emma Kelly Theater at the Averitt Center for the Arts in her hometown of Statesboro, a venue dedicated to live music and performances that continues to host artists in tribute to her nickname, the "Lady of 6,000 Songs."^[25]

References

[1]
Emma Kelly, 82, 'Lady of 6,000 Songs' - The New York Times
Jan 29, 2001 · Emma Kelly, pianist and singer made famous as 'Lady of 6000 Songs' by book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, dies at age 82 (S)Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[2]
Emma T. Kelly - Digital Commons@Georgia Southern
Emma T. Kelly (1918-2001) was a native of Statesboro, Georgia and was made internationally famous as the "Lady of 6000 Songs" in the book "Midnight in the ...
[3]
Emma Kelly - musician - Averitt Center for the Arts
Emma Thompson Kelly was a Georgia music icon. She was named the “The Lady of 6,000 songs” for her encyclopedic knowledge of popular music by the late Johnny ...Missing: notable person
[4]
Emma Thompson Kelly (1918-2001) - Find a Grave Memorial
... Lady of 6000 Songs by songwriter Johnny Mercer because ... Birth: 17 Dec 1918. Statesboro, Bulloch County, Georgia, USA. Death: 17 Jan 2001 (aged 82).
[5]
Emma Kelly collection | ArchivesSpace at GSU Library
Born Emma Thompson on December 17, 1918, she was later married to ... Lady of 6,000 Songs." In September of 1985 Emma opened her "Piano Lounge" on ...
[6]
[PDF] Interview with Emma Kelly - Digital Commons@Georgia Southern
She still taught music. 'cause she was past forty and then had that huge family of children that she made all their clothes- she could sew. M: A lot of energy.
[7]
Bulloch County - New Georgia Encyclopedia
Aug 19, 2005 · Between 1890 and 1910, Bulloch County transformed itself into a major agricultural and commercial center, led by aggressive leaders who were new ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[8]
Statesboro - New Georgia Encyclopedia
Twentieth Century. During the first decade of the twentieth century, cotton became king in south Georgia. Statesboro was poised to become the market of choice.
[9]
Our 'Mrs. Emma' - Statesboro Herald
Emma Kelly was famous in Statesboro's eyes long before others took notice, but her national fame started when she met and became good friends with Savannah- ...Missing: notable person
[10]
SAVANNAH:MUSIC TO MY EARS (PART 3) - Freeman's Rag
Emma Kelly was born on Dec. 17, 1918 in Statesboro, Georgia. Under her mother's tutelage she started playing the piano at age four.Missing: training | Show results with:training
[11]
Emma Kelly - Biography - IMDb
Emma Kelly, the "Lady of 6,000 Songs" made famous by the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." John Berendt, author of the 1994 book that was made ...
[12]
An evening with EMMA KELLY Savannah songbird to sing for ...
Nov 2, 1997 · Emma Kelly was in demand long before she became Chapter Six in the "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.".Missing: early influences training
[13]
"An Evening with Emma Kelly" - Statesboro Herald
In addition to being a renowned performer, Emma was also wife to George Kelly, a local sign maker, and mother to their 10 children, who were born in near- ...Missing: parents background
[14]
Emma Kelly; 'Lady of 6,000 Songs' - Los Angeles Times
Jan 31, 2001 · Emma Kelly, 82, the "Lady of 6000 Songs" made famous by the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."<|control11|><|separator|>
[15]
TOURISTS HAVEN'T YET OVERRUN SAVANNAH – Orlando Sentinel
... Emma Kelly (Chapter 6), a fixture at Hard-Hearted Hannah's. “We're going to see her tomorrow – I can't wait!” If Midnight puts you in the mood for a Savannah ...
[16]
Jazz legend Ben Tucker spread the beat to the Lowcountry
Jun 8, 2013 · Hannah's was best known for pianist Emma Kelly, the “Lady of 6,000 Songs,” with Tucker playing bass. The music ended abruptly Tuesday. Tucker ...Missing: performances | Show results with:performances
[17]
Huxsie Scott, Ben Tucker and Teddy Adams join forces to honor ...
Jul 22, 2009 · ... Emma Kelly and said the two of them knew all of Mercer's music. "When I was at Hard Hearted Hannah's, we played all Johnny Mercer songs," he ...
[18]
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - New Georgia Encyclopedia
Among memorable Savannahians depicted are singer/pianist Emma Kelly, “The Lady of 6,000 Songs” (so dubbed by Savannah songwriter Johnny Mercer); Joe Odom, a ...Missing: performance | Show results with:performance
[19]
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - Chapter 6 Summary ...
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis. John ... Joe introduces Emma Kelly, or 'the lady of six thousand songs.' Emma is ...
[20]
25 years after 'Midnight' - Palm Beach Daily News
Mar 23, 2019 · The Book is “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,'' by John Berendt. It was on the New York Times Best-seller list for a record-setting 216 weeks.
[21]
Filming Midnight in the Garden- Savannah, GA
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is an American mystery thriller film ... Debutante Ball scene was shot at the Savannah Inn and Country Club.
[22]
Emma Kelly - IMDb
Emma Kelly, the "Lady of 6,000 Songs" made famous by the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." John Berendt, author of the 1994 book that was made ...
[23]
List of 163 Musicians – Georgia Music Hall Of Fame Inductees
Emma Kelly (Mary Tallent) Allman Brothers Band (Group); 1999. Mike Clark (Non Performer) Travis Tritt (Performer) Jessye Norman (Mary Tallent) Gram Parsons ...
[24]
Composite status: House bills, House resolutions, Senate bills ...
479 The Georgia Sovereignty Resolution of 1998- provide. H (Judy) s 1/15 480 ... 597 Emma Thompson Kelly recognize 598 Girls & Women In Sports Day ...
[25]
History Makers Call Georgia Home
May 7, 2009 · No one can forget names like James Brown, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, the Allman Brothers Band, Alan Jackson, Jennifer Nettles and Emma Kelly.