One Singular Sensation
February 23, 2013 at 11:57 am 3 comments
(above) Today’s birthday girl, Liz Kelley, on The Dean Martin Show, Feb. 25, 1971
It was while directing a Las Vegas stage show for dancing legend Gene Kelly that Dean Martin Show Producer-Director Greg Garrison discovered another Kelley — different spelling, no relation, opposite sex and of a much younger generation, but a gorgeous newcomer who demonstrated all of the terpsichorean skill to live up to the talent of her similarly-monickered idol.
Liz Kelley was only 17 when she was hired to be a part of Gene Kelly’s live revue, which played Vegas from February to April of 1970. The show had been adapted from an NBC television special he had starred in a month earlier with the rather verbose, yet enticing title, Gene Kelly’s Wonderful World of Girls with 50 Girls, Count ‘Em, 50. Out of those 50, which included a number already working in The Golddiggers or as one of Dean’s Girls, Greg Garrison saw great promise in Liz Kelley; and when the first new opening in the lineup of The Golddiggers came up in the fall of 1970, it was Liz that Greg called upon to fill it.
Once in the smaller, but higher-visibility ensemble of The Golddiggers, with exposure before millions each week through the intimate medium of television, first on The Dean Martin Show and then on the group’s own syndicated series, Chevrolet Presents The Golddiggers, Liz quickly became a familiar face and a fan favorite, which she remains to this day.
With her expertise in dancing, it was only natural that she would eventually come to run her own school, Dance Studio 1, where future stars continue to benefit from Liz’s experience and hands-on dedication to her craft.
While her career may have begun as one of 50 Girls (Count ’Em 50), anyone familiar with Liz, her accomplishments, her talent, her beauty, her kindness, and her heart, knows that she’s one in a million.
Happy Birthday, Liz, and Many, Many More.
You can find out more about Liz Kelley’s school, Dance Studio 1, by clicking here.
And you can join many fans and alumnae of The Golddiggers, The Dingaling Sisters and The Dean Martin Show on Facebook by clicking here:
Entry filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: Dean Martin, Gene Kelly, Golddiggers, Liz Kelley, The Dean Martin Show, The Dingaling Sisters, The Golddiggers.
1.
Michelle DellaFave | February 23, 2013 at 12:46 pm
happy birthday Liz and many many more!!
Love, Michelle
2.
Micki Mc Glone Golddigger 1970 | February 24, 2013 at 2:38 pm
Happy Happy Birthday “beautiful Ms Lizzie !!!” I have to say that the first time I saw you dance with Gene Kelly in Las vegas….I was blown away by your flawless and energetic dancing ability…. A REAL WOW !!! If I didn’t love you so much….I would be jealous !!!
Micki McGlone
PS you still look young and beautiful xoxoxo
3.
Video Vision | May 5, 2013 at 3:20 pm
From the Dean Golds and Dings Facebook page:
Jose Vasquez III Amazing post! Liz IS simply Amazing and true Star in all aspects of life! I would not be where I am without her love and friendship! Happy Birthday Dear Liz! Love you so.
Ray Holder Beautiful girl and story…
Pam Meyer Happy birthday Liz
David Nevels Happy Birthday Liz!
Krista Klaus Gorgeous! Happy Birthday!
Gary L Davis Just beautiful! Have a wonderful B-day!
Janice Whitby Happy Birthday Liz!
Sherry Garrett-Brogdon Happy Birthday Liz!
Lindsey Joe Personett Stunning!!!
Kym Munsinger Daffer Happy Birthday, Liz!! Thanks for everything you do—-
Marie Lang So beautiful!!
Lisa Taranto Butler Happy Birthday, Mz Liz!!
Terry Owensby OK lets go horse back riding 4 your birthday when the weather breaks.
Liz Kelley-Hansen Terry, I would love to!
Janet Peek Happy Birthday Liz!!!! Hope you are doing well.
Susan Briscoe Tideman Happy Birthday Liz! Here’s to many more!!!!
Gary Lord Happy Birthday… That story is so “Michelle” Letting others know and understand the beauty in others…
Patty Jackson Happy Birthday Liz and have many, many more with joy and fun.
Stella Rudack Kelley Happy birthday to my VNNL with much love, Auntie
Joseph Geswaldo Happy Birthday to one of my favorite gold diggers ever!
Kylie Hughes Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Hugs and Kisses from Kylie xxxoooxxx
Mark Hudson Happy Birthday, Liz….Wishing you the best!!
Maureen Mascarenas Happy Birthday Liz! You are forever Beautiful and def Talented! Enjoy your day!
Paula Lindstrand Ross Happy Birthday Liz….Enjoy the day. You desire it. Hugs
Sharon Mathis Ko Happy Birthday Liz, what a wonderful tribute to you and the woman you are
Marvin Doyle Payne Happy Birthday. Enjoyed the article.
Steven Hansen Happy late Birthday Liz – great article!!!
Tom Hansen Sorry I’m late Liz…Happy Birthday !!!
Bruce Sidener Happy birthday, Liz.
Linda Baker Nobles For Jenna and Ashley
Mike Mayosky Happy birthday you young beauty. Liz your the best
Roy Lightner Choreographer I love this woman!
Karen Black I love this!
Cindy Pickett great dancer
Sue Engel Wuetherich McCartney Wow. What a tribute to u, Liz. I did not know your story. Be proud
Bob Lewis Truly one of a kind!
Carolyn Overbey Watson Great story, Liz.