Howard Keel Biography

Howard Keel was an American singer and actor who starred in several MGM musicals and the TV drama series ‘Dallas’. Known for his rich bass-baritone voice, he was inspired to sing professionally while attending a concert and wasted no time in pursuing his passion. He began performing at events and participated in music contests before debuting in Broadway musicals. Born to a drunkard father and a conservative homemaker mother, Keel had a difficult early life and spent his childhood in extreme poverty. Following his father’s death, he and his family moved to California from Illinois where he graduated from Fallbrook High School and later worked as a car mechanic. He held a job at Douglas Aircraft in Los Angeles before debuting as a performer. He first established himself as a star on the Broadway and eventually ventured into films as well. He had a long and successful career that spanned almost six decades. He died at his home in Palm Desert in 2004 after a bout with colon cancer.