Louis Prima Biography, Photos and Posters

Louis Prima

Biography

Born: December 7, 1910
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Instrument: Trumpet, Vocalist
Music Training: studied violin as a child;
Bands and Orchestras: Irving Fazola, Leon Prima
Signature Song: "Sing, Sing, Sing"
Louis Prima biography: He was born into a musical family, of Sicilian extraction, in New Orleans. Prima became a noted Italian American singer actor songwriter and trumpeter. He was referred to as "The King of Swingers." He first led a 7 piece jass band in the 20s, then a swing combo in the 40s, followed by a Vegas lounge act in the 50s and a go-go band in the 60s.

Prima, who studied violin as a child started performing when he was still quite young. His brother Leon was a noted local band leader. Prima was heavily influenced by the local musicinas of his time, in particular Louis Armstrong.

He started playing trumpet with Irving Fazola, his brother band and the pit band of the Saenger Theater before forming Louis Prima's New Orleans. He moved to New York in 1934 where he worked regularly along 52nd street. His 1936 composition "Sing, Sing, Sing" became one of his biggest hits and a jazz classic most notably covered by Benny Goodman.

After moving to Los Angeles to headline at the famous Door Nightclub,he appeared in several movies, including a feature performance with Bing Crosby in Rhythm on the Range. Meanwhile Prima continued to tour nationwide. Prima bowed to music business pressure and formed a conventional band in 1940. He sang most of the vocals, but had Lily Ann Carol as the "girl singer."

In the late 40s Prima added female singer Keely Smith who would become his fourth wife. Prima continued the big band into the late 1950s and recorded several novelty records under the supervision of Mitch Miller. During the late 50s the big band era had all but dried up and Prima and Smith began perfoprming in small venues all over the East.

In an attempt to regain the spotlight he called his close friend Bill Miller who had found work as entertainment director at The Sahara nightclub in Las Vegas. Prima called saxophonist Sam Butera and asked him to piece together a small band for Prima's debut at The Sahara. The band called the Witnesses helped Prima once again regain his popularity. Together the band along with Prima and Smith worked nightly until sunrise at their Vegas gig, with Smith and Prima developing a comic side to their act.

Together Prima and Smith raised 2 children, while performing at the Sahara Lounge, and appearing in a few movies Senior Prom and Hey Boy! Hey Girl! Prima co-produced the feature Twist All Night.

During this period Louis and Keely began to drift apart and soon found themselves in divorce court. After this Prima began dating Gia Maione who was a long time fan. Eventually she became Louis' fifth wife. She was with the band until 1975. By this time Prima was putting out a more progressive contemporary sound utilizing electric organs and synthesizers, even dabbling in progressive rock.

In 1975 Prima sought medical attention for severe headaches and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After surgery he slipped into a coma and never recovered. He died 3 years later.
Died: August 24, 1978

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