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Louis PrimaSicilian-American singer, actor, songwriter and jazz trumpeter
Date of Birth: 07.12.1910
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Biography of Louis Prima
- Early Life and Career
- Sing Sing Sing and Hollywood Career
- The Witnesses and Las Vegas
- Later Years and Legacy
Biography of Louis Prima
Louis Prima was a Sicilian-American singer, actor, songwriter, and jazz trumpeter. He was one of the pioneers of the musical style of his time.

Early Life and Career
Prima was born into a musical family in New Orleans. His parents immigrated to the United States from Sicily, Italy, and settled in New Orleans after initially moving to Argentina. As a child, Prima learned to play the violin and his older brother Leon led a local group. Proud of his heritage, Prima often mentioned his Italian-American roots in his performances. The influence of fellow New Orleans musician Louis Armstrong was evident in Prima's singing and playing.

In his youth, Prima played with Irving Fazola and his brother's group, as well as with David Rose's orchestra in Chicago. He also acted in a local team called "The Hotcha Trio." In 1934, Prima moved to New York and collaborated with Eddie Miller and George Brunies, fellow musicians from New Orleans. He also made new friends, including clarinetist Pee Wee Russell. During this time, Prima formed the unofficial jazz group "Louis Prima and His New Orleans Gang."

Sing Sing Sing and Hollywood Career
In 1936, Prima released his composition "Sing Sing Sing," which quickly became a major hit and a well-known swing song. Benny Goodman's rendition of the song with Gene Krupa on drums at Carnegie Hall is particularly famous. Prima later moved to Los Angeles, where he performed in nightclubs and appeared in Hollywood films, such as "Rhythm on the Range" in 1936 with Bing Crosby.

The Witnesses and Las Vegas
During a time when large musical ensembles were popular, Prima decided to form his own large group. The distinctive feature of his music was the Gleeby Rhythm, a characteristic and recognizable rhythm that Prima would continue to use for the next two decades. He primarily sang the vocal parts of his group's songs, while Lily Ann Carol handled the female vocals. Jimmy Vincent served as the drummer. In 1949, Keely Smith joined the group as a new vocalist and later became Prima's fourth wife.

As the popularity of large ensembles waned and financial troubles arose, Prima found himself in need of work and turned to Las Vegas. He teamed up with legendary saxophonist Sam Butera, who brought together a talented group of performers known as the Witnesses. Their first performance was a success, and they soon moved to a more prestigious venue. Prima and his band became one of the main attractions in Las Vegas.
Later Years and Legacy
Throughout the 1950s, Prima and Smith worked tirelessly, sometimes performing multiple shows in one night. Their hard work paid off as they regained a portion of their former popularity, and the club they performed at, "The Sahara," became one of the most popular spots in the city. In 1959, Prima and Smith won a Grammy Award for "Best Vocal Group Performance" for their song "That Old Black Magic."
Due to their busy schedules, Prima and Smith grew apart, and their relationship eventually ended in divorce. Prima then began a relationship with longtime fan Gia Maione, who became his fifth and final wife.
In 1973, Prima suffered a mild heart attack. In 1975, he was hospitalized for severe headaches and memory lapses, which were later diagnosed as a brain tumor. Prima underwent surgery to remove the tumor but never fully recovered. He passed away three years later.
Louis Prima's influence on music and his contributions to the swing era continue to be celebrated. His energetic performances and signature style have left a lasting legacy in the world of jazz and popular music.