Luigi "Louis" Prima Prima

Background

He was born on December 7, 1911 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. His older brother, Leon, was a professional trumpeter, and a sister, Mary Ann, performed on the piano.

Education

Initially, Prima studied the violin. He began his study on the trumpet at age nine and progressed rapidly. He graduated from Jesuit High School in New Orleans.

Career

At age eleven he formed a highly successful band that featured Irving Fazola. Later, Prima performed with his own band at local nightclubs. He toured and performed in Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles. In 1932 and 1934 he performed with Red Nichols and His Five Pennies in Cleveland. He also appeared regularly in the orchestras of the Saenger Theater and Loew's State in New Orleans.

His typical performance included some acrobatics and comedy supported by a high-energy show. From the 1930's through 1973, Prima recorded extensively and appeared in many commercial films. From 1939 to 1942 he invested in and operated a small recording company. Prima had residences during this period in New York City and New Orleans. High-energy performances brought him the opportunity to accompany well-known musicians in films. His film appearances include Swing It, with Pee Wee Russell (1936); After the Thin Man (1936) and others.

Throughout the 1950's and 1960's, Prima toured with his own big band. Prima died in New Orleans, of pneumonia, having been in a coma for three years following brain surgery.

Achievements

• Luigi Prima was known more for being an entertainer than a jazz trumpet virtuoso, he patterned himself after Louis Armstrong. His musical style was both unique and entertaining, his most popular hits: "Sing, Sing, Sing", "Little Boy Blew His Top", "Robin Hood". Prima was said to be a clowning entertainer who used obnoxious language even when performing duets with the band's female singers, such famous as Lily Ann Carol and Keely Smith.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Oh Marie b/w Luigi

Connections

In 1953, he married his vocalist, Keely Smith; they were divorced in 1961. He married Gia Maione in 1963; they had two children.

Spouse:

Gia Maione

Spouse:

Keely Smith

Sister:

Mary Ann Prima

Brother:

Leon Prima