Louis Prima: Man That Cat Could Swing!

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Louis Prima: Man That Cat Could Swing!

Louis Prima was born to Italian immigrant parents Angelina and Anthony Prima on December 7, 1910 in the town that he would eventually draw his biggest influences from, New Orleans, Louisiana. Louis' first instrument was a saxophone that he received on his 10th birthday from the leader of the Dixieland band that his older brother Leon was in. He never quite took to the saxophone, and eventually gave it up and studied instead the violin. Near the end of his high school career however, he switched to the instrument that he is most associated with, and for which he acquired his nickname "the lip," the trumpet. And although he had no formal training on the trumpet, as Sam Butera is quoted as saying, "Louis discovering the trumpet was like a fish discovering water."

After high school, from 1927-1934, Louis played throughout New Orleans and recorded more than 70 titles for various labels, and at the age of 24, he took his considerable talents as a trumpet player and bandleader to New York City. It was at around this time that Louis coined the expression "Swing," as well as many others, and once The Louis Prima Band played their version of Big Band inspired, Dixieland Jazz infused "Swing" music at the Famous Door Club, the entire 52nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway was dubbed "Swing Street." Thus, a whole new era of music began. Even the "King Of Swing," Benny Goodman wouldn't have near the notoriety without the Prima penned "Sing Sing Sing," which is still considered a Swing Era classic.

"Sing Sing Sing," was originally written for a small orchestra and included vocals, this original arrangement is featured on a number of earlier Louis Prima recordings. However, once Louis rewor...

... middle of paper ...

... and quotes I have heard and read about Louis Prima, the best was from a 1960 interview with Elvis Presley; when asked where he had gotten his controversial wiggle, he replied, "From Louis Prima, of course."

Sources Used:

Jumpin Jive

A Tribute To Louis Prima

(http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Square/2077/page1.html)

Louis Prima

official tribute and record label site

(http://www.louisprima.com)

MSN Entertainment - Celebs: Louis Prima (http://entertainment.msn.com/celebs/celeb.aspx?c=302847)

Space Age Music Maker

(http://www.spaceagepop.com/prima.htm)

My Own Wealth Of Useless Knowledge

(my brain)

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