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Louis "King of Swing" Prima

Louis "King of Swing" Prima - Dirty Coast

Louis Prima was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1910. He was a jazz musician and singer, who achieved great success both in the United States and abroad. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of swing music, and his unique style has been compared to Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. Prima's life was full of adventure, and he experienced everything from Prohibition-era speakeasies to the Rat Pack era of Las Vegas. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Louis Prima's fascinating life and career.

Prima's musical talents were evident from a young age, and he began playing trumpet in his teenage years. He had a successful career as a bandleader in New Orleans before moving to New York City in the 1930s. It was here that Prima found fame with his group, Louis Prima and His Orchestra. The group performed at the famous Apollo Theater and had a residency at the renowned Palace Theater.

In the 1940s, Prima moved to Hollywood and found success as an actor and musician in films such as Louisiana Purchase and The Kingdom and the Beauty. He also continued to have hit songs, including "Jump, Jive An' Wail" and "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody."

In the 1950s, Prima made his mark on the Las Vegas Strip with Louis Prima and Keely Smith as his featured vocalist. The duo's act was filled with energetic swing music and comical banter, and they performed at venues such as The Sahara Hotel and Casino. Prima's Las Vegas years were filled with success and celebrity friendships, including Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.

Sadly, Louis Prima passed away in 1978 at the age of 67. However, his legacy as a jazz pioneer and showman lives on through his music and performances. If you're a fan of swing music or just want to see a dynamic and entertaining show, check out Louis Prima's music and videos - you won't be disappointed!

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