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Louis Prima was an American singer, actor, songwriter, and trumpeter. Prima rode the musical trends of his time, starting with his seven-piece New Orleans style jazz band in the 1920s, then successively leading a swing combo in the 1930s, a big band in the 1940s, a Vegas lounge act in the 1950s, and a pop-rock band in the 1960s. In each of his musical endeavors, he incorporated his exuberant personality into his act.

Louis's mother, Angelina, was a second-generation Italian American in New Orleans. She cared much about her children's futures and made sure that each of them played an instrument. Louis was assigned the violin and started out playing at St. Ann's Parish. He became interested in jazz when he heard it streaming out of clubs from black musicians, including Louis Armstrong.

In September 1934, Prima began recording for the Brunswick label. He recorded "That’s Where the South Begins", "Long About Midnight", "Jamaica Shout", and "Star Dust". Prima and his New Orleans Gang was a band that consisted of five musicians. Frank Pinero was the pianist, Jack Ryan played bass, Garrett McAdams played guitar, while Pee Wee Russell played clarinet. The band had their first performance at a club called the “Famous Door” owned and operated by Jack Colt. Prima’s stage presence and combination of scat and swing style allowed jazz to reach a new level. Source: Wikipedia (edited) Read more...