Louis Prima Jr. carries on the legacy and standards of the music his father made famous. Louis Prima started his legendary career in the 1930’s. Prima Sr. was known as the original King of Swing. He was the innovator. With his distinctive sound and boisterous presence, Prima Sr. made history in the theatres, breaking house records wherever he appeared. Despite making an indelible musical mark from his New Orleans roots in the 30s, throughout the big band era, even penning the first song inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, “Sing, Sing, Sing”, It was in Las Vegas where Louis Prima is best known. Louis Prima and the Witnesses became a legendary, landmark act during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. People from all over had to come witness the most talked about show. Like most high rollers and celebrities, even the famed Rat Pack were spotted at the “Wildest Show” in Vegas. Prima Sr.’s styles encompassed all styles of music as long it swung hard and fast. He took styles from New Orleans-style jazz, Boogie-Woogie, Swing, Blues, Big Band and early Rock & Roll. He created his own sound and transformed it into magic. With hits like “Jump Jive and Wail”, “Angelina” “Just A Gigolo”, “That Old Black Magic” “Buona Sera”, “When Your Smilin” and “Sing, Sing, Sing” he was the “ Big Daddy” of them all. His musical legacy proved long lasting, as covers of his classics became modern-day hits for David Lee Roth, Reba McIntyre and Brian Seltzer. Even Elvis Presley, when asked where he got his wiggle replied, “From Louis Prima of course”. It is this legacy that Louis Prima Jr. plans to maintain. On Father’s Day 1965, Gia Maione, Prima’s sensational singing partner and wife, gave birth to Louis’ only son, Louis Prima, Jr. Destined for musical greatness, Louis Jr. began his musical career with drums at the mere age of 5 and moving on to piano by 8, Prima Jr. was becoming a virtuoso of all musical instruments including trumpet and guitar. Throughout jr. high and high school Prima Jr. performed in the Jazz and Classical bands. With his talent, he competed and placed in the Heavy division at the Chaffey Jazz Festival amongst others. At age 22, Prima Jr. formed a rock band, taking place as singer and songwriter, pursuing the rock n’ roll dream of a recording contract. Prima’s band opened for just about everyone. From rockers Winger to metal maniacs Savatage. Like his Father before him, Louis Jr. set attendance records everywhere he went. At the turn of the decade, Prima Jr. was continually pushed into writing Grunge and to sing like Eddie Vedder. “Grunge? I’ve never been that angry or depressed,” says Prima Jr. With musical tides turning, “I decided to give up on rock and roll.” In 1995 Prima Jr. went back to his roots – his father’s music. Knowing that Brian Setzer was planning to start up a “Big Band” and record Prima Sr's "Jump. Jive and Wail", Jr. decided to give his famed fathers music a go. Enlisting his sister Lena Prima and the musical direction of Prima Sr.’s old B-3 player, Bruce Zarka, they formed what was supposed to be a tribute to his father’s popular Vegas show. Jr. was not happy with the revitalized act and not wanting to be a clone, Prima Jr. decided the time was not right. Almost a decade since that time, while reminiscing about old Las Vegas glamour and entertainment, Prima Jr. was asked what it would take to return to the stage and recreate his Father's legendary show. Louis Jr. simply answered - “A swinging, rocking band, musicians who are willing to sweat, jump, jive and wail for the sake of the masses. Cats who are ready to "PLAY PRETTY FOR THE PEOPLE". The Music and show show have to be the way may Father would be doing it.” Since that time, Louis Jr. has been Packing them in from Coast to Coast. When he and the Witnesses hit the stage, it is guaranteed that you will leave with a Smile on your face, and a Song in your heart.....and Exhausted from watching the NON STOP FRANTIC PACE that Louis Jr. demands. Louis Prima was a star, a Living Legend. His name alone commanded top billing for some 40 years. Prima set a standard of showmanship seldom equaled and never surpassed. Louis Prima’s style is more than an exciting entertainment spectacle; it is a goal to which performers will always aspire. This is what Louis Prima Jr. is doing. Bringing THE LEGENDARY SHOW BACK, the way his FATHER intended.
("WITNESSES" name used courtesy of The Estate of Louis Prima)