Who Is Louis Prima? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Louis Prima, born on December 7, 1910, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was an iconic American musician known for his energetic performances and a blend of genres including jazz, swing, and pop. Prima's career spanned several decades, influencing countless musicians with his unique sound and showmanship. He passed away in 1978, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the music industry today.
| Occupation | Jazz Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 7, 1910 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 24 August, 1978 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Louis Prima's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Louis Prima stood at an approximate height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m), with a weight that varied throughout his life. His dynamic stage presence was complemented by his charismatic persona, which delighted fans around the world. Specific body measurements aren't widely recorded, but his vibrant energy on stage was a significant aspect of his performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Though Louis Prima is no longer with us, he was known to have had a few significant relationships during his lifetime. He was married to actress and singer Gia Maione, who played a pivotal role in his later career. Their bond was evident in numerous performances, showcasing both professional and personal chemistry. As of 2025, retrospective insights into his relationships reveal a man who valued love and partnership, often integrating these themes into his music.
Louis Leo Prima was from a musical Italian American family in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father, Anthony Prima, was the son of Leonardo Di Prima, a Sicilian immigrant from Salaparuta, while his mother, Angelina Caravella, had emigrated from the island of Ustica north of Sicily as a baby. Marguerite died when she was three years old.
Leon, Louis, and Elizabeth were all baptized at St. Ann's Parish. They lived in a house at 1812 St. Peter Street in New Orleans.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Louis Prima had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. Considering the inflation and the enduring popularity of his music, it is likely that his estate has significantly grown in value since then. His earnings from live performances, recordings, and royalties from his numerous hits contribute to a legacy that remains profitable. Although the exact salary details aren't public, his contributions to the music industry continue to generate revenue through various media.
Prima had several big hits in the summer of 1945, including "My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time" and "Bell-Bottom Trousers". As his career grew, however, his marriage with Alma simultaneously failed. They got a divorce when she discovered he had been cheating on her with another actress.
Alma was supposed to receive $15,000 a year or 7.5% of his earnings. Prima ignored the payments until they piled up to about $60,000, which forced him to write a settlement check of $45,000 plus $250 per week. Later he married his secretary, Tracelene Barrett.
Career, Business, and Investments
Louis Prima's career began in the 1920s, but he truly shot to fame in the 1930s and 1940s with hits like "Sing, Sing, Sing." He was not only a musician but also a talented songwriter and bandleader, becoming a staple in nightclubs and radio shows. His groundbreaking blend of Latin and jazz rhythms, especially in songs like “Just a Gigolo,” solidified his status as a pioneer in the music scene.
Beyond music, Prima ventured into acting, appearing in several films and television shows. His business savvy allowed him to explore various avenues in the entertainment industry, making sound investments in music publishing and live events.
Louis Leo Prima (December 7, 1910 – August 24, 1978) was an American trumpeter, singer, entertainer, and bandleader.
While rooted in New Orleans jazz, swing music, and jump blues, Prima touched on various genres throughout his career: he formed a seven-piece New Orleans–style jazz band in the late 1920s, fronted a swing combo in the 1930s and a big band group in the 1940s, helped to popularize jump blues in the late 1940s and early to mid 1950s, and performed f
requently as a Vegas lounge act beginning in the 1950s.
Social Network
In terms of social media presence and engagement, Louis Prima's influence remains prominent, even decades after his death. Various fan pages and dedicated profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter celebrate his music and legacy. While he didn't have a social media account during his lifetime, his estate actively maintains a digital presence to keep his memory alive and engage with fans globally.
After Smith was out of his life and his performances, Prima tried to prove that he did not need her. In the New York Post, there was a suggestion that Smith should rejoin for an act in New York's Basin Street East nightclub.
Prima said, "I have no desire whatsoever to have any dealings with Keely Smith under any conditions…There is nothing in the world or no one that could ever make me accept this woman in our act."
Education
Louis Prima attended the John McDonough High School in New Orleans, where his musical talents began to shine. Although he did not pursue formal higher education, his experiences in New Orleans' vibrant music scene were instrumental in shaping his career path. It was here that he honed his improvisational skills and developed an appreciation for jazz, blues, and traditional New Orleans music.
Prima attended Jesuit High School but transferred to Warren Easton High, then a boys' school, in the fall of 1926. At Warren Easton, he played with the "Eastonites", the school band. In 1927, he partnered with fellow musician Frank Federico and the pair played at "The Whip", a run-down French Quarter nightclub. By the spring of 1928, Prima decided he would become a professional musician.
