Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon is a new exhibition produced by the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) in collaboration with the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. The exhibition explores the life and legacy of Louis Prima (1910 -1978), a skilled jazzman, prolific songwriter, and extraordinary performer. Prima’s music is omnipresent, from film and television to viral TikTok videos, Disney tunes, and hit covers by contemporary artists.
Who was Louis Prima?
The new LA art show examines Prima’s New Orleans background and inspirations, his rise to success, artistic prowess, and his role in shaping two of the nation’s entertainment capitals—New York and Las Vegas. Prima, a Grammy Award-winning, multimillion-dollar hitmaker, was also unapologetically Italian-American during a time when such proud displays of ethnicity were frowned upon. He helped pave the path for other performers, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Perry Como.
Through hits such as “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Jump, Jive, an’ Wail,” and “Angelina,” as well as personal effects, memorabilia, and rare images, Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon enables visitors of all ages to discover, or rediscover, this groundbreaking performer and a true legend of the music world.
About the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, Inc.
The Gia Maione Prima Foundation, Inc. was established by the late Gia Maione Prima with a mission of making donations to other tax-exempt organizations that support and encourage an appreciation for American jazz, American popular music, and jazz performance, as well as the fine arts.
About the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA)
IAMLA is a 6,000-square-foot museum located in downtown Los Angeles (644 North Main St., Los Angeles, 90012; 213.485.8432) that explores the Italian-American experience in the context of the nation’s multicultural mosaic. The LA art show Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon is Free (Donations encouraged), and open Tuesdays – Sundays (through 10/13/24), 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
