Louis Prima was an American actor and musician who is best known for his energetic performances and his songs like “Jump Jive an’ Wail,” “That Old Black Magic,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You” from Disney’s The Jungle Book.
Personal and Family Life
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 7, 1910, Louis Prima grew up in a musical family. He studied the violin as a child and later took up the trumpet, inspired by his older brother Leon. Throughout his life, Prima was married multiple times and had a total of five children, including Louis Prima Jr. and Leon Prima.
Career Highlights
Prima began his career playing in clubs during the 1930s and quickly gained popularity for his big band music. He was known for his lively performances and often collaborated with female singers, notably Keely Smith, who became famous for their duet “That Old Black Magic.” In 1967, he lent his voice to King Louie in Disney’s The Jungle Book, further cementing his place in entertainment history.
Death and Legacy
Louis Prima passed away on August 24, 1978, in New Orleans due to pneumonia, after spending three years in a coma following surgery for a brain tumor. He is remembered as a pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll, having influenced many artists with his vibrant music. Prima was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010, recognizing his contributions to music.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rose of Washington Square | 1939-05-05 | Band Leader |
| Senior Prom | 1958-12-01 | Himself |
| Swing It | 1936-06-30 | Louis Prima – Band Leader |
| The Star Reporter in Hollywood | 1937-10-22 | Louis Prima |
| Swing Cat’s Jamboree | 1938-08-06 | Himself |
| Hey Boy! Hey Girl! | 1959-08-05 | Himself |
| You Can’t Have Everything | 1937-08-02 | Orchestra Leader |
| Start Cheering | 1938-03-03 | Band Conductor |
| The Jungle Book | 1967-10-18 | King Louie of the Apes (voice) |
| DTV: Golden Oldies | 1984-09-01 | Himself |
| Rhythm on the Range | 1936-07-01 | Trumpet Player |
| Louis Prima: The Wildest! | 1999-10-22 | Himself |
| Playgirls International | 1963-10-29 | Himself |
| Jazz Ball | 1956-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins | 1975-02-02 | Himself |
| Louis Prima: In Person! | 2010-01-01 | |
| The Continental Twist | 1961-12-12 | Louis Evans |
| The Champ’s a Chump | 1936-06-20 | Band Leader Louis |
| Manhattan Merry-Go-Round | 1937-11-26 | Self |