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**Louis Prima** *Real Name:* Louis Prima *Born:* December 7, 1910, New Orleans, LA *Died:* August 24, 1978, New Orleans, LA Louis Prima was an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and trumpeter known for his vibrant contributions to music, particularly in New Orleans jazz, swing music, and jump blues. He was married five times, including to Keely Smith from 1953 to 1961, and had six children, among them musical performers Lena Prima and Louis Prima Jr. After finishing high school, Prima began his career with a variety of bands, eventually forming a New Orleans-style jazz band in the late 1920s. He gained recognition in the 1930s and 1940s, recording hits like "Sing Sing Sing" and popularizing jump blues. His music incorporated elements of Italian and Sicilian culture, making him a pioneer for ethnic musicians to embrace their heritage during a time when this was often discouraged. In the 1950s, Prima became a prominent Vegas lounge act, performing regularly and releasing successful albums, including *The Wildest!* and *The Call of the Wildest* with Keely Smith. He was also the voice of King Louie in Disney's *The Jungle Book*, performing the memorable song "I Wan'na Be like You." Prima faced health challenges later in life, suffering a heart attack in 1973 and being diagnosed

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