Louis Prima - King of the Swingers (2006 Documentary)

[@annhitchcock3093]

He was an institution in my house. My father died when I was 5, but he danced and sang jazz to me. He would be so proud that his grandsons are both professional entertainers/ musicians.

[@Pashasmom1]

I was 14 years old when Disney released The Jungle Book, and I too thought King Louie was voiced by a black singer. It wasn't until I was around 60 years old that I looked up Louis Prima and started reading about him and watching him on KZbin. I just love him - his voice, his stage persona, everything. Now I look to see if there is anything new posted that I've never seen before.

[@tntkop]

Tony Soprano would whack you if he heard you thought Louise Prima was black. LOL

[@sandra-jones]

@@tntkop Tony Soprano is not real but Louis Prima's influences definitely were.

[@terr777]

I never saw it until I got it for my kids. I fell in love with those songs.

[@douglashall2141]

Louis Prima was the King of Swing and as far as I'm concerned today he still is. I recall seeing the Jungle Book and hearing his unique voice during that movie and I was Spellbound. King of the swingers in the jungle VIP . I never knew his nationality until now. Mamma Mia what a fantastic performer

[@Mark-bf5bq]

Why isn't he in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

[@jackieblue787]

I freaking love Louis Prima and nobody my age knows what I'm talking about. This is great.

[@yvettekelley2155]

Well I'm just learning about Louis Prima in the last couple of days. Words escape me right now of how great he was and is. I hope he's resting in peace.

[@jamesgriffith6128]

Yvette ...so glad you now know about louie...he can lift you up when you feel low...listen carefully and you will hear him in modern commercials ...enjoy his legacy ....

[@GonjaGrowinGirl]

Me too. I'm so glad this was made!! Can u imagine what a great movie his life would be? I can't think of who could play him though. Nobody currently in the movie industry could capture this dudes charisma. Maybe that's why it hasn't been done. Anyway, I love Louis so much I named my dog after him. For real,! I love my dog and I have mad respect for Mr. Prima❤❤❤❤

[@MrCenturion442]

Despite the persecution they endured, a large number of Italian Americans served in the U.S. military during World War II. Between 750,000 and 1.5 million people of Italian descent are thought to have served in the war, and 14 Italian Americans received the Medal of Honor for their service. Thank you Louis Prima for your contribution to the Italian American community. God Bless America!

[@TonyfromBham]

I’m a musician. I make my money doing various styles and versions of swing, and I can tell you this: Mr. Prima’s version of swing is much more difficult to pull off than other swing styles. Like most things that are truly great, Louis Prima’s swing feel seems effortless and natural, but it is real hard to replicate accurately.

[@teammosin9999]

No doubt Louis was the first rock star. He is without peer as performer, trumpeter and band leader and composer. But the best thing he ever brought to us was Keely Smith!!

[@tonygallagher5148]

I was introduced 20 years ago by a girlfriends dad who was Glaswegian Italian and have loved him and Keely since... Thanks Louis Vezza for introducing Louis Prima to me

[@frankf48]

What energy Louie had. You can’t sit still listening to him and His band.

[@mrski749]

If I had a time machine I would love to go back in time and go back to Las Vegas circa 1959 and watch him perform

[@RainDog0680]

Yup. Would LOVE to just sit up all night and watch them perform.

[@bobdillaber1195]

Im 84 years old and i fell in love with Louie and his music in 1955 when i first had my own band at 16. I loved the energy, the shuffle, the excitement, the great musical talents of he and his fellow musicians. 60+ years later i love him, maybe even more than i did then. I have many of his vinyl albums and still play them often. And... CDs in my car!

[@makiburgess5733]

I love Keely Smith. She is so talented as a singer and her schtick was hilarious.

[@stewartfenton7660]

And when he makes her laugh you know she's human after all.

[@yamibrian3099]

I usually listen to Rock and Heavy Metal, but every playlist starts and ends with Louis Prima. "I wanna be like you" has been stuck in my head for almost 30 years and I'm very happy with that.

[@bzb500]

Louis Prima had a unique talent. You knew his voice. He rocked the stage. It was when peace was among all ethnicities. His music united people.❤

[@OttoByOgraffey]

It's too bad, and rather sad that Keely Smith didn't talk in this documentary.

[@Pashasmom1]

There is another documentary where she tells everything.

[@johndelfre9895]

@@Pashasmom1 Oh...and what is it??

[@dannywoody7266]

In 1970 when I was playing with Johnny Tillason we were on the bill with Louis Prima at the Sands for 3 weeks in Vegas. one night I asked Louis what’s your secret man , Louie said hit them before they got a chance to think Jimmy Vincent Sam Butera Louis Prima out rages people

[@jimmyrants4342]

Greatest lounge act of all times. RIP Louie, Sam, Gia. I miss you all deeply, but treasure the time we personally enjoyed together. WOW, what a band.

[@andrewleventis8341]

I have a massive grin watching this amazing master artist...then King Louis came near the end..the grin got bigger..

[@skyebird3933]

I remember watching him on black and white tv with my mom. She liked the way Keeley had the deadpan expression when Louie tried to make her laugh. We always enjoyed seeing him. Still enjoy hearing Louie on xm radio, 50s channel. Love the Jungle Book.

[@dinaaprea3779]

Louie was just one great example of how there would never have been any true Rock and Roll without his influence.........

[@stewartfenton7660]

Many, many people and styles contributed to the rise of Rock'nRoll. Yesterday I spotted someone saying Albert Ammons was the originator. Take any one of those influences away, and Rock'nRoll wouldn't have come out much different.

[@MrGF1582]

Knew of Loui Prima since I was young...12-13-ish. My grandfather was a Jazz musician in NYC back in the 1950s, 60s & 70s. He introduced me to Loui. Later it all came back to me when David Lee Roth covered him. But really, Loui was always not far from my musical taste. LOVE Louis Prima to this day!! Well done!

[@theadventuresofdani]

Honestly this documentary is really really nice, he was my great grandmas first cousin, and its like i know him a little better, hes music is something amazing and unique, so thank you, and thank you to Mr Prima, i hope to meet you when i pass on 💕

[@gregoryswift7804]

I’m a professional Vibraphonist piano player of Latin jazz Salsa from NYC, and the first time I heard Mr. Prima I fell in love with his music n everything about him, I also grew up near little Italy a few blocks away, and we weren’t the best of neighbors, but we gave each other respect for the most part, but I’ll always love Mr. Louis Prima. R.I.P. 🎤🙎🏻‍♂️💛

[@lindafomenko712]

Saw Louis and Sam many times in Vegas in the 70s. He was one of a kind.

[@geobenn9684]

Louis Prima, Keely Smith , Sam Butera and The Witnesses, world's greatest rock and roll band

[@Pashasmom1]

That was not rock and roll.

[@alansmithee7730]

@@Pashasmom1 It was close enough... either way, they _did_ rock!

[@raindeerprojekt4119]

They were not Rock and Roll.. They was Slap and Jam

[@jimgallucci7667]

Jazz/rock

[@nancychester6324]

I grew up listening to Louis Prima when my dad would crank up his music. My parent's friends would come over and dance, kids, too. I used to wish I was Keely Smith.

[@jackietreehorn5561]

Just discovered Louis....what an artist! Blasting his songs regularly

[@antoniofioravanti6606]

Makes me feel so proud of being Italian. Louis fantastic !!! You enjoy me so much

[@edwinkirkland8856]

PRIMA. GOD BLESS AND REST YOU SIR YOU ARE DEEPLY MISSED

[@JoeCracco]

Louis’s music needs a comeback! No better duo than he and Keely.

[@daydream_believer]

Thank you so much for this documentary! My life as an Italian would not be nearly as rich without the music of Louis Prima! 💞🎺🎶

[@ryankoehler3170]

What a talent

[@MichaelGoldenberg]

Wonderful tribute to a giant.

[@rjwh67220]

I was singing along to Banana Split for My Baby in grade school in the fifties. I’ve loved him ever since. What a talent!

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*My step-father performed under the name 'Gerry Gerardo' from 1932 when he was 'signed' w/NBC's WGN Chicago on radio with 'Don McNeil's Breakfast Club' show and went on to play nightclubs and 'Lounges' until his death on August 28, 1978 at 'Sunrise Hospital' in Las Vegas* *He died from a 'brainstem infarct' that was like having a 'bomb go-off inside your head'* _____________ *Gerardo sang and played acoustic-guitar in the same manner as 'Tony Martin' but did work as a 'duo' and 'trio' act for years w/a accordion-player named 'George Genoff' and a trio with 'Alex Shey'...but worked mainly as a solo beginning in '48 at the 'Last Frontier' in Las Vegas and continuing to work places like the 'Castaways' and the 'Silver Slipper' and the 'Kings Crown Tally Ho' in Las Vegas...all of which are long gone* ( *Gerardo was making $350 a week at the 'Frontier' working the lounge and that was a HUGE amount of $$$ in '48!* *Plus 'Tips' from doing requests at a tableside and those 'tips' added-up were frequently more than he was getting paid!* ) *The 'big tippers' were of course 'Wise Guys' who always wanted songs like "Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine" and "Just An Old Shanty In Old Shanty Town" which would 'bring on the tears' for a lot of 'dem/dere/dose' types who might kill you 5-mins. later if they felt 'insulted' by anyone!* _____________ By '65 Gerardo's career was basically 'over' because bookings disappeared as nightclubs and lounges became 'Go-Go' Clubs because the money had dried-up in 'Fine Dining & Dancing' with live entertainers rather than 'Titty Dancers in Boots' and the 'WW-2 Generation' were living in suburbs with air-conditioning and color TV and were now in their 40's and kids in the house* *Plus the 'Riots' that seemed to hit every major city in America didn't help anything as 'Downtowns' more or less just vanished the moment the sun went down* *So we moved to Las Vegas permanently from Dearborn in '68* _____________ *I know Gerardo had met Prima many times...and likely while they both shooting Craps at the 'El Cortez'!* *But they were as different from each other as they could be in terms of music as 'Entertainment' with a live audience, and yet both had very similar circumstances in terms of longevity in show-business and singing along with each playing an instrument and Gerardo was more a 'Lanza'-type voice as well as looks* ____________ *It's odd how they both died from almost the same events...and only 4-days from each other*

[@enzos711]

I'm 61 .. knew of him, I knew a couple songs & knew his voice, but I didn't realize all of who he was; I never watched footage of him performing.. Wow .. And he wrote my fav song, Sing, Sing, Sing ..

[@divisioneight]

What a delightful story about an amazing soul.

[@not2tees]

He's like Louis Armstrong, with a few extra kinks thrown in. Dynamite performer, like Louis. Larger than life.

[@boweewowee]

Louis is a cousin of mine…and I am so proud to be Italian

[@marvingoodman7381]

I never missed The Ed Sullivan show when Louis Prima was on!! I was a youngster and I thought he was the coolest of the cool. What a performer!! There will NEVER be another like him. R.I.P. Louis Prima....

[@quercus5398]

YES !

[@chanaplotke6218]

Right! I first knew about Louis Prima because I love King Louie in Jungle Book. I've been a fan ever since.

[@migueldeleon6677]

Same goes for me.

[@GLOCKCOPG23]

There are no words to describe “The Top Tier of Top Tier” that Louie is. God blessed him and God rest him.

[@briantipping2302]

Never heard of him. Then one day on U tube he popped up! Can't get his soul rhythm outa my head, fantastic music, brand new to my eyes, ears, and soul....An absolutely wonderful grace . Words cannot explain, Top entertainment.

[@lorim8070]

I'm 77 and grew up hearing Louis Prima playing on my parent's hi fi from 50-63 and going to their parties, which were so much better than my peers parties. Yep we were from Williamsburg and East New York Brooklyn.

[@beckyferguson8696]

I'm 66 and my daddy favorite movie of all time was Jungle book and Louie.

[@rosalindamartinez9634]

YOUR DADDY MUST LOVE U VERY MUCH. AND IF HE HAS PASS AWAY, HE MUST HAVE LOVE U VERY MUCH BECAUSE MY FATHER DIDN'T LIKE ANY CARTOONS. AND IF WE MY YOUNGER BROTHERS AND I WERE SEEING A MOVIE OF A HOUSE ON FIRE, HE WOULD SEAT DOWN, AND WOULD START EXPLAINING HOW IT WASN'T REALLY A REAL HOUSE, THST WAS ON FIRE. OR IF WE WERE SEEING TWO CARS CRASHING. HE WOULD TELL NOBODY WAS IN THE CAR. THAT THE CARS WERE MADE TO CRASH. AND THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR WERE ONLY DUMMIES, NOT REAL PEOPLE. MY FATHER JUST DIDN'T WANT US TO BE GETTING TO IMPRESS WITH WHAT WAS GOING ON THE MOVIE. THAT'S HOW MY DEAR FATHER WAS. HE PASS AWAY IN 1975. (MAY HE REST IN PEACE). HAVE A GOOD DAY!!!

[@eveharrison8967]

He was the greatest I learned about him not too long ago too. I even was grateful that I got to talk to his daughter Lena. She is such a beautiful person and a heck of a singer. I can't wait to get together New Orleans where she please every Thursday and Friday nights. She's a beautiful human being and so is Her hubby.

[@clairedisapia]

Louie Prima was my dad’s favorite singer and I still have all his albums.

[@roberthayes9842]

Well he stole the show in Jungle Book, j wouldn't discover him properly until I was 27, nearly 40 year's later but he was fantastic and still brings happiness to people

[@donnasavage6703]

I grew up on this music. Fabulous

[@djangowoof]

I saw Louis in Vegas when his mom was visiting. He wore a wonderful gray suit with a grey bowler hat and looked so elegant with her on his arm. Keely was in bobby socks, chewing gum and on her way to go bowling with the guys. The band was out of this world - sooo exciting. I feel very lucky. I also think he was as entertaining as Louis Armstrong, and wish they had recorded together just once. Both had such a gifts and gave everything they had to the audience! Hope they're blowing in Heaven.

[@juliocesarsouza23]

Great Louis!

[@dimitris5781]

I thought I knew a lot about this genius but now that I know more, I feel blessed to have my hearing, just so I can hear his creations...

[@mortalclown3812]

😊👍💯

[@PatziRanson]

I first came by Louis in the 90's, by watching the film Mad dog & Glory, and in one of the scenes Rodbert de Niro was in, he put Gigolo / I aint got nobody record on the juke box, I was hooked, didnt know who he was, so waited until the crdits rolled on the film, and immediately went out and bought some of his music. I love him

[@wanderer0617]

Louis Prima was like the Elvis of Jazz and Swing ⚜️🎺

[@josephconsoli4128]

A huge fan here, of course! :) My parents went to see him and Keely in their prime at the Roxy theater in NYC which makes me so envious. An absolutely unique person in every way. A wonderful person he was.

[@jimhood1202]

Fantastic documentary. I thought I knew a little about him but never realised what a long career he had and how many times he reinvented his act. In many ways his comedy songs are reminiscent of Louis Jordan, I wonder what they thought of each other's music.

[@stewartfenton7660]

It's funny, the similarities he has with those two other Louis'.

[@sandra-jones]

And Cab Calloway.

[@stewartfenton7660]

@@sandra-jonesmy dad saw Cab Calloway in London, must have been before we left there in 1955. All he remembered was that Cab's pockets on his suit were all bulging, turns out they were full of handkerchiefs which he mopped himself with constantly because he sweated so much. He didn't say anything about the music. That was my dad, barrel of fun.

[@jimhood1202]

@@sandra-jones Good call!

[@Shodansixtyone]

I grew up listening to Louie Primas' music - still love it.

[@caroleann_2142]

Fabulous!!!

[@boomerguy9935]

The movie, "Jungle Book" had King Louis with the voice of Louis Prima. n my book, Louis Prima really was a King. This was back when entertainment did not have an agenda. It was meant for entertainment. I miss those days. Thank you for this!

[@amandawhiteley6737]

This fella just rocks! ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@cynthiamartinez2106]

Louis makes me smile just listening to him. He soothes my soul.

[@teresachylinska8394]

Mega Talent ,Mega Personality and Mega Human ! We love You Maestro Louis !!!!!!!!!!!!❤

[@twoblah1]

i was friends with his older daug. joyce who loved her dad's music and could also sing great. one of the sweetest people i ever met.

[@stewartfenton7660]

Louis Prima cooler than the Rat Pack, you're not kidding, there's no contest.

[@stewartfenton7660]

Mind you, anybody's cooler than the Rat Pack.

[@penepigott6712]

My husband & I discovered this amazing show just by wandering around the casino, bored with the slots…probably Broke! It was in their early days…no crowds…no cover charge! We felt obligated to order a drink, but eventually we didn’t even have to do that… After that, we returned there, many times, as we lived in Calif. &; it was a close drive.. On one trip, we arrived early &;occupied a large booth near the entry, as we thought we would just stay awhile, being hungry….The warm up band was going, & a gentleman asked if he & his Two girls could share our booth…OK… I did not really pay any attention to them…. Afterwards Bob, asked me if I knew who we shared with..?…..innocent me, Nope…well, turned out the gentleman who was so politely had talked to him, was none other but Elvis Presley, & friends!, who was Headlining just down the Strip! So that is one moment I wish I could relive!

[@robertwhaley6325]

Wow!! Really fantastic. What a great time that was... and it will not happen ever again. You are lucky and thanks for sharing that story.

[@markmoil3012]

What a cool story. Thank you for sharing !

[@clairedisapia]

Louis Prima was my father’s favorite singer and seen him many times in person. I have passed his music down to my children and my students at my dance studio. Thank you for this wonderful documentary.

[@drunk247]

Him and the band always sounded like they were having a blast and thats how it should be! This doc was a cool "if you dont know well here ya go" for King Louie. David Lee Roth was right!

[@fastingcoach9711]

Louis Prima is a legend for eternity!!!!

[@joefatalooch8057]

This world needs and misses people like Louie Prima. One of a kind.

[@fob1xxl]

I was about 11 when I got interested in Louie & Keely in 1956. Loved Keely's voice. Big fans of theirs.

[@marilynguinnane4663]

fob1xxl -- I love Keely Smith as well.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I was born in 1946 and grew up listening to them cause my mom was a big fan and we didn't have a TV, but she tuned the radio in every night hoping to hear their music.

[@jonwoll6586]

i hope this music lives forever. makes me ........ pull the switch!

[@jimbonito9810]

Louie Prima with Sam Butera and the Witnesses, Westbury Music Fair ... cant remember the year awesome

[@edgarsnake2857]

I saw some great shows at WMF but I envy you getting to see Louis and the gang.

[@djpuzz]

Who knew Emeril LaGasse played sax for LOUIE PRIMA before he became a CHEF?!? love, Love, LOVE LOUIE PRIMA !

[@penepigott6712]

Thanks for that info! I will look at Louies sax player closer!

[@Brashyboy]

I grew up loving this guy! One night in the 80's, I went to my parents house and played 'Oh Marie' to my father. He loved it! Loved Louis, LOVED Sam, and just loved the vibe and the positive, incredible charisma Louis had. My mother screamed to us to turn it down, but my father looked at me with a glint in his eye and turned IT UP! He's been gone for over a decade, but I have such incredible memories of Louis Prima in my life...THANK YOU!!!

[@chuckp5995]

champion of swing!

[@craigconenna3399]

It was my Father who exposed me to such wonderful music while I was young. He wanted me to know more than the rock I was listening too. Whenever I got in his car he would never let me change the radio and would quiz me on the music. Louis and Keely were not good they were great.

[@kirbyculp3449]

Happy and sad, educational and enjoyable. RIP Louis.

[@aliannacone4782]

Legend. The last thing my father game me was a Louie Prima tape. Priceless.

[@francesgrippe4494]

I was lucky enough to dine with Butera in Utica NY when the band was booked at the nearby Turning Stone Casino. The closest I got to the band my parents loved ,a class act that brought the place down.

[@CunoWiederhold]

Awesome! Ironically, my most requested song at karaoke is "Gigolo" Obviously Louis Prima is the master, but strangely enough, when I sing "Gigolo" everyone gets up, dances, and I feel a presence in the room and it always makes me smile!

[@kacema7048]

Louis Prima belongs to that kind of vey few artists capable to put a is smile in your face when you're down and make your day. RIP caro paesano!!!

[@tomasso1468]

I grew up on this music. Italian American people know Mr. Prima

[@johnmirabile3535]

IM ENJOYING KEELEY SMITHS VOICE VERY MUCH!

[@bronxkies]

I’ve always knew of him but just discovered more of him and his zany band last night and whoa, what treat!! He was so much fun! He and Keely Smith together? The band? Such good stuff!

[@speckofdust272]

What a legend RIP ❤❤❤

[@michaelstilla4364]

I was 10 years old when jungle book came out my mom bought the LP and we played that part over and over again with king Louis singing. Unfortunately I did not see Louis perform and/or Sam Butera.Enjoy watching there videos those guys could really play the horn.

[@karlhungus5554]

Louie was an endless fountain of energy. Keely was so beautiful and talented, too.

[@johnmirabile3535]

JUST A GIGALO IS SUCH APART OF MY LIFE! ITS ONE OF THE SONGS IN THE SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE, IM 40 YRS OLD, I THINK OF ALL THE ITALIAN MEN IN MY FAMILY, WHEN ITALIANS WERE ALL TOGETHER IN BROOKLYN WHERE I STILL LIVE, SUMMER NIGHTS THE TABLES AND CHAIRS WOULD BE ON THE SIDEWALK AND 50 ITALANS WOULD BE,EATING, DRINKING, SINGING, DANCING, LAUGHING, AND OCCASIONALLY FIGHTING LOL IN HINES-SIGHT THERE WAS SUCH HARMONY, AND TOGETHERNESS, THE OLDER I GET THE MORE IAPPRICIATE THOSE MEMORIES, BC PEOPLE AND CULTURE IS SO DIFFERENT TODAY, AND I KNEW AS A KID WHATEVER WAS HAPPENING WAS SPECIAL! HOW TIMES CHANGED! GREAT DOCUMENTARY!

[@abelsalazar9988]

Makes you wonder what the hell is in the water in new Orleans so many great talents have come out of the big easy !!

[@eshaibraheem4218]

I don't think it's the water.

[@stephenduplantier2151]

Only one answer-la présence Africane-the most African city in North America.

[@flylooper]

Prima was ad working dude, for sure. Entertaining as hell. I saw him a couple of time at Tahoe. I like Keely, too. She was as funny as he was.

[@suntzu6122]

Jungle book brought me here. Music bursting outta this man.

[@yenzelllopez-sjucoquispott2468]

Felt really bad how Louis’ life ended. When you listen to Leaving You, it hits you so hard emotionally by the way he sings it. You can feel that Louis was saying Goodbye without even him realizing it

[@frankkolton1780]

Louis and his band was my dad's favorite, he always said no one put on a wilder show back then.

[@stevenmccart5455]

I'm willing to bet his parents were awesome. Thier photo makes me think of the kind of parents that know all the neighborhood kids' names ,and have cookies or a joke.

[@rogeralsop3479]

Marvellous man.

[@paulmartin39]

Louis Prima was brilliant. One of the kings of swing.

[@laamiroly]

Remember going to see another documentary about Louis called "The Wildest" back in the 90s with an ex. Great documentary. Love his music. ❤️

[@joeschmo5181]

Brilliant documentary, thanks.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

We had Louie playing in the house all the time. Prima, The Beatles and Buck Owens made me the great person I am today! Thanks!!!

[@stewartfenton7660]

Now that would be a jam. Don't forget Roy Clark.

[@marcmacaluso2795]

I love America For this... It's the Gumbo of Culture.

[@TraceCasanova]

Doing a research project on this guy. Swing King!

[@patmac1134]

Louis was king, but don't leave out Cab Calloway. He's right behind Louis IMHO

[@yvoncormier9762]

@@patmac1134 ken Burns left Cab out of the Jazz series as well. A brief anecdotal mention saying how he kicked Dizzy Gillespie out of his band calling his style chinese music. I personally know Cecelia L. Calloway. She inquired about Cabs lack of presence in the jazz series. The reason given was Ken didn't know where to place him...as a band leader, a performer, a singer or composer. Cab was the king of "Hidi Ho" and author of the Hepsters dictionary.