Louis Prima, Keely Smith, Sam Butera & The Witnesses "Just A Gigolo & I Ain't Got Nobody"

[@miltoncallan1471]

I was in love with Keely Smith as a young boy. And her deadpan act still gets my gears going. What a great act!

[@jeffreybarkin3177]

S-S-S-h-h-h ! ! ! YOU'RE Gonna Upset Your GREAT GREAT GRAN-KIDS! SERIOUSLY! 😂 ❤ 😅

[@arch_nadith]

yo tambien , tengo 39 años y soy de argentina

[@giuliofochi4110]

que par de lola mamita mia diriamos en argentina...

[@iVenge]

She had to stand relatively still, otherwise her performance would have been indecent by the standards back then.

[@iamfelixthecat7233]

Sonny and Cher made great work of that routine in their 70s TV show. But Louis and Keely originated it!

[@thorsden5562]

I am a fan of classic rock, jazz, and country. Now I am a fan of Louis Prima and the rest of this band! What a gas!!!

[@JoeyJustJoking.]

Yes sir just a troubadour

[@anthonypirozzi837]

We knew him as Luigi

[@philipcanevari7223]

Yes, yes, and yes to your musical tastes. Louis and Keely - a genre by themselves - a wonderful one.

[@potdog1000]

Keely Smiths look if indifference is priceless

[@paulrobertz8491]

I thought she held the sax and trombone solos in disdain

[@tw364]

That was part of the act, try to follow.

[@mrinvader]

Keely was the straight man to Louis's clown/crazyman

[@NelsonStJames]

@@mrinvader Yep, a guy as exuberant as Louis needed a straight man to play off of.

[@JohnHenryNhammer]

What was wrong with that chick? Kelly Smith kinda dominated the scene! 😂

[@thecolorfulpencil5845]

Respect to Louis Prima and his incredible band. Keely Smith and Sam Buter were an act of their own. Nobody could step to them.

[@sorkinquinzel]

Seems like the girl and Luis Prima were having fun with coke

[@lucasocanto58]

@@sorkinquinzel so what? that's great you should try !

[@matthewfritz7835]

Incredible stuff!! 👍👍👍👍

[@righty-o3585]

He was also the voice of King Louis in the Jungle Book 🤘

[@chrisshenzo2594]

A true testament to Italo-American musical genius! And Keely was the earthbound incarnation of an Angel!

[@martinslagle3061]

Keely just standing there whle Louis bops is fantastic.

[@bobtaylor170]

Keely Smith's little dance with the ridiculous face may be the best performing moment I've ever seen. I'm so grateful to this channel for uploading this video.

[@davidhallett8783]

Love it keely louis and sam

[@allensacharov5424]

what a great rack!!!!

[@noahfroze]

Timestamp

[@leealtman]

as wild and fun as the act is, the musicianship is top level. both the sax & trombone solos are legendary and the vocal harmonies are as sweet as they come. Louis Prima deserves a bit more respect for his music IMO. ;)

[@davidhallett8783]

You are correct sir

[@MostlyPennyCat]

We wanna perform this.

[@sideshowbob]

Too bad it's utterly & totally lip synched. Considering tech at the time, prolly had to be.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

@@sideshowbob I don't know you know, the end is ad-libbed.

[@sideshowbob]

@@MostlyPennyCat How the heck are the brass instruments & the backup vocals mic-ed? Way too clear for it to be live, there'd be a ton of echo / "reverb" given the distance to the only mic visible, the main singer's mic. Nowadays live mic-ing this situation could be pulled off, with the miniaturization of mic tech having come a long way, but not in those days. You couldn't, for instance, plant a tiny omni mic in the bells of each sax/trumpet, or on the lapels of all the backup singers. I don't know, I am Flummoxed now. I'd hafta listen to the original studio recording. That doesn't mean they didn't "live rehearse" a lip synched version that was different in the studio earlier in the day or something like that. I just can't believe this is live performance based on the sound & the tech available. I used to do sound for bands on an amateur level in the 80's/90's so I know enuff to be Dangerous lol.

[@raycope2086]

No matter how low you feel, or no matter how dark your day gets, these guys will blow it all away. Thanks for all the joy you STILL give us.

[@Rick-mx5kh]

You absolutely can't listen to Louis Prima and his group and NOT smile.

[@27kjh]

and move. Just wonderful.

[@bobtaylor170]

Every time I watch this, I'm more taken with the flawlessness of Keely Smith as an actor. She was a born star, and knew how to perform those moves perfectly.

[@donaldharrill6265]

Yes. Kelly was great. Louis wouldn't have gotten as far without her addition. They were all top notch .... performer's

[@danwroy]

​@@donaldharrill6265He would have been fine but she's a perfect compliment

[@johndodge8999]

As a teenager she was a big fan of is, and an accidental incident at one of his concert gave her the opportunity to become his next partner.

[@bricaaron3978]

*"...with the flawlessness of Keely Smith as an actor"* _Actress,_ sir.

[@bobtaylor170]

@@bricaaron3978 ah, you, like me, are an old fashioned person. I delight in saying "actress," but I had a moment's succumbing to the crummy spirit of the age.

[@bobtaylor170]

Absolutely wonderful. And Keely Smith was hilarious.

[@rotorself-winding698]

For all you doubters who think this was not a live performance, you can, if you listen carefully, at 3:04, 3:06, and 3:12 (or thereabouts) hear the base of the microphone stand make a slight sound as it's being picked up and put down. This was live baby!

[@roadtrip2943]

This lounge act played in Las Vegas for the price of a few drinks. Louis was a tiptop dixieland horn player and keeley lives on in great recorded tunes.

[@bryonbushong7850]

This has become one of my favorite videos. You can tell they're all having fun, and the performance is great. And Keely is just the best. So dry and subversive. Just the best.

[@synthdude]

You can clearly see how the Disney animators copied Louis' stage persona for that classic Jungle Book scene featuring "King Louis". But that was back when Disney recognized real talent and knew how to use it so creatively. Thanks for posting ❤

[@davidsigalow7349]

After they pitched Prima the song, he supposedly said, "So you wanna make a monkey outta me?"

[@plinthley]

The old guard animators did pretty good until they tried to parody The Beatles as a barbershop-singing quartet of vultures. Showed themselves clueless about youth culture.

[@davidsigalow7349]

​@@plinthley It was like watching a Bob Hope -in-a- Beatles-wig special. Cringe.

[@Tonyscasa]

@@plinthleyas someone that is far too young to have lived through the Beatles heyday . I quite enjoyed the vultures scene . Without knowing the name of the Beatles members I automatically went to Beatles .

[@kevinw9073]

Now that is GOOD music! Louis Prima rocks!

[@figmo397]

The whole act was a hoot. Keely Smith was amazing. There's one point where she turns her back because she's starting to crack up! LOVE this!

[@ReformedGoldBug]

Wiping her nose after rubbing Louis's is hilarious. I wonder if her rubbing his face was improvised?

[@richiemarasco57]

30 years of watching this and it still makes me smile from ear to ear, can still hear my grandfather singing this ❤️

[@nealbradleigh5069]

We kids used to follow my late mother's lead on this, attempting to imitate the stage presentation! Priceless!

[@nanettenn9734]

Great show ,brings back memories of days gone by .My dad loved to watch Louie Prima and all those singers and band leaders.He had all their Albums to I remember my Dad singing along with them and dancing with my mother.I was just a kid,nothing like the good old days.

[@horseyhorselips3501]

I remember my Mom & Dad would steal the dance floor at wedding receptions back in the day. They are Both Dancing among the Angels 👼 in Heaven these day’s

[@nanettenn9734]

My Parents also are dancing to beat the band up there Michael.Hope their all having a grand old time.

[@wanaraz]

My Dad also had all the albums. He loved Louis and Keely and the band. Every time they went to Vegas they would see them.

[@jefferyrightmire9520]

LIFE WAS GREAT !!! These are performers, on top of anything now.

[@Doctor_Clump]

I consider this one of the first true music videos. It wasn't just a musical performance, they made a full act and put it to film.

[@russs7574]

I don't think it was shot as a music video. This was from one of their appearances on the old Ed Sullivan Show. I am going to guess that before this was posted as a YT video, it was included in one of those "best of" DVD sets you see advertised late at night. (Might have 10 or 12 discs in the set...maybe more) Johnny Carson's estate has marketed a "Best of the Tonight Show" DVD set, too.

[@Doctor_Clump]

@@russs7574 that's.. why I said "I consider this" not "this is"

[@sandramalone3522]

They were all fantastic musicians. Keely Smiths voice was amazing.

[@RainDog0680]

The Witnesses in this performance: Sam Butera, saxophone Lou Scioneaux, trombone Bobby Roberts, guitar Rolly DiIorio, bass Bobby Morris, drums John Nagy, piano.

[@TheBaylor22]

Terrific. Never gets old!!

[@wallshootout5616]

Louis Prima was the most exciting Entertainer of all times!!

[@cynthiamartinez2106]

I wish I would've had the opportunity to witness him live. Being 51, I know for a doubt I would've been his biggest fan, more than I am today. Thank you Louis for making me smile every time I hear you sing.

[@marshabonforte6963]

Keely Smith was amazing.

[@luishumbertovega3900]

I'm smiling while hearing this, 😁 Louie and his musicians are great, love Keely, what a beautiful voice !!!

[@scruffyleon7383]

One of the best entertainers ever! You can't take your eyes off the group. It makes me happy every time I see them.

[@zovalentine7305]

RIP Keely Smith 🙏 9 March 1928 ~ 16 December 2017⚘

[@miltoncallan1471]

No one could ever replace her.

[@1968Olympica]

I heard her in concert only a year before she passed. WOW!zah, her voice was still pristine + totally amazing!

[@lubormrazek5545]

50s/60s Las Vegas is a place I'd kill to spend a week in, just because of the music 😍😍

[@sueraymo3239]

Totally agree! I remember my dad saying he used to go see Louie Prima and his band at the Sahara club in Las Vegas back in the 1950s and his music would "bring down the house"

[@drg3712]

Can’t believe someone thought this was lip sync!? I guess people today are just blown away by the actual talent that used to exist pre 90s. And Keely Smith…. My God.

[@michelmarigny6221]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@nealbradleigh5069]

Hey, that's MY MOTHER'S TWIN you're talking about, bub! It was scary how much my mother's none dtructure and complexion (well, they did share ethnic bloodlines) favored Miss Smith. Audiences expected TALENT at one time, not empty pyrotechnics. Even the NAIROBI TRIO affected some artistic talent.

[@hole62]

I can’t believe my dad was 14 and my mom was 4 when this aired… 🤷‍♂️😆

[@williamoneill9573]

Have to remark on those, what pair 😮

[@matthewfritz7835]

Incredible stuff. 👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@ShawnPatrickOHare]

I really enjoyed Keeley's facial expressions during the song.. she seemed like she as either bored or simply putting up with Louis nonsense... 😊

[@Paul-yc1gc]

Unbelievable great music and performers

[@eddiet2]

He's was one remarkable entertainer. His wife, Keely was perfect with her dead-pan act.

[@snakefinger]

I sure wish someone like this played at the last Super Bowl. Sigh

[@JoeyHazboun]

Absolutely amazing performance

[@liamryan6546]

These guys knew how to have a swell time, King Louis, no one, no one like , no on like you

[@honda197056]

I am truly blown away by this performance. I now have a new respect Louie and Keely and the band as well. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@zovalentine7305]

RIP Louis Prima 🙏 7 July 1910 ~ 24 August 1978⚘

[@gamerboiche8189]

1:23 this part was amazing like the rest of the song

[@EnquiringMensch]

My parents brought me to a Louis Prima concert in the mid 70's when I was a teenager. I didn't really get the schtick but when the band got swinging it was a revelation. A few years ago I bought my teenage daughter a Prima CD and it became one of her favorites.

[@mrbillhicks]

Keely Smith freakin rocks

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

“I Got It Bad...and that ain’t good...” I was too young to see them in Vegas...but my parents would drive from So Cal to see their show... I listened to their albums...for hours...and that is how I became a fan!! ❤️

[@alansmithee7730]

"I got it good and it ain't bad!!"

[@bzb500]

Louis Prima was a classic performer. I have that song on my work out list. It still rocks!

[@aaroncharpentier6130]

I just got done with the Dave leerth for 1985 and I am so happy that I can see the 2 signers do that song AT same time I am so proud of them. I'm at a loss for words so on that note 🎶🎵 I will have to say, THANKS AGAIN FOR LETTING ME TEXT TO U ALL AND HOPE YOUR HAVEING A GREAT MORNING SO FAR. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. GOOD DAY

[@jesseoliver4397]

They were the Wildest act in Las Vegas! 🎺🎷🥁🎲🎲🍸

[@recordguy4321]

along with the Treniers

[@ronaldsmith531]

At the Sahara

[@Profishgaming]

They can sure jive. Great stuff

[@kenvarnold3659]

used to love Louie Prima and Keely Smith...she was so funny in the background...laughed even when I was a kid...

[@Zinovy-x6g]

Великолепно! Аж дух захватывает. Вот это были люди с голосом умом и песней!

[@harrygleed423]

I can describe this in one word ‘CLASS’

[@AxleTrade]

Keely stole the show. She was pretty hilarious.

[@michaelfoort2592]

The thing is that they were ROCKIN!

[@GuppyCzar]

Masterful performance!

[@sharoninglima1217]

Love them…Louie is amazing. I saw Keely Smith and Sam Butera in LV and they were so great! ❤❤

[@stevecook8941]

Beautiful performance.............Keely is so deadpan facially.....great singer of course

[@frankieoja8205]

They are the best, no one could ever replace they! Nobody nobody no one. NOBODY

[@dennishill8356]

Thank you for sharing. Reminds me of long ago family get togethers when my Italian aunts would get pissy drunk at the end of the evening and crank up the Louis Prima discs. My southern dad, although he really like the Italian side of the family, would always go: "O.K. It's getting too ginzo for me, sorry. Gotta go."

[@freeshrugs63]

Yep. That's what I needed -- more Louis Prima!! More! More!

[@rodrigomedinaniembro5858]

This guy was an absolute genius...Long Live Prima!

[@lpd1snipe]

Oh my God I'm old I watched this as a kid with my grandmother. Still freaking awesome!

[@juiceIb]

never seen this live version. he's so cooooooold w it!

[@maurineking4715]

My dad worked at the Sahara and knew all of them. My sisters and i, always played their albums. My older sister got to meet them as she was older and my dad would wake her and take her there late at night to watch their show. I remember him pointing out their house that was Asian inspired if I'm remembering correctly.

[@raymonddixon7603]

This is brilliant. Great musicians and great fun, especially Keely!!!!

[@JoeFerber]

0:25 - HILARIOUS!!!!!

[@aw_1977]

I love those little interactions, one will scratch their nose, then the other will do the same.

[@FrankStein1]

I have loved this song for so long. As a kid i used to sing it and my mom loved it. She liked this version from MrPrima and she liked the updated version from the 80's made by David Lee Roth.

[@spacemissing]

Louis Prima tended to stretch things almost to the breaking point, sometimes Really Too Close, but he was still great. Keely Smith (real name Dorothy Keely) was a super songstress and deserves more attention than she ever got.

[@KingOFuh]

When Keely brings her milkshake to the yard She's like, "It's better than yours Damn right, it's better than yours I can teach you, but I have to charge"

[@notsure7899]

So cool, wish I could go back in time.

[@QGolfVlog]

I missed this the first time around but OMG what entertainers! I was born in 58. Only learned of LP in the last year.

[@kelleysimonds5945]

Where has all the innovative talent gone?

[@chefcook6076]

Absolutely brilliant listen to that ending

[@vladimirpopovic8270]

This got me so wiggly and happy and I can't describe it with words

[@WildBillCox13]

Iconic work. This is what a consumate entertainer is like. If you're any good, you don't need dancers, writers, producers, or LASER light shows. David Lee Roth paid this performance an homage in his remake, but did not approach Louis' excellence . . . because he needed vignette writers, satirists, multiple takes, studio musicians, light shows, and dozens of dancers and costumes to make his stab. Louis and his band obviated the need for all that flummery.

[@vozpit]

Arrangement by Sam Butera (the sax player), who hated that David Lee Roth stole his arrangement without Sam's permission. I once helped Sam onto the stage at one of his shows in Atlantic City. After the show, he sat down at my table & talked with me a while. Great guy!

[@tomf429]

I saw Sam Butera at the Three Little Bakers Dinner Theater in Delaware in the early 90’s. We took my Sicilian MIL for Italian Day. It was a great show. He did Prima’s parts perfectly and played the sax. She had a grand time. Good memories.

[@SugarBlueHarp]

Style, class, music and moves, imitated but never equaled!!❤🎶👍🏽

[@gordonrailton6865]

Magic.Pure musical magic.

[@davidporco3779]

I love listening to Louis Prima and others like this. First, you really don't see talent like this anymore (no doubt there are talented musicians out there...but it's just not as common). Second, this brings back SO MUCH memories. My grandparents had a lot of this music on 8 tracks (some may not know what that is), as well as some "Live" Jonny Carson shows, and I would just sit there and listen to them all day. Ah...the good ole days!

[@jzzr345]

I've watched this video quite a few times I watched it today and just noticed how the drummer really rocked this song .

[@douglashall2141]

He was great in The Jungle Book. One of my favorite characters. And he has a great vocals with jazz tone

[@edwinkirkland8856]

Keeley,till the end flawless..rip queen

[@jasonjmarchi]

What a voice Keely had!

[@Bear_58]

What an amazing performance! Talent, real talent! David Lee Roth can learn a lesson from this 😂 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@kelleysimonds5945]

What a talented group...

[@ordinaryperson7283]

He is a singer also a comedian too.. Love this guy..

[@CurtMartison]

There just are not entertainers like that out there anymore. I know it was before my time im 58 . But i love it Kellie Smith is great . I start dancing to this song

[@deemdoubleu]

What a band, just awesome

[@ByciclesVan]

Story of my life

[@Watertender-lu7vj]

They could really put on a show! Just the way they play off of each other makes you feel happy!

[@jaimeboetsch]

Me fascina la mezcla y la orquestación que, Louis Prima, hizo de dos canciones diferentes. Sinceramente, ya no sé cuántas veces la he escuchado a lo largo de los años. Y, curiosamente, y pese a su aparente alegría, el mensaje que la canción nos envía es bien triste.

[@markwalker5723]

Ohhhhh that is just *wonderful*!!!

[@secondcavalry9667]

Saw them at the copa in 1959. High school prom.

[@josephstaffieri3233]

Louie Prima was the precursor to the rock & roll era which he & his band played a large role in helping to create.

[@mikecoz3d]

A show band like no other! They never played the big rooms, only the lounges in Vegas.

[@kendavis5853]

He was a Vegas show regular. And he also sings the I Want to be Like You from the original Disney jungle book.

[@mbogucci1]

He was the voice of King Louie

[@garylester8621]

They act like they’re goofing around but they are very professional. ❤

[@wanaraz]

Oh MY God! My Mom and Dad never missed a show when they went to Vegas which was often but I must say my Dad loved him and Kelly the MOST!!! They had the magic.