Louis Prima was an Italian American trumpeter, singer, entertainer, and bandleader. Prima made prominent use of Italian music and language in his songs, blending elements of his Italian and Sicilian identity with jazz and swing music.
His father, Anthony Prima, was the son of Leonardo Di Prima, a Sicilian immigrant from Salaparuta, while his mother, Angelina Caravella, had emigrated from the island of Ustica north of Sicily as a baby.
Wikipedia says, "He became interested in jazz when he heard black musicians, including Louis Armstrong. Italian immigrants, Italian-Americans, and African-Americans in New Orleans at the time frequently socialized together in the same clubs and bars. Local clubs tailored to the ostracized Italian community, such as Matranga's, Joe Segrettas, Tonti's Social Club, and Lala's Big 25, were all Italian-American clubs owned and operated by Italians; African Americans were always welcomed in these clubs and often played music and fraternized with Italians and Italian-Americans. Prima's interest in jazz was sparked while frequenting these clubs and observing black and Italian jazz artists playing together."
At a time when ethnic musicians were discouraged from openly stressing their ethnicity, Prima's conspicuous embrace of his Sicilian ethnicity opened the doors for other Italian-American and ethnic American musicians to display their ethnic roots. He never changed his name as some others did.
The Italian American Museum of Cleveland was founded on Columbus Day 2020 through the generosity of the Italian Sons & Daughters of America and Hon. Basil M. Russo. IAMCLE is located in the heart of the historic and lively Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland. You can find the museum between the iconic Presti's Bakery and Maxi's Ristorante.
On Thursday July 17, 2025, there was a grand opening event for people to tour a new exhibit dedicated to Italian American jazz musician Louis Prima (1910-1978) titled: Louis Prima: A Life in Rhythm & Music.
Here are a few images from the exhibit which is open through January 3, 2026.
Louis Prima trumpet
Some of Louis Prima's outfits
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Sheet Music for Louis Prima's hit Sing Sing Sing with his personal notes
There is a lot more to see at the Exhibit. Here are some images of people at the preview event.
Pamela Dorazio Dean and Joe LaMantia
See pictures and video from the Louis Prima concert event.
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