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American singer, trumpeter, bandleader, and entertainer known as the 'King of Swing' who pioneered jump blues and Las Vegas lounge acts. New Orleans-born Italian-American musician who rose to fame in the swing era. Formed the successful Vegas act Louis Prima and Keely Smith with his fourth wife. Won a Grammy for 'That Old Black Magic' (1958) and voiced King Louie in Disney's The Jungle Book (1967).

• Prima's 1954-1961 musical partnership with wife Keely Smith defined their careers; their divorce severed both personal and professional ties amid accusations of infidelity.
• Despite Italian heritage, Prima faced discrimination early in his career when some venues labeled him 'too ethnic' for mainstream audiences.
• His wild stage persona included jungle-themed costumes and scat-singing duels with saxophonist Sam Butera, deliberately contrasting Keely Smith's deadpan delivery.
• Underwent surgery for a brain tumor in 1975, remaining in a coma for nearly three years before dying of pneumonia at 67.