We have a collection of 12 arrangements for Louis Prima - Sing Sing Sing
What jazz standard became a defining anthem of the swing era despite its origins as a prison chant? Learn!
Louis Prima was a multi-talented American musician and entertainer known for his charismatic stage presence and his contributions to the world of jazz and popular music. Here are some interesting facts about Louis Prima and his iconic song "Sing, Sing, Sing":
Early Life: Louis Prima was born on December 7, 1910, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His Italian immigrant parents played a significant role in shaping his love for music, especially jazz.
Trumpeter and Bandleader: Prima was a skilled trumpeter and bandleader. He started his career as a trumpet player in various bands in New Orleans before forming his own groups.
Swing Era Pioneer: Louis Prima and his band, Louis Prima and His New Orleans Gang, were pioneers of the swing music era in the 1930s. They played a crucial role in popularizing the genre.
"Sing, Sing, Sing": Louis Prima's rendition of "Sing, Sing, Sing" became one of his most famous and enduring songs. Although the song was originally written by Louis Prima himself, it gained immense popularity when it was performed by Benny Goodman and his orchestra at the 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Goodman's version is often considered the definitive one.
Benny Goodman's Iconic Performance: Benny Goodman's rendition of "Sing, Sing, Sing" at the 1938 Carnegie Hall concert featured an extended, high-energy drum solo by Gene Krupa, which became legendary in the world of jazz and swing music.
Film and Television: Prima and his band appeared in numerous films and television shows during the 1930s and 1940s, contributing to his fame as an entertainer. One of his notable film appearances was in Disney's "The Jungle Book" (1967), where he provided the voice for King Louie, a character who performed a song reminiscent of Prima's energetic style.
Las Vegas Residency: In the 1950s and 1960s, Louis Prima and his band, The Witnesses, had a successful residency at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas. Their performances were known for their lively atmosphere and infectious music.
Musical Evolution: Prima's music evolved over the years, blending jazz with elements of swing, rock and roll, and even some Italian-inspired melodies. This versatility allowed him to maintain his popularity and appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Legacy: Louis Prima's influence can be heard in the music of subsequent generations of musicians, and his songs continue to be performed and enjoyed today. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 for his contributions to the genre.
Personal Life: Prima's personal life was colorful and sometimes tumultuous. He was married multiple times, including a well-known marriage to singer Keely Smith, with whom he had a successful musical partnership. Their hit songs included "That Old Black Magic" and "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody."
Louis Prima's music and personality left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, and his rendition of "Sing, Sing, Sing" remains an iconic piece of American musical history.