Louis Prima Party

Join the IAMLA for a closing party of our exhibition Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon! This special event will be a tribute to the unforgettable legacy of Louis Prima, blending live music and film to celebrate the larger-than-life musician who brought joy to millions. Refreshments provided by espresso icons, La Marzocco

11:00 AM:

Get ready to dance to the sounds of Louis Prima's timeless music, performed live by John Michael Bradford. From "Sing, Sing, Sing" to "Just a Gigolo," this energetic performance will transport you to the golden age of jazz and swing. ??

1:30 PM:
Discover the story behind the legend with an exclusive screening of "Louis Prima - The Wildest," a documentary that takes a deeper look at Prima's life, career, and influence on music and culture. ??

Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon is an exhibition produced by the IAMLA in collaboration with the Gia Maione Prima Foundation that explores the life and legacy of Louis Prima (1910 -1978), a skilled jazzman, prolific songwriter, and extraordinary performer. Prima's music is omnipresent, from film and television to viral TikTok videos, Disney tunes, and hit covers by contemporary artists.

The exhibition examines Prima’s New Orleans background and inspirations, his rise to success, artistic prowess, and his role in shaping two of the nation’s entertainment capitals—New York and Las Vegas. Prima, a Grammy Award-winning, multimillion-dollar hitmaker, was also unapologetically Italian American during a time when such proud displays of ethnicity were frowned upon. He helped pave the path for other performers, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Perry Como.

Through hits such as “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Jump, Jive, an’ Wail,” and “Angelina,” as well as personal effects, memorabilia, and rare images, Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon will enable visitors of all ages to discover, or rediscover, this groundbreaking performer and true legend of the music world.

The exhibition and event are produced in collaboration with the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. Additional support by Italian Sons and Daughters of America, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, De Pietro Family, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, La Marzocco and Josephine Mahoney Family. Special thanks to New Orleans Jazz Museum, Tulane University Special Collections, and El Pueblo Historical Monument.

Event Venue

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, 644 North Main Street, Los Angeles, United States