MP3 Reminiscing - JAZZ: Jazz Vocals

Swing, A live tribute to her father, Louis Prima, and five of her own original songs.

13 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz Vocals, JAZZ: Swing/Big Band



Details:
Lena Prima Bio:
As the daughter of the legendary Louis Prima and singer Gia Maione, Lena was born with a unique musical heritage. Lena's dad Louis has been hailed in the annals of 20th century American music as an innovative genius. Lena's mother Gia is a classically trained singer who performed with Louis beginning in 1962. They were married in February 1963, and Lena was born in November of the same year.
Originally from Las Vegas, Lena was also raised in New Orleans, Louis' home town. The Prima family had homes with golf courses in both cities, and moved back and forth during Lena's formative years. She grew up singing and dancing on stage with her parents, and touring with them every summer when school was out.
After Louis' passing in 1978, Lena continued to perform in school musical groups and stage productions. She graduated from Clark High in Las Vegas and then went off to college, studying art, music and, dance, but completed only two semesters. All she wanted to do was sing and perform for a live audience!
For several years Lena worked day jobs, recorded original music, and sang rock & roll at night. In 1991 she made singing a full-time career and began touring with various shows and groups such as Sweet Louis & The Checkmates and The Spiral Staircase (known for their smash hit "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday"). While performing with these bands, she included a 20 minute tribute to her father in her repertoire. The enthusiastic response to her tribute while on a cruise ship in 1998 inspired her to create her show "Louis Prima, That's My Dad!".
Lena's high energy show features Prima classics including "That Old Black Magic", "Just A Gigolo", "Jump, Jive, 'An Wail", and "Sing, Sing, Sing". Rare video footage of Louis' Ed Sullivan Show performances, and heartwarming stories of growing up as the daughter of a legend round out the 90 minute show. She also includes in the show one of her own compositions, "Silly In The Middle".
Over the past six years, Lena has captivated audiences around the country, including three years at the Sahara Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, where her famous father performed for many years, beginning in the early 1950's.
The infectious energy of Lena's performance in her highly acclaimed show always delights long-time Louis Prima fans, and provides a joyous initiation to new ones everywhere she goes!
Currently, Lena is writing and recording songs for her second CD while also pursuing other creative interests, such as showing her artwork, and opening a boutique featuring hand-made items from local and world artists.