Louis Prima (Music in American Life) [Paperback]

Garry Boulard (Author)

Book Description

Series: Music in American Life | Publication Date: June 26, 2002

This is the first paperback edition of the only biography of Louis Prima, one of the most underrated jazz musicians and entertainers of the twentieth century. In a career that spanned four decades, Prima infused the grit and grace of Dixieland jazz with swing and big band sounds, the first whiffs of rock 'n' roll, and a vaudevillian-like stage presence. A native of New Orleans, the Guy Lombardo protg known as 'The Italian Satchmo' was the country's smashing new jazz sensation at New York's Famous Door in the 1930s. He went on to be a successful big band leader and a Vegas nightclub staple, and he virtually created the concept of the lounge act. Despite his longstanding success, Prima's over-the-top on-stage antics induced critics to not take him seriously and he was relegated to the status of mere 'entertainer'. Married five times and involved with numerous women in between, Prima has more often been remembered for his colorful relationships and quirky personality than for his abilities as a trumpeter and singer. After his death in 1978, his music gradually disappeared and jazz scholars rarely mentioned his name. Nudging Prima's legacy into the limelight the musician deserved, Garry Boulard nimbly explores Prima's ability to maintain a lifelong career, his knack for self-promotion, and how the cities in which he lived and performed - New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas - uniquely and indelibly informed his style. In a new preface, the author considers how the resurgence of big band and swing music in the late 1990s catapulted Prima and his music back into the public eye.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (June 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252070909
• ISBN-13: 978-0252070907
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,490,029 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good, solid information about an elusive entertainer, October 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Just a Gigolo: The Life and Times of Louis Prima (Hardcover)

As one of millions who continues to worship Louis Prima, I was glad to see that there is at the very least one book available on him. Well-written and packed with information, I learned things about Prima that I did not know before (how Eleanor Roosevelt helped his career) and would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand Prima, Keely Smith, Sam Butera and the music they so wonderfully created in the late l950s.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Answered my questions, April 2, 2005

By 

Linda K. Aicher (Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Louis Prima (Music in American Life) (Paperback)

A very good, easy reading, informative book. With my renewed interest in Louis Prima I was wondering about his early life, who the wives were bk(before Keely) and if he had children and how many. This book answered all my questions. It is definitely an in depth biography and well worh reading. For all of his critics(if they're still living) I would just like to say that 27 years after his death his music is still thrilling old fans and gathering new ones. Kudos Mr. Boulard!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining and informative read, July 31, 2000

By 

AARON C WALKER (NEW ORLEANS, LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just a Gigolo: The Life and Times of Louis Prima (Hardcover)

As a newcomer to the music of Louis Prima, I found this book informing and useful. Boulard's writing moves along at a fast pace; though I consider myself a neophyte in the world of jazz history, Just a Gigolo gave me all the essential information I needed to have a well grounded understanding of the man behind the music. I would recommend this book as a welcome addition to any music enthusiast.