Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon is a new 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, rise to success, artistic prowess, and 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.

Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon is presented in collaboration and with the support of Gia Maione Prima Foundation Inc, Italian Sons and Daughters of America, De Pietro Family, Order Sons of Italy and the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Josephine Mahoney Family, Tulane University, Walt Disney Archives; Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture and, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. 

Italian American Museum of Los Angeles 644 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 485-8432 [email protected]