Louis Prima was an American trumpeter and singer born in 1910 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a musical Italian-American family, with his mother ensuring that he learned to play instruments. He initially played the violin before discovering jazz and the trumpet. In the 1930s, Prima formed his own jazz band, blending different styles of music, including jazz and swing. He famously recorded the piece “Sing, Sing, Sing,” which became a huge hit for Benny Goodman.

Throughout his career, Prima embraced his Sicilian roots by incorporating Italian music and language into his songs, which was quite unique at the time. He performed in various venues, including lively clubs in Las Vegas, where he became a popular entertainer. One of his most notable achievements was providing the voice for King Louie, an orangutan in Disney’s “The Jungle Book.” Prima’s vibrant personality and fusion of styles left a lasting impact on the world of music, influencing many artists who followed.