4/6/2022
Performances and Artists
Jazz and Swing Stylings Inspired by Louis Prima
Lena Prima’s memories from growing up in Vegas aren’t like most people’s.
With her father, Louis Prima, one of the most renowned big-band leaders in music history, much of Lena’s youth was spent at Vegas’ iconic casinos and lounges of the ‘60s and ‘70s to watch him perform.
“I got to experience the old Vegas, back when everyone dressed in tuxedos and gowns to see a show,” remembers Lena, now an established jazz vocalist in her own right who has performed worldwide. “I watched my father perform big time – I idolized him. The No. 1 thing I learned from him was sharing the love for what he was doing with the audience.”
At her father’s side, Lena was immersed in entertainment royalty, with celebrities like Debbie Reynolds and Frankie Valli often popping by their Vegas abode.
“Tony Bennett actually came to dinner often, because my mom was such a great cook,” Lena recalls with a laugh. “Honestly my dad was such a big, charismatic figure, no one else could top his personality.”
Growing up in an entertainment-driven city with a music legend for a father had no small impact on Lena.
“I think people still want that old-school vibe where they get dressed up and go to a live show to hear great music,” she says. “I’m continuing this musical legacy.”
Continuing a Music Legacy in Vegas
Emulating her father, Lena launched her own singing career in Las Vegas at just 19.
Studying music and performance at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she booked regular nightclub gigs with her own rock ‘n’ roll band.
“I was underage, so I had to come in through the back door,” she remembers.
Lena soon landed success touring as a lounge act – but her career found its real footing when she launched her own show, a musical tribute to her father.
“When I performed, so many people I met had stories about him,” Lena says. “Playing his music helped me learn more about who he was.”
Returning with a Swinging Show
Now living in New Orleans, Lena has evolved to pursuing her own music.
Backed by her multi-piece band, The New Orleans Hot Six, this April in Myron's, Lena will perform swinging tunes, plus many of her father’s hits.
“I really want to sing a lot of great songs that I grew up with,” she says. “I’m very excited to perform songs of how I evolved musically,” Lena says.