July 2, 2024 - Tuesday - Today we were in Los Angeles to visit the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Their new exhibit is called "Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon" that was produced by the IAMLA in collaboration with the Gia Maione Prima Foundation which 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.
This is a cute letter Prima wrote to some neighborhood kids about his performance.
A thank you from JFK.
For a wonderful YouTube video of Louis Prima and Keeley Smith performing "Just a Gigolo & I Ain't Got Nobody", click here.
Louis' fifth wife, Gia.
Prima was the voice of King Louie in Disney's "The Jungle Book."
Who knew that David Lee Roth covered "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody?"
This exhibit is dazzling, as Judy says, "It was like reading his biography."
After the museum we headed over to the San Antonio Winery for lunch at the Maddalena Restaurant. Named after the family matriarch, Maddalena Riboli, the Maddalena Restaurant has been serving its many guests visiting and touring the winery for over 40 years.
Judy had their French dipped sandwich.
I chose the traditional spaghetti with Italian sausages.
