Lena Prima

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Born: November 14, 1963 Primary Instrument: Vocal

As the daughter of the legendary Louis Prima and singer Gia Maione Prima, Lena Prima is blessed with a unique musical heritage. Louis Prima (a New Orleans native) has been hailed in the annals of 20th century American music as an innovative genius and Lena's mother Gia Maione (a New Jersey native and Louis' fifth and last wife) is a classically trained singer who married Louis in 1963 and performed with him throughout the 60's and 70's until his passing in 1978. (for more information about Louis Prima visit: www.louisprima.com)

Born in Las Vegas, Lena and her younger brother, Louis Jr. were also raised in New Orleans, Louis' home town. The Prima family had homes with golf courses in both cities and moved back and forth during Lena's formative years. She grew up singing and dancing on stage with her parents, and touring with them every summer when school was out. Lena continued her training in school musical groups and stage productions. She began high school at Covington High in Louisiana and graduated from Clark High School in Las Vegas where she studied music under Marcia Neel, winner of The Disney Channel's National Performing Arts Teacher of the Year, (www.musiceducationconsultants.net) and then attended UNLV, studying art, music and dance.

For ten years Lena worked a regular job during the day and sang in rock & roll clubs at night while writing and recording original music, including an album with platinum producer/engineer Geoff Workman (The Cars, Journey, Queen, Sammy Hagar, etc.). In 1991, she made singing a full-time career and began touring the casino/resort circuit with various shows and groups such as Sweet Louie & The Checkmates and The Spiral Staircase (known for their smash hit “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday”). In 1999, she created her multi-media show “Louis Prima, That's My Dad!”.

Since her debut performance on Father's Day, 2000 in Las Vegas, Lena has headlined to sold-out audiences and has been received with standing ovations around the country at festivals, theaters, performing arts centers, casinos and corporate events, including a two year run at the Sahara Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip where her famous father performed in the early 1950's. She has received several awards including “The Governor Lorraine Hunt Award” for “Keeping Tradition Alive In Las Vegas” and the distinguished American Italian Cultural Roundtable of New York honored Lena for “...continuing her father's legacy and representing women in the field of jazz”. She has also been credited with bringing the Sahara Hotel the “Best Of Las Vegas” award from the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Awards:

She has received several awards including "The Governor Lorraine Hunt Award" for "Keeping Tradition Alive In Las Vegas" and the distinguished American Italian Cultural Roundtable of New York honored Lena for continuing her father's legacy and representing women in the field of jazz.

Last Updated: September 28, 2009

”Lena is fantastic!” - Michael Imperioli

“A standing ovation...Lena has the panache of her father as she carries audiences back to a simpler age.” - The Chicago Tribune

“Lena's performance was the hit of the night!” - National Italian American Sports Hall Of Fame

“A sure-shot for stardom...here, the acorn did fall close to the oak.” - Las Vegas Sun

“Tremendously talented...met with standing ovations...” - Today In Las Vegas

“Lena Prima has a strong voice and striking presence reminiscent of her father...a musical experience worth remembering.” - The Italian Tribune

"LOUIS PRIMA THAT'S MY DAD!" LIVE! IN LAS VEGAS starring LENA PRIMA Recorded live at the Gold Coast showroom CP 2008 1. Sing, Sing, Sing (vocal) 2. When You're Smiling 3. Oh Babe/Hey Ba Ba Re Bop 4. Buona Sera 5. Angelina 6. Che La Luna 7. I Wanna Be Like You 8. I Want You To Be My Baby 9. Pennies From Heaven 10. That Old Black Magic 11. Just A Gigolo 12. Sing, Sing, Sing (instrumental) 13. Silly In The Middle 14. It's Impossible 15. I've Got You Under My Skin 16. When The Saints Go Marching In 17. 5 Months 2 Weeks 2 Days/Jump Jive 'An Wail

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