Louis is one of those New Orleans icons who goes through a resurgence every few years, and I confess that I just love the guy.

A larger than life personality, he's remembered as much for his movies and his Vegas act as his music. Prima was born and raised in downtown New Orleans, working in the pit of the Saenger theater before moving onto Bourbon Street's Red Door and the big time after Benny Goodman had him write several songs for him which became hits.

Five wives and several fortunes won and lost later, he fell into a coma due to a brain tumor in 1975, hanging on for three years before his death. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery briefly before moving into this fabulous tomb, with the Angel Gabriel atop it to welcome him home.(EDIT: Thanks to the fabulous Kim, we know the sculptor was Alexei Kazantsev and it was placed in the mid-90s.)


The inscription reads:

Dec. 7 1910-Aug 24, 1978 A LEGEND When the end comes I know they'll say, "Just a Gigolo" As life goes on without me. Lovingly, your little family Gia Lena Ann and Louis Jr.

Gia was his last wife, and although he had five children only those they had together are on the inscription. She now manages LouisPrima.com, and keeps his name alive. Sadly, there aren't many videos out there of him performing live, but here's one of the song from the inscription. The sound doesn't quite match the action, but it's a lot of fun anyway.