Lena Prima is the youngest daughter of music icon and New Orleans native, Louis Prima and his singing sidekick (and fifth wife), Gia Maione. 

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A Las Vegas native, Lena spent much of her childhood in her father’s hometown of New Orleans, where she currently resides and performs regularly for the last 12 years.  Lena is a seasoned veteran of the music industry and is rooted in the music of the Crescent City.  As a recording artist she has 8 albums and in 2022 achieved a number one iTunes single with Frankie Moreno, 5 Months Two Weeks Two Days. Her 2020 Big Band Live album is on Offbeat Magazine's list of the top 50 albums in Louisiana and her 2019 release Prima La Famiglia on Basin Street Records, topped the Billboard Jazz Album charts at #10.

 

​As a young girl Lena loved the music her Dad made and would play his records constantly. She would travel with Louis on his summer road trips and would frequently join him on stage to sing and dance, much to the delight of his audience. Lena had found her calling!  Lena’s family split time between New Orleans and Las Vegas as she grew, depending on her Dad’s career demands. Sadly, Louis lapsed into a coma when Lena was 11 and passed away three years later. Against her mothers wishes, Lena began singing professionally at age 19.

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Lena began her career as a rock/heavy metal singer, including being produced by platinum album producer/engineer Geoff Workman of Journey, Queen, Motley Crue, Foreigner, etc.  She spent a decade working day jobs while honing her craft in the studio and onstage, writing original songs and performing at rock clubs along the West Coast, including the famous Los Angeles Troubadour. 

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When the rock scene changed in the early 90s, she decided to make singing a full time career and began performing with touring cover bands, performing five shows a night, six nights a week for another decade before finally putting her own show together in early 2000. 

 

Lena’s shows have grown and evolved, but always contain a loving tribute to her father "King" Louis Prima. From jumping swing to old school funk to her rock roots, every show is a rousing, unforgettable evening of vibrancy, freshness and big fun.   

 

Lena moved back to New Orleans in 2011 and began a residency at the beautiful Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. During those years she recorded 5 of her 8 albums. She performs regularly with her all-star band at The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and French Quarter Fest as well as traveling around the country to perform at Jazz Festivals, Jazz Clubs, Showrooms and Performing Arts Centers.  Lena’s music is available on all major digital platforms and stores that sell fine music.

 

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