Louis Prima often spoke of writing a book about his life and times. Had he done so, his memory would not have to be contented with the few meager and hastily written paragraphs that follow. Indeed, were it not for the kindness of my own heart, his memory would have not even these.

Eschewing cheap sensationalism, I make no mention of the filthy procreative deed which led to Mr. Prima’s birth, but begin my account with the birth itself. He was born on December 7, 1910, in New Orleans. He studied the violin for seven years, and at the age of 10 he won the first prize in an amateur fiddling contest. While still young and pure and incapable of the filthy deed which brought him into this vale of tears, he put aside his violin and lifted to his lips a trumpet. By the time he was 12, he and his 15-year-old brother, Leon, were leading their own band, playing at various functions throughout the Crescent City.