Capitol/EMI records released two hits collections for big-band and swing music legends Louis Prima and Keely Smith yesterday.
Prima’s compilation, Jump, Jive An’ Wail: The Essential Louis Prima, comprises 26 of his biggest hits, including “I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)” and “Jump, Jive An’ Wail.”
Smith is well known for her duets with both Prima and Frank Sinatra. She burst onto the scene at age 16, singing duets with Prima and his ensemble. Her album, Keely Smith: The Essential Capitol Collection, contains 27 of Smith’s duets, solos and live recordings.
Smith and Prima married in 1953 and during this time gained much acclaim with performances at the Sahara Hotel’s Casbar Lounge in Las Vegas.
Smith recorded as a solo artist with Nelson Riddle. During her career, Smith also recorded with Billy May, and after her divorce in 1961 from Prima signed with Reprise records.
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