Morristown Jazz Fest Singer Follows In Legendary Dad's Footsteps

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Louis Prima Jr. essentially left music as he knew it behind. The performer got frustrated with the business side of the industry, he had two boys to raise and he worked a lucrative career in food and beverage management.

But around 2010, the music industry called Prima's name again. So he quit his day job and began performing full-time. Louis Prima Jr. and The Witnesses will take the 6 p.m. slot on stage Sept. 18 at the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival.

Getting back into music — it was just time," Prima told Patch. "Being on stage is what I love. I love to tour. I don’t want to sit in one place and play music. And I wanted to make sure that my kids were old enough to fend for themselves while I was out on the road."

Learn more about the Morristown Blues & Jazz Festival musicians, and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate for the Morristown Partnership: Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival: The Insider's Guide

Since then, Prima has been sharing his legendary father's music with new generations, with a little spin of his own. As Prima describes it, he and father Louis Prima always tried to stay up to date with the sounds of the times.

Louis Prima formed a seven-piece jazz band in the late 1920s, fronted a swing combo in the 30s and then a big band in the 40s. From the 1940s to 60s, his music encompassed genres such as early R&B, rock 'n' roll and Italian folk music.

Similarly, Louis Prima Jr. doesn't stick to one thing. He doesn't work with a setlist. His band gives the audience a variety to see what they enjoy.

"We always do a little bit of Prima, a little bit of Prima Jr. and a little bit of surprises," he said.

2020 started out strong for Prima and The Witnesses. They recorded their third album and had about 120 shows on their schedule. But the pandemic delayed further production of the album and brought a long pause to live music.

COVID-19 still brings some unpredictability, with show cancelations always possible. But they're ready to get back out there and entertain Morristown.

"We’re excited to be back on the road," Prima said. "It’s so healing to just be able to play music for people again."

Watch Louis Prima Jr. and The Witnesses perform below:

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