“From Bourbon Street to Vegas”: a look at New Orleans native and trumpeter Louis Prima, the originator of what’s known as the Vegas lounge sound. Nick Spitzer interviews Prima band members—saxophonist Sam Butera and singer/ex-wife Keely Smith—and talks with Vegas gamblers and a pastor at a 24-hour wedding-chapel.
HOUR ONE
Open Bed: Sing, Sing, Sing Louis Prima The Capitol Recordings, Bear Family
Bourbon St. Blues Louis Prima The Capitol Recordings, Bear Family
Viva Las Vegas Elvis Presley Elvis Movies, RCA
Ace in the Hole Bunk Johnson & Lu Watters Bunk and Lu, Good Time Jazz
Wheel of Fortune The Four Flames Hard Core Doo Wop, Bear Family
Gambling Polka Dot Blues Jimmie Rodgers Down the Old Road 1931-32, Rounder
Bad Luck Dice Henry Townsend Mule, Nighthawk
Instrumental: Wailin' Walk Sam Butera Hot New Orleans Nights, Bear Family
SEGMENT: Michael Dominici
Jump Jive an' Wail Louis Prima The Capitol Recordings,
SEGMENT: Sam Butera
Have a Lucky Day Morphine Good , Rykodisc
Gambler's Blues Dinah Washington Ladies Sing the Blues, Mercury
Instrumental: Parks & Recreation Liberace Jackpot!: The Las Vegas Story, Rhino
Danke Schoen Wayne Newton Jackpot!: The Las Vegas Story, Rhino
1978 Standup Routine Phyllis Diller Clip from Dailymotion,
Wheel of Fortune Kay Starr LA Confidential, Restless
Sin City The Flying Burrito Brothers Hillbilly Feber Vol. 5, Rhino
Tumbling Dice The Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street, Virgin
Closing Bed: Guitar Boogie Shuffle The Virtues Guitar Boogie Shuffle, Bacci Bros Records
HOUR TWO
Open Bed: Seven Out Sam Butera The Capitol Recoridngs, Bear Family
The Music Goes 'Round and 'Round Louis Prima The Capitol Recordings, Bear Family
Sweet Sue, Just You Louis Armstrong More Greatest Hits, RCA
The Bean Stalks Again Coleman Hawkins Body & Soul, RCA
Felicia No Capicia Louis Prima The Capitol Recordings, Bear Family
SEGMENT: Vegas Wedding
From a Jack to a King Ned Miller Only Country, Capitol
Leaving Las Vegas Sheryl Crow Tuesday Night Music Club, A&M
Instrumental: Embraceable You Jimmy Smith & Jackie McLean Blue Note Plays Gershwin, Blue Note
SEGMENT: Keely Smith
Oh Louie Keely Smith Swing, Swing, Swing, Concord
Me and My Shadow Sammy Davis & Frank Sinatra Yes I Can, Rhino
Instrumental: Circus Bugs Randy Newman Soundtrack: A Bug's Life, Disney
I Wan'na Be Like You The Jungle Book The Music of Disney, Walt Disney
Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing) Benny Goodman Battle of the Bands, RCA
Buona Sera Louis Prima The Capitol Recordings, Bear Family
End Bed: Love of My Life (O Sole Mio) Louis Prima The Capitol Recordings, Bear Family