This afternoon I did something kind of unique; not something that I do everyday anyways…the unveiling of a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame!
My friend Marcie sent out an invite to attend the event on Hollywood and Vine for Louis Prima. She is a big fan and really wanted to attend. Louis Prima was a great jazz, big band, Vegas singer. My grandparents were big fans and used to go to Vegas to see him perform back in the 50s. I remember my grandma listening to his records when I visited her on weekend.
His name is not very well known, but his songs really are. He originally sang Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody, Angelina/Zooma Zooma, Jump, Jive, and Wail, Buona Sera and tons more. A lot of the mafia shows like Casino and the Sopranos used his music. Plus he was King Louis in Disney’s The Jungle Book.
Since my grandmother would have loved to have seen one of her favorite singers get his star in the same place she spent most of her life, and it was something different to do, I decided to join Marcie.
It was so much fun! In addition to the regular event, this is also the 50th year anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so they had extra special events planned around the ceremony.
We took the Metro into Hollywood and walked to the Ricardo Mantalban Theatre, another name my grandma would have been thrilled with due to Fantasy Island fame.
Since we were not VIPs, we didn’t get to sit right up close, but we got there early enough we had a pretty good view.
When we first arrived, the star was covered in order to be unveiled in dramatic fashion.
It was a very moving ceremony. His children and grandchildren were spoke and were so proud. On top of it, this year is his hundredth birthday.
After the ceremony, his son Louis Prima Jr., who is also a musician, performed many of Sr.’s well-known songs right there in front of the theatre.
Afterwards the party was moved to a margarita bar right around the corner and family, fans, and others drank margaritas, listened to music, and mingled.
Three margaritas later, we decided it was time to depart. We did head back over to the Montalban Theatre in order to take a look at the star up close without all the people around. It already looks like it needs some cleaning!
Sometimes I want to kick myself for living so close to Hollywood and not taking advantage of these types of events more often for one reason or another. What a fun day!
It does sound like a lot of fun. I just heard about his Star this morning on MSNBC and I thought, like you had mentioned, who is this guy? Ten minutes later I'm on your Blog and you answered my question. So, Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, you should go to these more often and of course, take pictures. Also, thanks for the nice comment on my site about Joshua.
Your Friend, m.
Oh how fun! And you didn't even miss school!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school my friends and I skipped school to go and see Elton John get his star on the walk...we where in the background on the news that night- I was watching and there we were!! My mom was also watching...and she didn't even see us! Which was great because she had no idea we missed school!
lMnop
Oh my goodness! This does sound like a fun day! I am so glad you could go! : )
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I'm glad you two had a good time!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a blast!
ReplyDeleteI say the same thing all the time...we don't take advantage of where we live. Sounds like a fun day!
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