New York-headquartered Reservoir Media has acquired the catalog of legendary songwriter and recording artist Louis Prima from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes rights to both Prima’s publishing and recorded music catalogs.
As a singer, songwriter, trumpeter, and actor, Prima is regarded as one of the most successful entertainers of the big band jazz era.
He wrote and recorded hits, including the well-known big band swing song, Sing, Sing, Sing.
The New Orleans-born Prima is also renowned for his recordings of I’m Just a Gigolo (I Ain’t Got Nobody), Pennies from Heaven, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, and Buona Sera (Good Night), among many others.
Additionally, he voiced King Louie, the orangutan featured in Disney’s Oscar-nominated 1967 film The Jungle Book, and earned an RIAA Gold certification for the soundtrack featuring I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song) performed by Prima.
Prima’s song Sing, Sing, Sing and album The Wildest! were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and he additionally earned the first-ever Grammy award in the Vocal Group category for his rendition of That Old Black Magic in 1958.
Elsewhere, Prima became one of the first independent record producers, forming Prima Magnagroove Records in 1963, which produced his music and signed other artists through 1975.
In 2010, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in honor of his centennial year.
“Louis Prima composed and recorded some of the most iconic swing music of all time – his name and the genre are practically synonymous.”
Rell Lafargue, Reservoir
Rell Lafargue, Reservoir President and Chief Operating Officer, said: “Louis Prima composed and recorded some of the most iconic swing music of all time – his name and the genre are practically synonymous.
“We are honored to represent his catalog, working to drive deeper recognition of his legacy for generations to come.”
He added, “Born and raised in Louisiana myself, I am proud to partner with Tony Sylvester from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, particularly to further support their impactful work in the city of New Orleans.”
“The Foundation is pleased that the Prima music catalog is in the capable hands of our friends at Reservoir where we expect that it will bring even greater prominence and visibility to Prima’s music.”
Anthony J. Sylvester, Gia Maione Prima Foundation
Anthony J. Sylvester, Trustee and Member of the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, said: “The Foundation is pleased that the Prima music catalog is in the capable hands of our friends at Reservoir where we expect that it will bring even greater prominence and visibility to Prima’s music.
“The proceeds of the sale will allow the Foundation to expand its charitable endeavors, which is the primary mission of the Foundation.”
Elsewhere at Reservoir, last month, the company, in conjunction with MENA-based music publisher and music company PopArabia acquired Lebanese label and music publisher, Voice of Beir.
Reservoir Media revealed in an SEC filing in August that the company’s total revenues (including recorded music and publishing), in the three months ended June 30, increased by 46% to $24.3 million. On an organic basis (i.e. discounting acquisitions), Reservoir says that its overall revenues grew by 14% YoY in calendar Q2.Music Business Worldwide