About Lena...
While
continuing to pay homage to her legendary father Louis Prima
(“Sing Sing Sing,”
“Pennies From Heaven,” “Just A Gigolo,” “Jump Jive An’ Wail,” “That Old Black
Magic"),
Lena Prima emerges as a diverse song stylist and notable
songwriter on
Since The Storm, her recently released
full studio recording, inspired by and dedicated to
the survivors of hurricane Katrina in her childhood home of New Orleans.
Lena
Prima has received numerous honors while performing throughout the U.S., including a special award from Nevada’s former
Lieutenant Governor
Lorraine Hunt for
“Keeping Tradition Alive in Las Vegas.”
She also has been
hailed by the distinguished American Italian Cultural Roundtable of New York
for continuing her father’s legacy and representing women in the field of jazz.
Her original song “Silly In The Middle” was nominated for the Best Jazz
Song of 2010 at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMAs).
In
addition to her musical pursuits, Lena is also an acclaimed fine artist and jewelry designer. She participates regularly in art shows throughout the southwest and has donated her artwork for auction to various charitable organizations.
Lena has also created her "Pennies From Heaven" empire, which includes a jewelry line, a book and a music and arts outreach program, designed to enhance the quality of life for
people of all ages with
the healing power of music and art.
As part of this program, from July 2008 through February 2011, Lena volunteered her time
teaching a jewelry making class at
The Caring Place in Las Vegas for
those touched by cancer.
Over the holidays in 2010, Lena and her class designed, made and sold 500 bracelets with all proceeds going to the Caring Place.
"When I was a little girl, my father sang 'Pennies From Heaven' to me along with the wind-up music from my little penny bank.
After he passed away, I began to find pennies when I needed a positive sign and I just knew they were a message from him to let me know
he is always there.
Over the years,
people have told me of similar experiences which led me to create my "Pennies From Heaven" jewelry, book and
outreach program.
It all ties in with the power
of music, and the magic of a simple song that can transform hearts and lives.” ~ lena
