prince la la

Biography

Lawrence Nelson, known professionally as Prince La La, was born in 1936 in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a musically rich family: his father, Walter Nelson, was a jazz and R&B guitarist, and his brother, Walter 'Papoose' Nelson, played with legendary acts like Fats Domino and Professor Longhair. Immersed in the vibrant New Orleans music scene, Prince La La began his career as a songwriter before stepping into the spotlight as a performer.

Prince La La’s breakthrough came in 1962 when his song 'She Put the Hurt on Me' became the first release for the AFO (All For One) label, quickly rising to number 28 on the Billboard R&B chart. His stage persona, marked by exotic robes and a mystical aura, set him apart and foreshadowed the theatricality later seen in artists like Dr. John. Despite a promising start, his recording career was brief, producing only a handful of singles before his untimely death in 1963 at the age of 27, reportedly from a heroin overdose. His legacy endures as a cult figure in New Orleans R&B, remembered for his unique style and the influence he had on the city’s musical evolution.

Fun Facts

• Prince La La's nickname and stage persona were inspired by Mardi Gras and African royalty, and his costumes later influenced Dr. John's signature look.
• He originally entered the recording studio as a songwriter and demo singer, but his vocal performance impressed producers enough to launch his own career.
• His death at age 27, under mysterious circumstances, predated the popularization of the '27 Club' in music folklore.
• His only charting single, 'She Put the Hurt on Me,' was initially intended for Barbara George, who went on to have her own major hit with 'I Know.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Walter Nelson - Prince La La's father, a jazz and R&B guitarist who played with Smiley Lewis, provided early musical guidance. (Live performances, family collaborations) [1936–1963]

Key Collaborators

• Jessie Hill - Brother-in-law and key collaborator; brought Prince La La into the AFO label and co-wrote/produced material. ('She Put the Hurt on Me', 'Need You') [1961–1963]
• Harold Battiste - Producer and head of AFO Records; oversaw Prince La La's recording sessions. ('She Put the Hurt on Me', 'Gettin' Married Soon') [1961–1963]
• AFO Studio Combo (Red Tyler, John Boudreaux, Melvin Lastie, Peter 'Chuck' Badie) - Session musicians on Prince La La's recordings. ('She Put the Hurt on Me', 'Gettin' Married Soon') [1962–1963]

Artists Influenced

• Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) - Adopted theatrical costuming and mystical stage persona inspired by Prince La La's style and performances. (Early Dr. John persona and performances) [Late 1960s]
• Oliver Morgan - Friend and contemporary; memorialized Prince La La in the song 'Who Shot the La La?' ('Who Shot the La La?') [1964]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Things Have Changed (Gumbo Stew)
2. Need You (More Gumbo Stew)
3. She Put The Hurt On Me (The Sue Records Story: The Sound Of Soul)
4. She Put the Hurt on Me (Come Back to Me)
5. Gettin' Married Soon (The Sue Records Story: The Sound Of Soul)
6. Come Back To Me (The Sue Records Story: The Sound Of Soul)
7. She Put the Hurt on Me (Chills & Fever)
8. She Put the Hurt on Me (Soul City New Orleans: Big Easy Gems from the Dawn of Soul Music)
9. Come Back to Me (Best Of Stacks, Vol. 1 - Soul Music Collected)
10. She Put The Hurt On Me (Sue Records' Greatest Hits)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia