Looking back at the influential and iconic Louis Armstrong and five of his best songs
The “Satchmo” was born 123 years ago today
Looking back at the influential and iconic Louis Armstrong and five of his best songs
To talk about Pop Culture, Jazz and overall music in the 20th century and not mentioning Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, would be ignoring history. Armstrong crossed over race and classes in a highly segregated period of the United States due to his talent as a trumpeter, composer, vocalist, occasional actor and also his charisma. Louis Armstrong first came to prominence during the 1920’s, almost as a novelty act, with his “inventive” trumpet and cornet player, but quickly proved to be more than just a novelty act and laid the foundations for the now essential part of jazz music which is the collective improvisation to solo performance. As influential as his trumpet playing, is also Armstrong’s singing with his instantly recognizable rich and gravelly voice, demonstrating great dexterity as an improviser, bending the lyrics and melody of a song for expressive purposes, and aside of Jazz, he was also very skilled at scat singing. Owner of a unique stage presence, Armstrong was one of the first African American artists to break the boundaries of race in a time of segregation. His artistry, talent and personality allowed him access to the upper echelons of American society, then highly restricted for black men, however, he rarely publicly politicized his race, often to the dismay of fellow African Americans, but took a well-publicized stand for desegregation. For over five decades, Louis Armstrong did several world tours, playing sold out concert halls all over the world. At his time, he was a global music phenomenon and one of the first truly music superstars. By the end of his career in the 1960’s, Armstrong was widely regarded already as a living legend and a profound influence on popular music in general, breaking once again boundaries. When in 1967 he released “What A Wonderful World” he was far to guess that it would be forever considered his signature song, but more than that, also a global anthem for peace that still stands today as one of the most recognizable melodies in the planet.
The iconic and talented Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as “Satchmo” or “Pops,” was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in the poverty-stricken neighborhood of Battlefield, Armstrong faced a challenging childhood. His father abandoned the family shortly after his birth, and his mother, Mary Albert, often worked as a prostitute to make ends meet. As a result, Armstrong spent much of his early life in the care of his grandmother and in a home for troubled boys, the Colored Waifs Home for Boys, where he discovered his passion for music.
Armstrong began his musical career in the brass bands and riverboat dance bands of New Orleans. He played with local groups such as the Kid Ory Band and the Tuxedo Brass Band, honing his skills and developing a distinctive style. His big break came in 1922 when he moved to Chicago to join King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. Oliver, a mentor to Armstrong, recognized his prodigious talent and provided him with valuable opportunities to grow as a musician.
In 1924, Armstrong moved to New York City to play with Fletcher Henderson’s Orchestra, one of the most prominent African American bands of the time. His innovative playing and charismatic personality quickly made him a star. During this period, Armstrong switched from the cornet to the trumpet, an instrument with which he would become synonymous.
Armstrong’s career truly began to soar in the mid-1920s when he returned to Chicago and began recording with his own groups, the Hot Five and Hot Seven. These recordings, including classics like “Heebie Jeebies,” “West End Blues,” and “Potato Head Blues,” showcased his virtuosic trumpet playing, innovative improvisation, and unique vocal style. Armstrong’s recordings from this era are considered some of the most influential in jazz history, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering artist.
In the 1930s, Armstrong’s popularity continued to grow as he toured extensively in the United States and Europe. He became one of the first African American musicians to achieve widespread fame, breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. His charismatic stage presence, distinctive gravelly voice, and unparalleled trumpet playing captivated audiences worldwide.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Armstrong continued to evolve as an artist. He formed the All Stars, a group featuring some of the finest musicians of the era and shifted his focus to more mainstream and popular music. Hits like “What a Wonderful World,” still regarded today as his signature song, but more than that, also a global anthem for peace that still stands as one of the most recognizable melodies in the planet, “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mack the Knife” brought Armstrong international acclaim and commercial success. His recording of “Hello, Dolly!” even knocked the Beatles off the top of the Billboard charts in 1964, making Armstrong the oldest artist to achieve a number one hit.
Louis Armstrong died of a heart attack in his sleep on July 6, 1971, a month before his 70th birthday. Among the peers and friends who attended his funeral were Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Pearl Bailey, Count Basie, Harry James, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Earl Wilson, Alan King, Johnny Carson and David Frost. Singer Peggy Lee sang The Lord’s Prayer at the services while Al Hibbler sang “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”. To celebrate the talent of Louis Armstrong on the 123rd anniversary of his birth, here’s five essential songs of the “Satchmo”.
5 -” When You’re Smiling”, 1929
4 -” Jeepers Creepers”, 1939
3 -” When the Saints go Marching In”, 1938
2 -” Hello Dolly”, 1964
1 -” What A Wonderful World”, 1967
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