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Introduction
Born in New Orleans to Willie Armstrong, a laborer, and Mayann, a domestic prostitute, he grew up poor in Storyville, New Orleans, right by dance halls and brothels and the constant swirl of music. He dropped out of school, and started to make his way to the top of the musical arena by playing on the streets and help from jazz artist Joe King Oliver ("Louis Armstrong"). From then on, Armstrong became known as one of the towering figures in the history of jazz.--> -
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A virtuoso performer, he was a master of the melodic improvisations, bold experiments in tone and pitch, and rhythmic ideas that have inspired generations of musicians ("Louis Armstrong"). Once his career was in full swing, he became known as one of the most influential ambassadors the world has ever seen by sharing his smooth lyrics and kind heart to countries all over the world. -
Louis at Loews Stage
Louis Armstrong appeared at Loew’s Stage in Brookland, New York with his band in 1941. He was welcomed with cheering fans at this notorious stage. Armstrong was introduced as the international king of swing and played with other famous musicians such as Billy Holiday and Big Time Crip ("Louis Armstrong at Loew's State”). Even though it is now a deteriorated theater that closed down, it was once shimmered with grapes and lights and attracted people from all across the state with its (continued) -
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authentic 1920’s decorations. Singing and performing at Loew’s stage to thousands of sold out seats was one of the highlights of Armstrong’s long-lasting career. -
Louis Armstrong Victor Jazz Revival
After being labeled as New Orleans greatest jazz singer, Armstrong acquires the honor of heading Victor’s jazz album. Some of Armstrong’s most popular songs are in this album and quickly became a popular seller amongst jazz loving fans. All of the eight songs that where on the slides of the Album, featured Armstrong’s smooth singing as well as his pioneering trumpet playing. (Continued) -
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His vocals hold a higher level than any other albums before, boosting his carear locally and internationally for the first time ("Satchmo starts off Victor Jazz Revival"). This album really allowed Armstrong to work with big named business and slowly slip away from the other jazz artists during this time. With him on top of his game, the Victor jazz album became one of the best representations of his vocal abilities and demonstrated great instrumental accompaniment. -
Louis and Time Magazine
Louis Armstrong was at the peak of his career when he was featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1949. At the end of the 1940’s, he proved to be regeneration for Armstrong as both a musician and a public figure. His rough and throaty voice became, almost instantly, the internationally recognized voice of jazz itself. Known as the “king of jazz”, the crown was well suited for him in the cover (Artzybasheff ). (Continue) -
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Time magazine is used to featuring presidents and other important political leader; therefore, when Armstrong was portrayed on the cover with a crown, it shows how significant his music was and how he came to dominate the jazz world. -
Little Rock nine speech
In September of 1957, Arkansas was going to integrate its first school with nine black children. This was called the Little Rock nine and it was well known to most of the United States. Many white people in the area did not approve and there where people of all ages yelling at the children as walked into the school on their first day. Louis Armstrong has a significant role in this advent because he stood up for the black children. -
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He said, “It’s getting almost so bad a colored man hasn’t got any country” (Teachout 331). He spoke out to the public and called the president “two faced” (Teachout 331). Armstrong not only was a great performer but he also stood up for what he believed in. This advent showed that Armstrong was involved in black rights and equality for every human being. After his speech in Arkansas, his words allowed for many people to consider the morality of the black controversy. -
Ammbasador in Africa
Louis Armstrong and his trumpet spoke a language clearly understood on his African tour. He was sent by the president of the United States to promote good will for America during a time of great political tension. Moscow radio called him a "capitalist distraction" in Africa because he was using his talent, performing, to highlight the positives of a free country. His tour in Africa helped America relieve some tensions, possibly better than a statesman ever could (Millstein). -
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From country to country, he proved to be one of the best ambassadors as he spread joy and happiness with his fun, upbeat concert. He felt as if he was home, because he received such a warm welcome in every country, proving that he was the international king of jazz. -
Louis in Congo
Armstrong proved to be a significant ambassador and well loved musician internationally as he was lifted from his feet by the people of Congo in this video. He carried a warm smile upon his face that made people in the stands stand up and clap as he passed by ("Satchmo Swings in Congo"). Not every person who visits Congo is treated that way; therefore, Armstrong was special because his presence is so well loved there. -
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This video shows how important his performance was to the people of Congo and it also highlighted how humble Armstrong actually is. He is not just loved by one color in one country, he is loved by many different people all over the world. -
Louis prasied by aribians
The 1960’s marked the point when America started to become heavily involved with the Middle East and their oil production. As a result, political and social tension between the two parts of the world started to become a little uneasy. However, Armstrong was able to throw politics under the rug and sang to a sold out sea of Arabians in Cairo. His saying “man, you’re a loving audience” really showed how important his fans where to him no matter what country he was in ("'Satchmo' Calls"). Continue -
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He demonstrated peer kindness and humble acceptance that caught the attention of many Americans at home. For the first time, many Americans were able to see the clear similarities they had with other people in different countries, further adding to Armstrong’s role as one of the greatest ambassadors. -
Louis Sued
On December 11, Armstrong was sued for $11, 500,000 by The New Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas. The hotel said that Armstrong withdrew from an oral agreement and accused him of slander. The law suit surprised many people and portrayed Armstrong an uncommitted performer who goes back on his arrangements. However, there are always two sides to the story. Armstrong did go back on his word; although, his reason was justified in the eyes of many Americans. -
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He did not want to follow the hotel’s revue, which featured semi-nude showgirls around him while he was singing ("Louis Armstrong Sued"). The law suit showed how respectful and professional Armstrong really was. Even though it was toward the end of his career and he did not have that much to lose, he still acted professionally and handled his consequences in a timely manner, influencing many people and musicians alike. -
What a Wonderful World
“What a Wonderful World” was first recorded by Louis Armstrong and released as a single in 1968, and was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. It quickly became one of Armstrong’s most popular songs and one of America’s classics. Intended as an antidote for the increasingly racially and politically charged climate in the United States, the song explains Armstrong’s delight in the simple enjoyment of everyday life. (Continue) -
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It has a hopeful, optimistic tone with regard to the future, with reference to babies being born into the world and having much to look forward to (Sanny). This song shows that even at the very end of his performing career, he was still making music that everyone could enjoy for years to come. -
Louis Armstrong Death
On July 6th, 1971, Louis Armstrong died from a heart attack in his sleep. Even though he was not able to perform the last couple of months he was alive due to his sickness, he was truly beloved by many. Some celebrities commented on his death during the time, showing how many people cherished him not only as a performer but also as a person. (continue) -
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President Nixon stated, "Mrs. Nixon and I share the sorrow of millions of Americans at the death of Louis Armstrong. One of the architects of an American art form, a free and individual spirit, and an artist of worldwide fame, his great talents and magnificent spirit added richness and pleasure to all our lives” (Krebs). -
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Mr. Ellington commented, "If anybody was Mr. Jazz it was Louis Armstrong. He was the epitome of jazz and always will be. He is what I call an American standard, an American original” (Kerbs).
"He could play a trumpet like nobody else," Mr. Condon said, "then put it down and sing a song like no one else could” (Krebs).