Louis Armstrong

  • Date Of Birth

    Armstrong was born to Mary Albert and William Armstrong on August 4th, 1901
  • Period: to

    Day of Birth - Day of Death

  • Going to the Colored Waif's Home for Boys

    When he was 10 years old, after shooting a gun in celebration of New Year's Eve, Armstrong was sent to the Colored Waif's Home for Boys.
  • Dropping Out Of School

    Armstrong dropped out of school at age 11 and never completed his education.
  • Leaving The Colored Waif's Home for Boys

    When he was age 13, Armstrong left the home. He had learned how to play the cornet during his time there. Upon leaving, Armstrong had realized that his life's calling was to make music.
  • Marriying Daisy Parker

    Armstrong married his first wife, Daisy Parker, at age 17.
  • Adopting Clarence

    In the same year that Armstrong married Daisy, he adopted his cousin Flora's son, Clarence.
  • Divorcing Daisy

    When Armstrong was 22, he divorced his first wife, Daisy Parker.
  • First Recordings

    Armstrong made his first recordings in the Creole Jazz Band in 1923.
  • Marrying Lil Hardin

    Armstrong's second wife, Lil Hardin, was incredibly important to his career.
  • Divorcing Lil

    After Louis and Lil grew apart, they separated in 1931 and divorced in 1938.
  • Marrying Alpha Smith

    In the same year Louis and Lil divorced, Armstrong married his long-time girlfriend Alpha Smith.
  • Divorcing Alpha

    In 1942, Armstrong divorced Alpha and married his final wife, Lucille.
  • Marrying Lucille Wilson

    In the same year he and Alpha divorced, Armstrong married Lucille Wilson who he was with until he died.
  • Speaking Out on Little Rock Nine

    This was the first time Armstrong had said anything about the fight for civil rights and it caused many repercussions in his career.
  • Date of Death

    Armstrong died married to his 4th wife, Lucille on July 6th, 1971. He died from a heart attack in his sleep.