Louis Armstrong | Biography, What A Wonderful World, Jazz Musician & Facts

Where did Louis Armstrong grow up?

Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 4, 1901. He grew up in a poor neighborhood in a town so rough that it was called a “battlefield.” Life was difficult for Louis as a boy. His father was not there, so his mother was unable to care for him. Most of the time he lived with his grandmother or his uncle.

Louis Armstrong Overview:

Biography of Louis Armstrong:

How did he get the nickname Satchmo?

When Louis was young, he had many nicknames associated with his wide mouth. One of them was satchel trout. When he visited England the nickname was shortened to “Satchmo” and the name stuck.

Becoming a Musician

As a boy, one of Louis’ favorite activities was watching his musicians play local jazz. He liked the horn and began teaching himself to play the cornet. When Louis was about 12, he got into trouble on New Year’s Eve by firing a gun into the sky. He was sent to the New Orleans Asylum for Colored Tramps. Louis joined the band at his home and learned how to read sheet music.

Racism

Growing up in the early 20th century, Louis had to deal with racism. At the time, some states had segregation laws known as Jim Crow laws. These laws separated blacks from whites and made it difficult for blacks to succeed. But Louis didn’t stop it. He will focus on his music and one day become one of the most famous musicians in the world.

Early Career of Louis Armstrong

Armstrong was a great horn player from an early age. He played in a local jazz band in New Orleans, where he met his mentor, a jazz musician named Joe Oliver. Joe protected Louis and helped him rise in the world of music. Armstrong played in various New Orleans bands, including the Kid Orys Band and the Tuxedo Brass Band.

Chicago and New York

In 1922 Armstrong moved to Chicago and joined Joe Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. It was the beginning of his Roaring Twenties and Chicago became the home of jazz. Armstrong has made a name for himself as one of the greatest horn players of all time. He developed a unique style and played great solos that people wanted to hear.

A few years later Armstrong moved to New York City, where he performed with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra. During this time he changed from cornet player to trumpet player.

Armstrong eventually returned to Chicago. He formed his own band and made several recordings. He is now a famous musician. Louie also started singing. He had a unique raspy voice that people loved. In the 1930s he toured the world. He often worked as the main soloist in big bands.

The All Stars

In the 1940s Armstrong formed a small jazz band called the All Stars. Many famous jazz musicians have performed with his band. He toured with the All-Stars for the rest of his career.

Famous Songs

Louis Armstrong has had many hits throughout his career. Some of his best known songs include What a Wonderful World, Hello Dolly!, West End Blues, Heebie Jeebies and Ain’t Misbehavin’. In his recordings for Heebie Jeebies, he popularized a singing style called “scat”.

There was a partial failure in the recording, the note fell to the floor and Armstrong started spilling it out. It was so good that they left the scat version and it was a hit.

Movies and Books

During his career, Armstrong appeared in several movies and also wrote several books. His films include Rhapsody in Black and Blue, New Orleans, Hello Dolly! and High Society. His books include Satchmo: My Life in New Orleans and Swing that Music.

Death and Legacy of Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong died of a heart attack on July 6, 1971 at the age of 69. He is considered one of the greatest musicians in American history. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Interesting Facts About Louis Armstrong

Eleven of his recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Awards.

He often wore the Star of David in honor of the Karnofsky family, the Jewish family that adopted Louis as a child.

The main airport in New Orleans is called Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

By the age of 63, he had produced his 19 top ten songs, including the number one hit “Hello Dolly!”

He was married four times but had no children.