Louis Armstrong was born on August 4th 1901 in none other than the magical city of New Orleans. Though the New Orleans Armstrong grew up in was a far cry from the lively and jovial city we have all heard about. He was born in a tough area commonly referred to as "the battleground" and it's name was well deserved for it was infested with crime and poverty. Armstrong took any kind of job he could find and sang on street corners throughout the night for tips from passers by.
However at the young age of 11 Armstrong was sent to a childrens home for the "coloured". This time would however prove to be beneficial to Armstrong for whilst there he would receive his very first music lessons and proceeded to play in the homes very own brass band. Then 18 months later Armstrong was released from the home and made a living by supporting himself as a musician. Now one of New Orleans noted musicians, a certain Joe "King" Oliver was to become his mentor.
It was in the 20's that Armstrong left New Orleans headed for Chicago where he would play with Oliver's jazz band. Whilst playing in the jazz band Louis met with the piano player, a woman by the name of Lillian Hardin and by February of 1924 the two were married. Lillian put pressure on Armstrong to leave Chicago and so he did. He set sail for New York and joined Fletch Henderson's orchestra. Whilst in New York Armstrong got the oppourunity to play with many famous blues singers including Bessie Smith.
In 1925 Armstrong went back to Chicago and it was there that he recorded his first five records with the band named "The Hot Five". By 1926 Armstrong had released various records and was a popular hit on radio and at many jazz clubs where he was noted for his famous trumpet solo's. Jazz was now sweeping America and becoming what was deemed a phenomenon and there was none other than Armstrong at the helm. He was now hailed as the King of Jazz.
In 1928 however Armstrong left the band and later in 1929 he was hired to play in the Broadway show "Hot Chocolates". At this point Armstrong's rendition of the song "Ain't misbehavin" became a success and his biggest selling record. Armstrong, now an experienced musician, decided to form his own band which he named Louis Armstrong and his Sebastian New Cotton Club Orchestra and in 1932 he was given his famous nickname "Satchmo" which has stuck with him ever since.
Armstrong's success was not just limited to music but he also tried his hand at movies. In 1936 he appeared in the movie "Pennies from heaven" and later in the film "High Society" in which he played himself alongside the likes of Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. After WW2 Armstrong did various tours which were sponsored by the state department so that he could spread good will. However this was a racist time in a largely racist society. Armstrong had encountered racial prejudice but often chosen to remain mute on the subject however on occasion had spoke out and condemned racism.
By the time the 50's had arrived Armstrong had superstar status and was adored by Jazz and music fans everywhere. He went on to record songs with other superstars of the era such as Bing Crosby "Gone Fishin'" and Ella Fitzgerald "Summer Time". During this period Armstrong done some of his best work and most well known songs. He did the song "Mack the Knife" which originally came from a German opera. Prior to this the song was mostly unknown however since this the song has been recorded by many musicians and singers including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosy and Bobby Darin. Other Armstrong hits recorded in this period included "All of me" and "On the sunny side of the street" which has also been done by countless singers over the years.
In the 60's Armstrong's career continued to remain strong and it was at this point in time that he was paired with other noteable jazz great Duke Ellington. He went on to release the massive hit "Hello Dolly" which knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts. Sadly however Armstrong made his last massive hit song in 1968 "What a wonderful world" which reached the number one spot straight away in the UK.
However sadly Armstrong passed away on the 6th July 1971 and thousands upon thousands turned out to mourn his death. In memory of Armstrong an airport in his home town of New Orleans was aptly named the "Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport".
Louis Armstrong will forever remain to be the King of Jazz.
