Louis Armstrong | Artist

Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong was an American trumpeter, composer, vocalist and occasional actor born 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana. With a career spanning 50 years, he was one of the most influential figures in jazz and popular music of his time. Armstrong was one of the first jazz soloists to stand out from traditional ensemble playing. He also developed a "scat" singing style as an accompaniment to his trumpet playing, but he was also an excellent vocalist, as demonstrated on the classic cut "What a Wonderful World". Armstrong started playing in brass bands and on river boats but rose in status to command star billing in Symphony Halls around the world, as well as appear in numerous movies and TV shows and on radio. He was one of the first African-American performers to gain mainstream popularity in a racially divided society. As for recordings, Armstrong made many classic albums, particularly in collaboration with Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and his band The Hot Five. Outstanding albums include Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy, Satch Plays Fats: A Tribute to Fats Waller, Ella and Louis, Ella and Louis Again, Porgy & Bess and The Complete Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington Sessions.

Artist Website: louisarmstronghouse.org

Featured Albums: Louis Armstrong

Related Artists: Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington