Louis Armstrong
By: Sheldon Reid
Louis Armstrongs Life
Louis Armstrong, nicknamed "Satchmo," "Pops" and, later, "Ambassador Satch," was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana where he would grow up and play the cornet/trumpet. He became to popular in the 1920s, influencing countless musicians with both his daring trumpet style and unique vocals. Armstrong's stage presence impressed not only the jazz world but all of popular music. He recorded several songs throughout his career, including he is known for songs like "La Via En Rose" and "What a Wonderful World." Sadly Armstrong died at his home in Queens, New York, on July 6, 1971.
Joe (King) Oliver's band
Legacy
Since his death, Armstrong's stature has only continued to grow. In the 1980s and '90s, younger African-American jazz musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Jon Faddis and Nicholas Payton began speaking about Armstrong's importance, both as a musician and a human being. Armstrong's home in Corona, Queens was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977; today, the house is home to the Louis Armstrong House Museum, which annually receives thousands of visitors from all over the world. Arguably the most important figure in 20th century music, Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist are widely recognized today, and will continue to for decades to come.