Louis Armstrong
Mia Hamaker
Biography
Louis Armstrong was born in deep poverty in New Orleans. He spent his childhood being raised by a single mom and his maternal grandmother. When he was just 11 years old, he was arrested for firing a shotgun in the air on New Years. He was sent to Colored Waif's Home for Boys. This is where he fell in love with music. When he was released from the home, he dreamed of making music. He had a brief marriage with a young lady named Daisy Parker, in 1918, and they adopted a son together. They were divorced in 1923. Meanwhile, he was growing in popularity. He was part of the most popular jazz band in New Orleans, and was still growing. He then moved to Chicago with the band, which was extremely successful for them. He dated and married the pianist in the band, Lillian (Lils) Hardin. Lillian pushed him to join Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra in New York. Immediately after his joining, he made his way up with the soloists, and you could see how deeply his influence was left on the orchestra, even after he left, just a year later. But while he was in New York, he became a well- established artist. He made many records with other established artists, growing dramatically in popularity. He gained attention because of his unique voice techniques and his incredible improvisation ability. In 1929, Armstrong landed his first role in a Broadway play- Connie's Hot Chocolates. In the 1930's, he began appearing on television, and went on a tour of Europe. After the tour, Lillian divorced him. Although there were ups and downs in Louis's life, there were many things he did that were incredible: He was the first African American to write and autobiography, and was the first African American to host a nationally sponsored radio show. Louis Armstrong left a legacy on America that will never be forgotten.
Influence
Louis Armstrong was very influential in many ways. Not only did he influence the style of jazz in the decade, almost all by himself, but he also created a common internist of many people. Louis Armstrong was one of the first musicians who both African American and Caucasian people listened to and enjoyed equally- differences aside. While there were still problems in the outer world, this little interest people had an influence on how many people saw the African American culture.
Many people became united by Louis Armstrong's influence.
Louis Armstrong, his mother, and his sister, Beatrice Armstrong. Their father left them when Louis was young, and their mother raised them on her own with help from her own mother.
Louis Armstrong and the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra in New York. He only spent one year here, but he left an influence on the orchestra as a whole.
What a wonderful world - LOUIS ARMSTRONG.
What did you like best about the video? Why do you think people like Louis's voice so much?