Early Life
Louis Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a poor neighborhood known as “The Battlefield.” Life was not easy for young Louis, but music was always around him. He first learned to sing in a boys’ quartet and later learned to play the cornet at a home for troubled boys. His talent for music quickly stood out, and he practiced constantly.
Becoming a Star
In the 1920s, Armstrong moved to Chicago to join his mentor, Joe "King" Oliver, and his Creole Jazz Band. He soon became famous for his powerful playing and unique style. Louis helped turn jazz from group music into a soloist’s art, using bold melodies, exciting rhythms, and amazing improvisation. People were amazed by his trumpet playing and his joyful personality.
Famous Songs and Style
Armstrong recorded many famous songs such as “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” His deep, gravelly voice became just as well-known as his trumpet. He was a master at “scat singing,” a way of using nonsense syllables to sing like an instrument. His recordings helped jazz grow across America and the world.
Legacy
Louis Armstrong was more than a musician—he was a symbol of joy, hope, and the power of music. He broke racial barriers during a time when African Americans were often treated unfairly. He performed all over the world and brought people together through his music. Armstrong died in 1971, but his influence lives on. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest jazz musicians in history.
Discussion Questions
- How did growing up in New Orleans influence Louis Armstrong’s music?
- Why is Armstrong’s trumpet playing considered so important to jazz music?
- What made Louis Armstrong’s singing style unique?
- How did Louis Armstrong help change attitudes about African American musicians?
Glossary
- Cornet – A brass instrument similar to the trumpet.
- Jazz – A style of music with strong rhythms and improvisation.
- Improvisation – Making up music on the spot without written notes.
- Scat singing – Singing with made-up syllables instead of words.
- Mentor – Someone who teaches or guides another person.
