Louis armstrong + biography

Home / Celebrity Biographies / Louis armstrong + biography

This pivotal experience introduced him to music when he received instruction on the cornet, igniting a passion that would shape his life. Glaser did just that.

Armstrong and Oliver became the talk of the town with their intricate two-cornet breaks and started making records together in 1923. Among our ranks are book authors and award-winning journalists. Armstrong accepted, and he was soon taking Chicago by storm with both his remarkably fiery playing and the dazzling two-cornet breaks that he shared with Oliver.

While a DNA test has never been made public to unequivocally establish a blood relation, visual and anecdotal evidence suggests possible familial ties that contribute to the ongoing conversation about Armstrong’s legacy and personal history. He faced critical backlash from some modern jazz musicians who viewed his style as outdated, particularly during the rise of bebop in the 1940s.

Armstrong played a crucial role in the transition from small jazz ensembles to larger big bands, influencing countless musicians with his innovative style. Members of the group, at one time or another, included Jack Teagarden, Earl Hines, Sid Catlett, Barney Bigard, Trummy Young, Edmond Hall, Billy Kyle, and Tyree Glenn, among other jazz legends.

Armstrong continued recording for Decca in the late 1940s and early ’50s, creating a string of popular hits, including “Blueberry Hill,” “That Lucky Old Sun,” “A Kiss to Build a Dream On,” and “I Get Ideas.”

Armstrong signed with Columbia Records in the mid-’50s and soon cut some of the finest albums of his career for producer George Avakian, including Louis Armstrong Plays W.C.

Handy and Satch Plays Fats.

Later Career: “Hello, Dolly!” and More International Tours

Louis Armstrong's later career in the late 1950s marked a remarkable resurgence in popularity, aligning with the peak of his contributions to jazz and popular music. It was notably featured on the soundtrack of the 2008 animated film WALL-E.

He began touring the country in the 1940s.

Ambassador Satch

In 1947, the waning popularity of the big bands forced Armstrong to begin fronting a small group, Louis Armstrong and His All Stars. Tracks like "West End Blues" and "Potato Head Blues" featured Armstrong's daring rhythmic choices and innovative phrasing, which captivated audiences and inspired generations of musicians.

In 1914, the home released him, and he immediately began dreaming of a life making music.

While he still had to work odd jobs selling newspapers and hauling coal to the city’s famed red-light district, Armstrong began earning a reputation as a fine blues player. An all-star virtuoso, the New Orleans native came to prominence in the 1920s and influenced countless musicians with both his daring trumpet style and unique vocals.

Notable songs such as “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly!,” and “La Vie En Rose” showcase his unique ability to blend joyful melodies with heartfelt lyrics, forever leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

With his career back on track, Armstrong set a number of African American firsts. Our staff also works with freelance writers, researchers, and other contributors to produce the smart, compelling profiles and articles you see on our site.

That’s the secret.