Louis Armstrong

Now she wants a butter an egg man
From way out in the west
She wants somebody who's workin' all day
So she's got money when she wants to play

Now pretty clothes they'll never be mine
But what she told me the other day
I hope she don't change her mind
Now she wants a butter an egg man
A great big butter and egg man
From way down south

Louis Armstrong, known throughout his lengthy career by nicknames like “Satchmo”, “Pops” and simply “Louie”, was a trumpeter, composer, singer and occasional actor, as well as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz.

Born and raised in New Orleans, where jazz itself is alleged to have began, Armstrong started his career in 1918, playing the cornet in brass bands and riverboats along the Mississippi River. There, he caught the attention of his future mentor, King Oliver, joining his band in Chicago, where he networked with other popular jazz musicians like Hoagy Carmichael and his first wife Lil Hardin Armstrong.

In 1924, Louie relocated to New York City playing for the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra. It was at this time he switched over from cornet to trumpet in order to blend in better with the other musicians in his section. It was also when he developed his emotional playing style, which included singing and telling tales of his life back in New Orleans.

more tracks from the album

A Portrait

From the albums

Satchmo in Style (1959)
A Portrait (2000)
The Complete Hot Five & Hot Seven Recordings (2000)
The Quintessence, Vol 2: New York – Chicago 1923-1946 (2004)

Louis Armstrong popular songs

Big Butter and Egg ManLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

A Portrait