Louis Armstrong

Wait till you see him
See how he looks
Wait till you hear him laugh

Painters of paintings
Writers of books
Never could tell the half

Wait till you feel
The warmth of his glance
Pensive and sweet and wise

All of it lovely
All of it thrilling
I'll never be willing to free him

When you see him
You won't believe your eyes
You won't believe your eyes

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.

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Body & Soul

From the album

Body & Soul

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Louis Armstrong

Body & Soul