Songwriter: Otis Rene Leon René Clarence Muse

[Verse 1: Louis Armstrong]
Now the pale moon's shining on the fields below
The folks are crooning soft and low
You needn't tell me, boy, because I know, yes
When it's sleepy time down south
Yes, the soft wind blowing through the pinewood trees
The folks down there live a life of ease
When old mammy falls on her knees, yes
When it's sleepy time down south

[Verse 2]
Yes, steamboats on the river coming and going
Splashing the night away
You hear those banjos ringing and the folks are singing
And they dance 'til the break of day, yes
Dear old southland with his dreamy song
You take me back where I belong
Right in my mammy's arms
Yes, good evening everybody, good evening, hahahaha

Louis Armstrong

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.