Louis Armstrong

In my solitude you haunt me
With reveries of days gone by
In my solitude you taunt me
With memories that never die

I sit in my chair filled with despair
Nobody could be so sad
With gloom ev'rywhere, I sit and I stare
I know that I'll soon go mad

In my solitude I'm praying
Dear Lord above, send back my love

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

Louis Armstrong meets Duke Ellington

From the albums

Louis Armstrong meets Duke Ellington (1996)
The Great Summit: The Master Takes (2000)

Louis Armstrong popular songs

SolitudeLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong meets Duke Ellington