Louis Armstrong

My mama done tol' me, when I was in knee-pants
My mama done tol' me, "Son a woman'll sweet talk"
And give you the big eye, but when the sweet talkin's done
A woman's a two-face, A worrisome thing who'll leave you singing the blues in the night

Now the rain's a-fallin', hear the train's a-callin, "Whooee!"
(My mama done tol' me) Hear that lonesome whistle blowin' 'cross the trestle, "Whooee!"
(My mama done tol' me) A-whooee-ah-whooee ol' clickety-clack's a-echoin' back the blues in the night
The evenin' breeze'll start the trees to cryin' and the moon'll hide its light when you get the blues in the night
Boy, take my word, the mockingbird'll sing the saddest kind o' song, he knows things are wrong, and he's right

From Natchez to Mobile
From Memphis to St. Joe
Wherever the four winds blow
I been in some big towns an' heard me some big talk
But there is one thing I know
A woman's a two-face
A worrisome thing who'll leave you singing the blues in the night

My mama was right, there's blues in the night

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 Oscar Peterson

From the album

Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1957)

Louis Armstrong popular songs

Blues In The Night (My Mama Done Tol’ Me)Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson