Louis Armstrong

Bess, oh where's my Bess
Won't somebody tell me where?
I don't care what she says
I don't care what she's done
Won't somebody tell me where is my Bess?
Bess, Oh, Lawd

My Bess! I want her now
Widout her I can't go on
I counted de days dat I was gone
Till I got home to see her face
Won't somebody tell me where is my Bess?
Oh, I want her so, my gal, my Bess, where is she?

Oh Lawd, in your big Heaven
Please show me where I mus' go
Oh give me de strength, show me de way!
Tell me de truth, where is she, where is my gal
Where is my Bess!

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

Porgy & Bess

From the album

Porgy & Bess (1957)

Louis Armstrong popular songs

Oh Bess, Oh Where’s My Bess?Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Porgy & Bess