Louis Armstrong

When a fellow loves a maiden
And that maiden doesn't love him
It's the same as when a bald man
Finds a comb upon the highway

The cucaracha, the cucaracha
Doesn't want to travel on
Because she hasn't
Oh no, she hasn't
Marihuana for to smoke

All the maidens are of pure gold;
All the married girls are silver;
All the widows are of copper
And old women merely tin

My neighbor across the highway
Used to be called Doa Clara
And if she has not expired
Likely that's her name tomorrow

All the girls up at Las Vegas
Are most awful tall and skinny
But they're worse for plaintive pleading
Than the souls in Purgatory

All the girls here in the city
Don't know how to give you kisses
While the ones from Albuquerque
Stretch their necks to avoid misses

All the girls from Mexico
Are as pretty as a flower
And they talk so very sweetly
Fill your heart quite up with love

One thing makes me laugh most hearty
Pancho Villa with no shirt on
Now the Carranzistas beat it
Because Villa's men are coming

Fellow needs an automobile
If he undertakes the journey
To the place to which Zapata
Ordered the famous convention

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

Rhythm Saved the World

From the album

Rhythm Saved the World

Louis Armstrong popular songs

La cucarachaLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Rhythm Saved the World