Louis Armstrong

Nah, you blow through here
The music goes down and around
[Incomprehensible]
And it comes out here

Nah, you push the first valve down
The music goes down and around
[Incomprehensible]
And it comes out here

Oh, you push the middle valve down
The music goes down around below
[Incomprehensible]
Listen to the jazz come out

Push the other valve down
The music goes down and around
[Incomprehensible]
And it comes out here

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

The Music Goes Round And RoundLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Rhythm Saved the World