Louis Armstrong

Songwriter: Percy Venable Stanley Damerell

Baby, baby
I wanna be with you tonight
If I could be with you, I'd love you strong
If I could be with you, I'd love you long
I want you to know that I wouldn't go
Until I told you honey why I love you so
If I could be with you, one hour tonight
If I was free to do the things I might, things I might
I'm telling you true, I'd be anything but blue
If I could be with you, hmm babe
If I could be with you

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

Satchmo in Style

From the album

Satchmo in Style (1959)

Louis Armstrong popular songs

IfLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Satchmo in Style