Louis Armstrong

Woke up one bright morning
Woke up in the rain
Woke up to the sunshine and the pain

Stood out in the rosebuds
Stood out in the dew
Stood out in the clear and got a clue--

Listen to the mockingbird
Sing his sweet song
Listen to the mockingbird
And know that life goes on

Been inside a coal mine
Been inside a whale
Been inside a grief just like a jail...

Listen to the mockingbird
Sing his sweet song
Listen to the mockingbird
And know that life goes on

On that morning, dressed in black
I began my journey back;
Through old cobwebs colors blew
From my footsteps shadows flew--

Through these eyes of light now
I begin to know
All good things in time will come and go--

Listen to the mockingbird
Sing his sweet song
Listen to the mockingbird
And know that life goes on

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

Listen to the MockingbirdLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Satchmo in Style