Louis Armstrong

Released: January 1, 1963

Featuring: Duke Ellington

Songwriter: Duke Ellington

Producer: Bob Thiele

It was such a fine spring day
Down Lou'siana way
With fragrance divine
And such magnificent regalia
Oh, so fine
Azalea

Oh what a lovely sight
In red, pink and white
Can't help but believe
That nothing evil can assail you
So naïve
Azalea

You're at ease on the knees
Of the moss covered trees
Whose tops meet to make a high ceiling
In the church-like pomp
Of the cypress swamp
I've yet to get that same strange feeling

I've got to go back there
And find that blossom fair
I always dream of
'Cause with you who could be a failure?
My first love
Azalea

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

The Making of the Great Summit

From the albums

Louis Armstrong meets Duke Ellington (1996)
The Making of the Great Summit (2000)
The Great Summit: The Master Takes (2000)

Louis Armstrong popular songs

AzaleaLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

The Making of the Great Summit