Louis Armstrong

I bet there's a lotta hoboes Lord set on them rods
Even A-number one and all 'em cats, yeath man
All aboard for Pittsburgh, Harrisburg oh all the burgs
Hobo, you can't ride this train

Now I'm the brakeman and I'm a tough man
I ain't jokin' you, can't ride this train

Boys, you ain't so bad
After all you all right with me
I think I will let you ride

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.

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The Quintessence, Vol 2: New York – Chicago 1923-1946

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Louis Armstrong popular songs

Hobo, You Can’t Ride This TrainLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

The Quintessence, Vol 2: New York – Chicago 1923-1946