Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong
Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans on August 4, 1901. He grew up in a very poor neighborhood, with a difficult childhood. His father abandoned the family shortly after he was born. His mother then began prostitution to be able to take care of her children. Armstrong dropped out of school in the 5th grade; to start working and eventually made enough money to purchase a cornet. The cornet is like the trumpet but smaller and has a more mellow sound.
On New Years Eve in 1912 Armstrong fired a gun into the air in celebration and was arrested on the spot. He was sent to the Colored Waif’s Home for Boys. This is where he learned how to properly play the cornet. He was released in 1914 and was mentored by one of the city’s top cornetist, Joe “King” Oliver. Although Armstrong worked odd jobs throughout the town, he was growing a name for himself in the red light district. Oliver would allow Armstrong to sub for him on occasions. By 1918, Armstrong became so skillful he replaced Oliver in Kid Ory’s band, which was the most popular band in New Orleans.
After being placed in the band, Armstrong was able to stop working manual labor jobs and focus on his music. In 1919 he started playing for another band on the Riverboat which is where he learned how to read music. By 1922 King Oliver sent for Armstrong to play for his band in Chicago. They became famous in the city. Armstrong began dating the pianist in the band Lillian Hardin and married her two years later in 1924. Hardin pushed him to cut ties with his mentor and focus on his own career. Taking her advice, he joined the Henderson band back in New York. He quickly made his presence felt, earning a series of solos and integrating the swing music into the band. He ran into issues when the band didn’t want to allow him to sing because of his southern style and lingo. They figured it wouldn’t go well while playing in front of more sophisticated crowds. This left Armstrong unsatisfied, leading him to return to Chicago in 1925.
Armstrong established his own band; Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five, later Hot Seven. He was in this band from 1925-1928 and made over 60 records. Some of these records are considered the most important and influential recordings in jazz history. In 1926 Armstrong switched from the cornet to the trumpet.
He had a number one on HOT 100 “Hello Dolly!” In 1932 he received the name ‘Satchmo’ which was short for satchel mouth, due to him having a large mouth. Armstrong became so popular he started touring in Europe, where he had fight with his manager John Collins. Around this time, he was left stranded in Europe, and he decided to rest as his vocals and lips were sore from performing so much. Him becoming an international star is where the name ‘Ambassador Satch’ came about. When he returned to the states he continued to do great things. Armstrong passed away in his sleep July 6, 1971, a few months after his final engagement at Waldorf-Astoria in New York.
Thank you, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong for your contributions to the culture!