He was born "Black, poor, and lucky." The glowing story of
"Satchmo"--the great jazz musician, Louis Armstrong.
Louis Armstrong has been called the most important improviser in the
history of jazz. Although his New Orleans neighborhood was poor in
nearly everything else, it was rich in superb music. Young Louis took it
all in, especially the cornet blowing of Joe "King" Oliver. But after a
run-in with the police, 11-year-old Louis was sent away to the Colored
Waif's Home for Boys where he became a disciplined musician in the
school's revered marching band.
Ultimately, he was to travel the world from Chicago to Paris and would
transform jazz through his improvised singing ("scatting") and masterful
trumpet playing. He played with Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie
Holiday, and other jazz greats of his day. Armstrong was the first
African-American man to host a national radio show, and the first jazz
musiciain to write an autobiography.
This is a joyful tribute to the virtuoso musician and buoyant
personality who introduced much of the world to jazz. The author's note
includes a detailed biography and resources to learn more about Louis
Armstrong and jazz.