Glossary entry for
Armstrong, Louis

Louis Armstrong (1900-1971), known to many simply as "Satchmo," was perhaps the greatest jazz trumpet player ever. Born in New Orleans, Armstrong defined jazz in many ways, created scat, glamorized his nation, tactfully dealt with an oppressive social system and beat it, and has influenced seventy years' worth of musicians. He seemed to, and indeed claimed to, have enjoyed every moment of his career. His buoyant and good-natured personality on stage is said to have been reflective of his general humor. Still, his music stands on its own.

More information available at:
  • The Red Hot Jazz site has an excellent page on Louis Armstrong here

Van references in:

  • "See Me Through Part II (Just A Closer Walk With Thee)" (on Hymns To The Silence)


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