music and beyond

Louis Armstrong BKA “Satchmo”, “Pops” and “Ambassador Satch” was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He lived in a poor neighborhood called “ The Battlefield”. He had a challenging childhood. He was arrested for firing a gun on New Years Eve 1912 and was sent to Colored Waif’s Home for Boys. There he learned music and loved it. His first instrument was the cornet. He later learned how to read music and became known for his singing style and trumpet playing. I became a fan of Louis Armstrong when I saw him in classic movies he appeared in. He was the first African American star in Hollywood film. He also had his own jazz bands which he made 60 records with. They were the Hot Five and later the Hot Seven. My favorite songs of his were “Hello Dolly” and “What a Wonderful World”. He moved to Corona, Queens which after his death in 1977 his house was turned into Louis Armstrong House Museum a National Historic Landmark. He influenced me through my parents and family. They always talked about him and I paid attention. I will forever love his style as a great artist.