A legend in Jazz

Louis Armstrong was one of the first great Jazz soloists and one of its most creative innovators. Throughout the many years of his career thousands were inspired by and tried to emulate his playing. He increasingly came to represent to the world the spirit of American jazz and its international appeal. Daniel Louis Armstrong started his musical career several years before he actually played the trumpet. At the age of seven he and a group of friends would sing on street corners for pennies and nickels. On December 31, 1913 he celebrated New Year’s Eve by shooting his step-father’s gun in the street. He was arrested , and while at the waif’s home in New Orleans he began playing the Trumpet. There were four salient features which made his an outstanding player-his superior choice of notes to shape unique melodic lines, his outstanding tone quality, his sense of swing, and his famous repertory of vibratos. His music had the make-up of any great music experience – expressive fervor, intense artistic commitment ,a natural sense for structural logic and superior instrumental skill . In the early 1900’s jazz was just coming into being. The public’s attitude towards the “new music” was unfavorable. Generally speaking ,jazz, including Armstrong’s playing was being heard in red light districts. There were many players but no outstanding soloists. Louis Armstrong was the first. His trumpet playing was not the only factor in his success. His unique singing also played a major role. He had a charm with his audience that was unsurpassable. Later in his career his singing became as important as his playing. He had become a complete entertainer. As his popularity grew, appearances abroad became frequent. Also in addition to his music, he was active in movies, Television, and even Broadway. He was a giant star.
Louis Armstrong ; a legend In Jazz.