(August 4, 1901 – July 6, 1971),
AKA
"Satchmo", "Satch" or "Pops."
He was a cornettist, trumpeter and vocalist. He was perhaps the most influential figure in jazz history.
Armstrong was born and raised in New Orleans. His mentor on cornet was Joe "King" Oliver, who later hired him to play 2nd cornet in his Creole Jazz Band in Chicago.
It was in Chicago that Armstrong first recorded under his own name with Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five, a group which turned out to be one of the most important in jazz history;
Louis Armstrong - trumpet
Johnny Dodds - clarinet
Kid Ory - trombone
Lil Hardin - piano
Johnny St. Cyr - banjo
The recordings made with this group are some of the greatest masterpieces in early jazz. Not only did these recordings help jazz reach a wider audience, Armstrong's immense range, sound and endurance on the trumpet allowed him to play more creatively and inventively as a soloist. This signified the beginning of a transition away from the collective improvisation of the New Orleans style, and bringing the focus to individual expression supported by other band members.
As a siger, Armstrong's gravelly vocal sound and warm tone is still recognised by people around the world today. His sound was actually caused by nodules on his vocal folds related to trumpet playing.
By the 1950s, Armstrong was a national musical icon, appearing regularly in radio and television broadcasts and on film. Louis Armstrong won the Grammy Limetime Achievement Award in 1972, and was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his seminal recording of West End Blues he recorded with Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five.
