COP11 Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Born in New Orleans on August 4, 1901. He was an American jazz trumpeter and singer. Armstrong developed his cornet playing in a band at the New Orleans Home for Colored Waifs where he was sent often for delinquency. Once he was out he got his first dance hall job at Henry Ponce's where Black Benny was his protector and guide. During the day Louis hauled coal and played at night. He also played in the city's brass band parades, then went on to play on riverboats. Armstrong moved to Chicago and joined a Creole Jazz band. He made his first recordings in the Gennett and Okeh labels. The he moved to New York and did more recordings there. He moved back and forth from Chiago and New York for several years before finally settling in Queens. During his first 30 years of playing, he did over 300 gigs and a few movies. He made his film debut in 1931's "Ex-Flame". Armstrong was the first jazz musician to be on the cover of Time, Feb. 21, 1949. By the 60's he was considered to be a huge influence on all different types of music worldwide. In 1964 he recorded his best selling record, Hello Dolly! which knocked the Beatles out of the number one spot. Due to bad health, Louis had to cut back on touring. He actually played until the day he died. Some musicians criticized him for not taking a stronger stand in the civil rights movement. But he was a major financial supporter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights activists. He preferred to work quietly behind the scenes. Twice he spoke out against the government and the FBI kept a file on him for his outspokeness about integration. Louis passed away after having a heart attack in Queens on July 6, 1971. Quote
antoinetteda Posted December 11, 2012 Posted December 11, 2012 Vote for Louis in the I am the Biggest fan revival (1st male edition) HERE Quote
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