Louis Armstrong: Where The Blues Was Born
Here’s another legendary scene from the movie New Orleans (1947). Listen to Louis Armstrong as he introduces members of his band - a Who's Who of classic jazz greats all in one room: “piano man” Charlie Beal, trombonist Kid Ory, Zutty Singleton on drums, clarinetist Barney Bigard, guitar player Bud Scott, George "Red" Callender (bass), and of course himself, “Satchmo” Armstrong. (Seen, but not heard in this scene is Billie Holiday, who plays one of the leading roles).
Without any doubt, Louis Daniel Armstrong (1901– 1971) from New Orleans was one of the greatest musicians who ever lived. His career spanned five decades, during which he became renown as trumpet player, composer, vocalist, music innovator, and actor.
Armstrong was one of the first popular African-American entertainers to "cross over", meaning his music transcended his skin color in a racially divided America. He appeared in films such as High Society (1956) alongside Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra, and Hello, Dolly! (1969) starring Barbra Streisand.
By the end of Armstrong's career in the 1960s, he had become an American cultural icon of worldwide fame, and his musical influence extended to popular music in general.
(Video by Hats Off Productions LLC, for Catch Matchmaking Inc.)