ADVERTISEMENT

Last Updated:
2024-04-16 12:01:47

Louis Armstrong

Influential American jazz trumpeter and vocalist.
Influential American jazz trumpeter and vocalist.

Louis Armstrong, also known as 'Satchmo' and 'Pops', was a pioneering figure in jazz music. His career spanned five decades, earning him numerous accolades including Grammy Awards. Armstrong's influence extended beyond jazz, making him a national musical icon. He was a talented singer, improviser, and scat singer, known for hits like 'What a Wonderful World' and 'Hello, Dolly!'. Armstrong's impact on popular music and his ability to reach diverse audiences solidified his legacy in music history.

Community for Timeline Editors
Place where unique editors like you interact
1900-07-04
Debate over Louis Armstrong's birth date

There has been a long-standing debate over Louis Armstrong's actual birth date, with Armstrong himself claiming July 4, 1900, while historical records suggest August 4, 1901.

1901-08-04
Birth of Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901, in his family's house in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was born to Willie and Mary Ann Armstrong.

1907
Louis Armstrong Works for the Karnoffskys

In 1907, Louis Armstrong worked for the Karnoffskys, a family of Lithuanian Jews, collecting 'rags and bones' and delivering coal. He credited the family with teaching him to sing 'from the heart' and described their kindness towards him despite facing discrimination.

1912-07-27
Drops out of Fisk School for Boys

Louis Armstrong drops out of Fisk School for Boys and starts earning a living by singing on the streets. He receives guidance in playing the cornet from Joe 'King' Oliver.

1912-12-31
Armstrong is sent to the Colored Waif's Home

In 1912, Louis Armstrong was sent to the Colored Waif's Home. This event marked a significant turning point in his life and musical career.

1913-01-01
Louis Armstrong Sent To The Colored Waifs Home for Boys

On New Year's Eve in 1913, Louis Armstrong and his friends celebrated by firing off a gun, leading to his arrest and subsequent placement in The Colored Waifs Home for Boys.

1914-06-14
Release to Father and Stepfamily

On June 14, 1914, Armstrong was released into the custody of his father and stepmother after his time at the Colored Waif's Home. He lived with them for several months before returning to his mother due to family issues.

1914-12-17
Purchase of 1st Cornet

In December 1914, Louis Armstrong received a loan from his Jewish family with whom he was living and used it to buy his first cornet.

1915-09-06
First Gig at Night Club

In September 1915, Louis Armstrong returned to live with his mother and landed his first gig at a night club, marking the beginning of his professional career.

1916-04-30
1st Band

The 1st Band performed brass music on the riverboats of New Orleans.

1917-01-22
Kid Ory Band

Played alongside the Kid Ory Band.

1918-03-19
Louis Armstrong marries Daisy Parker

Louis Armstrong married Daisy Parker from Gretna, Louisiana on March 19, 1918.

1919-03-19
Louis Armstrong marries Daisy Parker

Louis Armstrong married Daisy Parker at City Hall in Gretna, Louisiana. They later adopted a three-year-old boy named Clarence, who was mentally disabled.

1919-08-16
Tuxedo Brass Band

The Tuxedo Brass Band was active during this time period.

1921
Adoption of Clarence Armstrong

Louis Armstrong and his wife adopted a 3-year-old boy named Clarence Armstrong after his mother, Louis's cousin Flora, passed away soon after giving birth.

1922-10-09
A Life of Touring Begins

October 9, 1922, marked the start of Louis Armstrong's life of touring, where he showcased his musical talents worldwide.

1922-11-09
Joins Creole Jazz Band in Chicago

On November 9, 1922, the individual joined the Creole Jazz Band in Chicago.

1923-04-05
Louis Armstrong's first studio recordings with King Oliver for Gennett Records

Louis Armstrong made his first studio recordings with King Oliver for Gennett Records on April 5, 1923. The recordings were affected by various challenges like lack of rehearsal and crude recording equipment.

1923-04-30
Meets Hoagy Carmichael

On April 30, 1923, the individual met Hoagy Carmichael.

1924-02-04
Louis Armstrong marries Lil Hardin Armstrong

Louis Armstrong married Lil Hardin Armstrong, King Oliver's pianist. She played a significant role in helping him develop his career.

1924-02-05
Marriage to Lil Hardin

Louis Armstrong marries Lil Hardin, who was the pianist in his band. Their marriage lasts until October 1942.

1925-11
Formation of The Hot Five

The Hot Five was formed in November 1925 and included Kid Ory, Johnny Dodds, Johnny St. Cyr, Lil Armstrong, and usually no drummer. They produced twenty-four records over a twelve-month period.

1926
Recording of 'Heebie Jeebies'

Louis Armstrong recorded 'Heebie Jeebies' with the Hot Five in 1926, which became very popular and helped establish the group as one of the most famous jazz bands in the United States.

1927
Louis Armstrong joins Carroll Dickerson Orchestra

After parting ways with Lil, Louis Armstrong joined the Carroll Dickerson Orchestra at the Sunset Café, under the management of Al Capone's associate Joe Glaser. The orchestra was soon renamed Louis Armstrong and his Stompers, with Earl Hines as the music director.

1928
Louis Armstrong Records 'West End Blues'

Louis Armstrong recorded the iconic jazz piece 'West End Blues' in 1928, showcasing his innovative trumpet playing and improvisational skills.

1929-01-31
Louis Armstrong and the Stompers band formed

Louis Armstrong and the Stompers band was formed on January 31, 1929.

1930
Louis Armstrong arrested for drug possession

In 1930, Louis Armstrong spent nine days in jail after being arrested outside a club for drug possession. He was a heavy marijuana smoker for much of his life and famously described marijuana as 'a thousand times better than whiskey'.

1931-12-19
Plays at the New Cotton Club

On December 19, 1931, Louis Armstrong performed at the New Cotton Club.

1933-07-01
Other Worldly Trumpeter

From July 1, 1933, to July 1, 1934, Louis Armstrong's musical prowess as a trumpeter reached new heights, captivating audiences globally.

1935-04-17
Appears in Ex-Flame

Louis Armstrong made his debut in the movie 'Ex-Flame' on April 17, 1935.

1936-05-31
Records with Mills Brothers, Louis Jordan, and Tommey Porsey

Louis Armstrong collaborated with the Mills Brothers, Louis Jordan, and Tommey Porsey in a recording session on May 31, 1936.

1936-11-25
Louis Armstrong featured in Hollywood film

On November 25, 1936, Louis Armstrong became the first African American to receive featured billing in a Hollywood film when he appeared in Bing Crosby's Pennies from Heaven. This groundbreaking moment marked a significant step towards racial equality in the entertainment industry.

1937-05-23
First Black to Host International Sponsored Radio Broadcast

On May 23, 1937, Louis Armstrong became the first Black person to host an international sponsored radio broadcast. This was a significant milestone in the history of radio broadcasting and racial equality.

1942-10-01
Louis Armstrong finalizes divorce with Lil Hardin

On October 1, 1942, Louis Armstrong officially ends his marriage with Lil Hardin. This event marked the conclusion of their relationship.

1942-10-12
Louis Armstrong marries Lucille Wilson

Shortly after finalizing his divorce with Lil Hardin, on October 12, 1942, Louis Armstrong marries Lucille Wilson, his lifelong love and companion.

1945-01-23
Formation of Louis Armstrong's All-Stars Group

On January 23, 1945, Louis Armstrong formed a six-piece group called the All-Stars. This group played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of jazz music and became highly influential in the music industry.

1946-10-12
Louis Armstrong performs at Cavalcade of Jazz concert

Louis Armstrong was featured as a guest artist at the second Cavalcade of Jazz concert held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles on October 12, 1946. This event marked a return to the small-group musical style of his youth.

1947-05-17
Louis Armstrong leads successful small-group jazz concert at New York Town Hall

Louis Armstrong led a highly successful small-group jazz concert at New York Town Hall on May 17, 1947, featuring Armstrong with trombonist/singer Jack Teagarden. They performed a duet on Hoagy Carmichael's 'Rockin' Chair' during the concert.

1947-07-24
A Local Performance

Louis Armstrong delivered a memorable local performance on July 24, 1947, showcasing his musical talents to a community audience.

1947-08-13
Louis Armstrong's Big Band Dissolved

After a successful small-group jazz concert in New York Town Hall, Louis Armstrong's manager dissolved his big band on August 13, 1947, and established a six-piece small group with Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Earl Hines, and other top swing and dixieland musicians.

1948-02-28
Louis Armstrong records 'C'est si bon' in New York City

On February 28, 1948, Louis Armstrong recorded the American version of the French song 'C'est si bon' in New York City with Sy Oliver and his Orchestra. The song became a worldwide success.

1949-02-21
Louis Armstrong on the cover of Time magazine

Louis Armstrong became the first jazz musician to appear on the cover of Time magazine on February 21, 1949. This was a significant recognition of his impact and influence in the music industry.

1950
Bing Crosby's praise for Louis Armstrong

In 1950, Bing Crosby, the most successful vocalist of the first half of the 20th century, praised Louis Armstrong, saying, 'He is the beginning and the end of music in America.'

1951-06-28
Louis Armstrong on LP Charts

On June 28, 1951, Louis Armstrong made an impact on the LP charts with his music. This achievement further solidified his position as a prominent figure in the music industry and showcased his enduring popularity.

1953-06-07
Louis Armstrong performs at the ninth Cavalcade of Jazz concert

Louis Armstrong and his All Stars were featured at the ninth Cavalcade of Jazz concert at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles on June 7, 1953. The event included other notable musicians like Shorty Rogers, Roy Brown, and Nat 'King' Cole.

1954
Armstrong's Reaction to Bebop

During a tour in Australia in 1954, Louis Armstrong was asked if he could play bebop, to which he responded dismissively, indicating that he just played music and criticized those who invented terms like bebop.

1955
Release of 'Mack the Knife'

Louis Armstrong released the song 'Mack the Knife' in 1955, adding another hit to his repertoire.

1956-02-08
Satchmo at Symphony Hall reaches top 10 of LP charts

Louis Armstrong's album 'Satchmo at Symphony Hall' achieves success by reaching the top 10 of the LP charts.

1957
Louis Armstrong Speaks Out Against Government Handling of Little Rock Nine Crisis

In 1957, Louis Armstrong publicly criticized the government's handling of the 'Little Rock Nine' high school integration crisis, showcasing his stance on civil rights issues.

1959-01-27
Louis Armstrong plays at concert for Ghana's Independence

Louis Armstrong performs at a concert celebrating Ghana's independence, drawing a massive crowd of over 100,000 fans.

1959-09-10
Louis Armstrong's Heart Attack in Spoleto, Italy

During a tour in Europe, Louis Armstrong suffered a heart attack in Spoleto, Italy, leading to a brief hospitalization. It was a significant scare for the renowned musician.

1964-05-09
Hello, Dolly! reaches number one

In the week beginning May 9, 1964, Louis Armstrong's recording of the song 'Hello, Dolly!' reached number one on the charts. An album of the same title was quickly created around the song, also reaching number one and selling very well throughout the year. Armstrong's performance of 'Hello, Dolly!' won the best male pop vocal performance at the 1964 Grammy Awards.

1965
Louis Armstrong wins Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance

In 1965, Louis Armstrong won the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance for his rendition of 'Hello, Dolly!'. This accolade further solidified his status as a legendary musician.

1967-07-06
Death of Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong, known as 'Satchmo' and 'Ambassador of Jazz', passed away on July 6, 1967, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of music.

1967-11-13
Louis Armstrong's African Safari Tour

Louis Armstrong embarks on a tour throughout Africa, performing over 100 concerts. The tour is sponsored by Pepsi and The US State Department.

1968-02
Louis Armstrong performs 'Grassa e Bella' on Italian TV

In February 1968, Louis Armstrong appeared on the Italian RAI television channel where he performed 'Grassa e Bella', a track he sang in Italian for the Italian market and C.D.I. label.

1969-06-04
Louis Armstrong Hospitalized for Heart and Kidney Ailments

Louis Armstrong is hospitalized for 2-3 months due to heart and kidney ailments. After a tough battle, he eventually recovers.

1970-05-29
Death of Joe Glaser, Louis Armstrong's Manager

Joe Glaser, Louis Armstrong's manager since 1935, passes away from a stroke while in a coma.

1971-07-06
Louis Armstrong's Death

Louis Armstrong passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Corona, New York. Three days later, a funeral procession was held for him, and thousands of people gathered to mourn his loss.

1972
Louis Armstrong posthumously awarded Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1972, Louis Armstrong received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his immense contribution to the music industry even after his passing.

1977
Declaration of Louis Armstrong's house as a National Historic Landmark

In 1977, the house where Louis Armstrong lived for almost 28 years was declared a National Historic Landmark and is now a museum.

1980
Renaming of the park where Congo Square is located to Louis Armstrong Park

Dedicated in April 1980, the park where Congo Square is located was renamed Louis Armstrong Park, including a 12-foot statue of Armstrong.

1988
Louis: The Louis Armstrong Story, 1900–1971

A book by Max Jones and John Chilton published in 1988, covering the life of Louis Armstrong from 1900 to 1971.

1990
Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1990, Louis Armstrong was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an 'early influence'. This recognition highlighted his significant impact on the music industry.

1991
Naming of asteroid 9179 Satchmo in honor of Louis Armstrong

In 1991, an asteroid was named 9179 Satchmo in honor of Louis Armstrong.

1995
Louis Armstrong 32-cent commemorative postage stamp

In 1995, the U.S. Post Office issued a Louis Armstrong 32-cent commemorative postage stamp.

1999
Louis Armstrong: The Definitive Biography

A biography of Louis Armstrong by Ilse Storb published in 1999.

2001
Louis Armstrong International Airport Renaming

In 2001, the city of New Orleans renamed its airport as the Louis Armstrong International Airport in honor of the legendary jazz musician. This gesture symbolized the lasting legacy of Louis Armstrong.

2002
Preservation of Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings in the United States National Recording Registry

In 2002, the Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings (1925–1928) were preserved in the United States National Recording Registry.

2003
Opening of Louis Armstrong House Museum to the public

The Louis Armstrong House Museum, at 34–56 107th Street in Queens, opened to the public on October 15, 2003, presenting concerts and educational programs.

2006
All of Me: The Complete Discography of Louis Armstrong

Jos Willems' book published in 2006, providing a comprehensive discography of Louis Armstrong.

2009
Pops – A life of Louis Armstrong

A biography of Louis Armstrong written by Terry Teachout in 2009.

2017
Louis Armstrong inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame

In 2017, Louis Armstrong was posthumously inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, honoring his lasting impact on the genre of rhythm and blues.

2023
World premiere of 'A Wonderful World' musical based on Louis Armstrong's life story

'A Wonderful World', a musical based on Louis Armstrong's life story, had its world premiere run at Miami New Drama from December 4, 2021, to January 16, 2021.

2024
ePops Newsletter Subscription

Signing up for the ePops newsletter to receive exclusive news and updates from the museum.

End of the Timeline
Louis Armstrong

Information

Louis Armstrong

Influential American jazz trumpeter and vocalist.
Last Updated:

🫵Contribute to this content!
Your input benefits people around the world
See something to add or edit? Simply click the edit button below to make a difference! All you need is a quick sign in.
💬Join our discord community!
Connect and collaborate
Become part of our vibrant community! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other passionate editors.
Join Discord

Event

Last Updated:

🫵Contribute to this content!
Your input benefits people around the world
See something to add or edit? Simply click the edit button below to make a difference! All you need is a quick sign in.
💬Join our discord community!
Connect and collaborate
Become part of our vibrant community! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other passionate editors.
Join Discord
Become an Editor of Timeline Wiki
Become an Editor of
Timeline Wiki
USD $0 for creating and editing infinite number of timelines after sign up.