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Louis Armstrong

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.

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Neil ArmstrongJazzLouis VuittonHarlem RenaissanceArnold PalmerLuis HamiltonAl CaponeElvis PresleyKendrick LamarLouis XVI

Timeline

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1999
Louis Armstrong: The Definitive Biography
A biography of Louis Armstrong by Ilse Storb published in 1999.
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.
End of the Timeline
Louis Armstrong

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