Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong (1901-1971), son of New Orleans, is often called the Father of Jazz.
Louis Armstrong (1901-1971), son of New Orleans, is often called the Father of Jazz.
Here is a very simple biography for young students.
Here is a very simple biography for young students.
This higher-level biography is good for upper elementary students.
This higher-level biography is good for upper elementary students.
Older kids might also enjoy a book called "If I Only Had a Horn: Young Louis Armstrong" by Roxane Orgill and Leonard Jenkins.
Older kids might also enjoy a book called "If I Only Had a Horn: Young Louis Armstrong" by Roxane Orgill and Leonard Jenkins.
Louis was famous for performing the song "When the Saints Go Marching In," the unofficial anthem of New Orleans. On this early audio recording (no video), Louis sings and play the trumpet. In New Orleans, this song is often played to accompany funeral processions.
Louis was famous for performing the song "When the Saints Go Marching In," the unofficial anthem of New Orleans. On this early audio recording (no video), Louis sings and play the trumpet. In New Orleans, this song is often played to accompany funeral processions.
Here is a video of Louis and his band playing "When the Saints" on a TV show.
Here is a video of Louis and his band playing "When the Saints" on a TV show.
Here is the band playing "Tiger Rag."
Here is the band playing "Tiger Rag."
This is "Struttin' with some Barbecue," a tune written by Lil Hardin, Armstrong's first wife. Barbecue is a favorite food in New Orleans. You may notice from the photos that Louis was able to play in integrated bands with both black and white players.
This is "Struttin' with some Barbecue," a tune written by Lil Hardin, Armstrong's first wife. Barbecue is a favorite food in New Orleans. You may notice from the photos that Louis was able to play in integrated bands with both black and white players.
Louis liked to play slow songs, too. One of his favorites was the French song, "La Vie en Rose."
Louis liked to play slow songs, too. One of his favorites was the French song, "La Vie en Rose."
Many kids today are familiar with "What a Wonderful World," written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. Mr. Weiss wrote it for Louis to sing because he felt the words described the way Louis helped people from different races to get along. Many years later the song was used in the movie “Madagascar.” Here's a video of Louis singing the song in the late 1960s.
Many kids today are familiar with "What a Wonderful World," written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. Mr. Weiss wrote it for Louis to sing because he felt the words described the way Louis helped people from different races to get along. Many years later the song was used in the movie “Madagascar.” Here's a video of Louis singing the song in the late 1960s.
Mrs. Dooley reads a book version of "What a Wonderful World," illustrated by Ashley Bryan.
Mrs. Dooley reads a book version of "What a Wonderful World," illustrated by Ashley Bryan.
What a Wonderful World read-aloud.MP4