Louis+Armstrong

 "My whole life, my whole soul, my whole spirit is to blow that horn..."  Louis Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901in New Orleans, Louisiana. Like many other African Americans of his time he was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth, contrary, he lived in dire poverty. He lived with his grandmother mostly because his mother was in such extreme poverty that she sometimes had no choice but to restore to prostitution. At the age of seven he worked odd jobs for money and sang in a boy’s quartet. Living this way instilled in him a desire and need to become successful and to gain all he can, financially. In 1913, at the age of thirteen he was put into a Colored Waifs Home as a juvenile delinquent after being arrested for firing a pistol in the air on New Years Eve. This is where he learned how to play cornet in the home’s band. Soon music became more than a hobby to him, it become his passion. This passion grew in him and in his teens he learned music by listening to the leading jazz artists of his time, such as legend [|King Oliver]. His passion continued to grow as he played in marching and jazz bands and became so skillful that he replaced Oliver in [|Kid Ory] band in 1918. In the 1920s he played in the Mississippi riverboat dance bands. Armstrong’s first break came in 1922 when Oliver, who was leading a band in Chicago, gave Armstrong the position of second cornet. This band was a huge success and Armstrong was a big hit! Along with fame and fortune this band also introduced him to fellow band member, pianist and his soul mate Lil Harden. They got married two years later in 1924. With the encouragement of his wife, Armstrong quit Oliver’s band to pursue further fame. He went to New York for a year and played with several bands before returning to Chicago to play in large orchestras. From then he continued recording more of his music. He had many hits and became known for his unique techniques and music. Armstrong’s hard work and determination finally paid off he gained more fame then he could have dreamt of.

"We all do 'do, re, mi' but you have got to find the other notes yourself." Growing up in hardship Armstrong was clearly motivated to make something of himself, to ensure himself that he will never have to go to bed hungry. Where did his motivation come from? Louis Armstrong was motivated like all of us with the intention that one day it will all pay off. Growing up in a poor community and from a poor family Armstrong constantly thought about how he was to survive without the proper means of survival. Never having money and being born into a generation that made success of minorities almost impossible posed as barriers to his bright future. Armstrong managed to overcome these obstacles with one thing, passion. He had a real passion for music and it was something he was born to do. This combined with his drive and perseverance created his career. Overall, Armstrong was a very lucky man, he managed to meet the right people and get his foot into the door. Of course, meeting the right people wouldn’t matter if one did not possess the proper talents. Armstrong was one of the most talented soloist jazz artists of all. You do not become a legend solely by doing something; you become one by doing something when it was impossible. Louis Armstrong can rightfully be called a legend.  "What we play is life."

Louis Armstrong is worthy of all the recognition he has received and continues to receive because his story is an inspiring one. The fact that he came from nothing and created a beautiful something is something worth a little recognition. Louis Armstrong acquired many awards and honors such as: the [|Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award] in 1972, he was indicted into the[| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame] in 1990, and he was on the cover of [|Time Magazine] with a five page article titled // [|“Louis the First”] // in February 21, 1949. Along with these recognitions he has also recorded plenty of billboard climbing songs such as: Mack the Knife (#20 in 1956), Blueberry Hill (#29 in 1956), Hello, Dolly (#1 in 1964, against [|The Beatles] ), and What A Wonderful World (#32 in 1988). Basically, Louis Armstrong was a very talented musician who used his passion for music to create something that everyone can enjoy. Louis Armstrong was a true artist who deserves the recognition of his beautiful art. Louis Armstrong’s life has instilled in me the long taught lesson, perseverance prevails. Knowing what Louis Armstrong has gone through and what he was able to do with his life and what he was able to accomplish despite all the obstacles against him has made me realize that everything truly is possible with enough dedication and drive. Being a musician, Louis Armstrong’s music will always be listened to. This way he will always be remembered for being the musically genius. Fans of will continue listening to his unique music and new listeners will soon become fans. Louis Armstrong’s music will continue his legacy and keep him alive.

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" If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know ."

(1901-1971)

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