Let it be said that Louis Armstrong, better known as the “King of Jazz”, who was also known as “Satchmo” was one of the worlds best known jazz, swing players, conductors and composers. While he was and is indisputably one of the best known artist of his age and time in history so far there has not been another with such grace and talent. Satchmos’ fingers would caressed the keys of his favorite instrument the coronet and trumpet which he could make such sweet sounds that it would almost make women swoon to hear. Along with his famed trumpet Louis could also sing, and was a noted composer and conductor. Although best known for his 1918-1940’s tunes his Jazz sounds captured the attention of the nation. He was consistent with influencing hundreds and hundreds of musicians with both his daring trumpet style and magnificent presence.
Satchmos’ charismatic stage presence impressed other jazz greats along with pop, hop, swing and many other styles that were part of the 20.5-40’s even today his music is popular and his unique vocals are considered daring. If you listen to today’s music you can get a sense of his contributions to the musical society.
Some of his best loved songs are Stardust, What a Wonderful World, Heebie Jeebeis, Body of Love, and many, many more most of which he composed himself. He recorded songs for five decades with his music being on records, radio and television along with films where he became known for his great comic timing and his unabashed joy of life.
Along with touring Europe he also starred in movies where he appeared with Shirley Temple, Bing Crosby, May West and several more in his lifetime he appeared in over 30 films of which 20 were full feature films.
Louis Armstrong was and is one of the first important soloists to emerge in jazz and went on the become the first influential musicians in the history of jazz In his lifetime he could average 300 concerts a year and was nicknamed “Ambassador Satch” because of his worldwide travel and renown. When “Satch” passed away there was word wide sense of loss for such a great musician and human being.
Many people still buy his recordings or listen to his music without realizing who he was, although with the internet one could download mush of his original music and listen to the sweet sounds of his coronet or trumpet most people over 40 would certainly of heard of “Satch”.
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