1901-1971
Musician

An American Treasure.

Louis Armstrong was probably born on 4 August 1901, but he appropriated 4 July 1900 as his official birthday to reinforce his identification with American history. Born out of wedlock in New Orleans to Mary Albert and Will Armstrong, a laborer, he grew up surrounded by music. At twelve he was sent to the Colored Waifs Home for firing a gun on New Year's Eve. There Armstrong learned to play the cornet.

Early Brilliance.

Supreme geniuses develop rapidly. In 1920 Armstrong was working with the Fate Marable Band on Mississippi steamboats. Then in 1922 he was invited to join King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band in Chicago. Oliver, then the leading cornet player, acted as Armstrong's mentor; but the apprentice excelled his master. His reputation among other musicians soared. His playing was distinguished by energy, clear tone, rich phrasing, lyricism, and complexity. Hoagy Carmichael described his first exposure...