How Did Louis Armstrong Develop

Louis Armstrong was born on August 1, 1901 in New Orleans. His father worked hard in the factory while his mother turned to prostitution in order to make money. His mother left him, and Louis was turned down to his grandmother. On New Years Eve at the age of 11, Armstrong was arrested for shooting his fathers pistol outside of his home. While he was locked up he learned how to play the cornet, which is when his love for music evolved, a love for music that would change our industry of music today and forever to come (Bio.com). Once released Louis joined the marching band and the jazz band. Louis joined his first real band called Matrangas at the age of 16. The first night playing Louis raised only three nickels, but eventually was making

Along with his new styles a transformation of jazz occurred with a solo art that improvised fantasies on chord changes rather than being on a repeated melody (Machlia and Forney).

It was no doubt that Louis Armstrong had changed the out look on jazz but now he was beginning to make a cross over to pop. This did not suit some of his critics they saw Armstrong selling out from his true roots of jazz and swing music. However, his true and loyal followers along with many new listeners continued to make Armstrong more popular then ever. (Bio.com)

Not only did people in New Orleans think highly of Armstrong, but soon with his many visits to England starting in 1932 he became ever so popular. With sell out performances for two weeks at the London Pallaium, Armstrong stunned the crowed when he announced “This one’s for you, Rex” noting that even the king of England had the time to attend one of his settings. Although no one had ever addressed king George Rex by his nickname, Armstrong got a wink of approval from his majesty himself and the crowd went wild with applause

In 1936, “Pennies from Heaven,” a movie staring Bing Crosby was contacting Armstrong to play a part they thought Louis would know very well, Louis Daniel Armstrong. Louis agreed to the movie and it became very successful, leading him to appearing in four more movies over the next four years. Louis again had made a leap from not only jazz singer and blues player but now to the movies. Armstrong was an all around entertainer and loved by all (Wayne).

Armstrong went on to perform with his band, “Louis Armstrong and His All Stars,” after the war had ended. Even though the band had many musicians they all enjoyed playing with Armstrong and the reaction of the crowed where they played. Louis and his band performed in Europe, Africa, and even in the Congo to tribal chiefs. Armstrong became one of the best ambassadors the United States could have. Massachusetts legislature even presented him with a citation in 1958 stating how he had helped many people though his music by bringing comfort, pleaser and understanding to people through out the world