Louis Armstrong, in His Own Words: Selected Writings

Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong is considered one of the most innovative American jazz trumpeters of his era and one of the great ambassadors of American jazz. Armstrong began his career in New Orleans, where, as a young boy, he was a street singer and learned to play the trumpet. In 1922 he moved to Chicago and joined the jazz orchestra of Joe "King" Oliver. He quickly became noted for his improvisational style and raised the importance of solo performances in jazz. By the late 1920s, Armstrong led his own jazz ensemble, called the Louis Armstrong Hot Five, which later became the Hot Seven. As he gained in popularity, Armstrong made numerous recordings and performed around the world. He had a number of hit records, including "Hello, Dolly" and "Mack the Knife." He also appeared in Broadway shows and in films. His raspy baritone voice and brilliant trumpet playing combined to make an unforgettable musical sound.