Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong Trumpet

Trying to make money as a black person living in New Orleans is a task as seemingly impossible as Neil Armstrong's trip to the moon. But both Neil Armstrong and Louis Armstrong accomplished what they set out to do, making their accomplishments all that much greater. Louis Armstrong's life was just like this, but managed to get through it with determination, courage, and hard work. Louis Armstrong was a famous jazz musician born in August 4, 1901 in New Orleans who was famous for being someone who rose from the slums of New Orleans to become one of the most famous black musicians ever to live. He was a trumpeter, a singer, a jazz bandleader, and a recording artist. He made it into the Hall of Fame for his record "West End Blues". He died July 6, 1971 in New York City. Louis Armstrong was always comfortable in his own skin. He succeeded with his own strength even with all the racism against him. The strength needed to survive in a discriminative world is the very definition of courage and determination.

Louis Armstrong was determined, even as a young child, to leave his hometown and make it as a musician. But as a child, he had to start from ground zero and build his life together with his own two hands. "Louis Armstrong worked odd jobs as a boy, including delivering milk and coal and selling newspapers and bananas" ("(Daniel) Louis Armstrong"). Life in such a hostile environment could not have been easy, but Louis Armstrong persevered. He never gave up and used his knowledge and talents to make a living for himself. Just surviving wasn't enough, he wanted more, he wanted to leave his hometown and make it as a musician. "Louis Armstrong played in local clubs called "tonks" and apprenticed in local bands, where he met most of New Orleans' early jazz musicians, and found a mentor in Joseph "King" Oliver. He soon developed a reputation as one of the best young brass musicians in the city." ("Williams, Martin"). By continuing with his musical talent, he started to gather some fame and began a career in the music industry. He began from nothing and tried to be successful in the only way black people could in those days; by becoming a famous musician. Louis Armstrong never gave up and was always determined to follow his dreams and become famous.

Louis Armstrong Magazine Cover (Google Images (polloking2.blogspot.com))

Louis Armstrong had the courage to reach for the stars, he had a dream, and was strong enough to not get overwhelmed by it and obtain it instead. Armstrong was prepared for a hard time, but never backed down. "Armstrong's childhood, particularly the absence of his father, left him with a need for approval. It must also be borne in mind that Armstrong grew up at a time in which show business was virtually the only escape from poverty for blacks."("American Biography"). By taking a risk and trying to make it as a musician and forever change Armstrong's courage is an inspiration to us all. We should all aspire to be like him, the way he followed his dream and the way he went and obtained his dream. Throughout his entire childhood he kept his head high and kept reminding himself about how great his life would be after he became famous. To Armstrong, the whole point of being a musician was to please audiences. Nonetheless, his place in music history rests not on his popularity as an entertainer but on the body of jazz masterpieces made between 1924 and 1936, which in considerable measure shaped American jazz. ("American Biography") He had the dream of being a great musician but Louis Armstrong was courageous enough to try and please the white audiences, who at that time had been raised to be prejudiced against blacks. The strength needed to not hate those who have turned you down for your whole life must have required a lot of willpower, and even more needed to go and entertain them. Louis Armstrong was, by all definitions, a brave man. It must not have been easy to become the man he wanted to be, but he had the power to accomplish that, many people say that they just don't have the courage to pursue their dreams, but Louis did.

Working hard was always something Louis Armstrong grew up with but after deciding to become a musician life was much harder and demanded a lot more work, but despite the odds Louis still managed to stay above it. Throughout the whole experience, he always believed that with hard work, anything could be accomplished. Armstrong was always comfortable with who he was, it didn't matter to him that he was black, if he wanted something, he would work hard to make it his, regardless of other people. ("American Biography"). He would set a goal and accomplish it no matter what, as they say, hard work can overcome anything. As a beginner musician, he moved from city to city, playing with dozens of different people including his mentor Joseph "King" Oliver. Each place he went to he worked his hardest to get noticed, playing like his life depended on it. He believed that working hard for people was what music was all about. "I never tried to prove nothing, just wanted to give a good show. My life has always been my music, it's always come first, but the music ain't worth nothing if you can't lay it on the public. The main thing is to live for that audience, 'cause what you're there for is to please the people." (Louis Armstrong). Louis Armstrong lived for the public; he played, sang, and danced for his fans, all his hard work went to making those who listen to his music happy. The belief that music is played for others may be what inspires him to work so hard, living by his beliefs is what gives Louis Armstrong the strength to work as hard as he did. All in all, Louis Armstrong worked hard his entire life to become the musical idol loved by all, even with all the problems he faced, divorce, racism, competition, money, Louis Armstrong's hard work triumphed and helped him become famous.

Louis Armstrong worked all his life, travelling all across the globe inspiring people with his music and the story of how he became so famous. Even with all the racism and prejudice against him Louis Armstrong never backed down and worked through it all. He inspired people because he never gave up. This shows that you should never give up, no matter how bumpy the road called life is, you should always be able to face it and be strong enough to make a life for yourself. That is how a hero is made.