Louis Armstrong

A hero is defined as someone who one can look up to, learn from, and use as a positive role model. Louis Armstrong may not seem like an average ordinary everyday hero like superman or batman, but he is my hero mainly because of his musical talent. As the years went by he became more and more famous, and along with that fame came respect from others in the jazz world and even some from outside the jazz world.

Louis “Satchmo” Arms Strong was arguably the greatest of all jazz musicians. Satchmo was so great at what he did because he loved what he did… JAZZ! Louis was a lover of jazz from a very early age. He would go to clubs just to watch the jazz performers do what they do best. Joe “King” Oliver, Armstrong’s mentor, got Louis his first real start in the jazz world in two big ways. The first, Oliver bought Armstrong his first brand new cornet, and in 1922 his dream came true when Joe asked him to join his Creole band. He left the Creole band to move to New York where he joined the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra for thirteen months. In those short thirteen months, Louis recorded with many different popular blues singers including Bessie Smith’s classic recording of the 1925 hit, “St. Louis Blues.” From 1925 through 1947, Louis performed in many different jazz ensembles such as, Dreamland Café, Erskine Tate’s Vendome Orchestra, Carroll Dickerson’s Orchestra, and many, many others. Along with all of the previously listed ensembles, he re-performed and created some original hits like “Hot Chocolates.” Louis Armstrong Rapidly became a household name.

What one may know about Louis Armstrong is that he was one of the most influential jazz artists of his time and ours, but what you may not know is the specific groups, ensembles, orchestras, and records he was involved in. His Bands included Louis Armstrong; and his hot five, and his orchestra, and his stompers, with the Polynesians, and the Mills Brothers, and his hot seven, and his Savoy ballroom five, and the Sebastian New Cotton Club Orchestra, with Andy Iona and his Islanders, with Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra. One of the most popular groups Armstrong ever performed in was called the Louis Armstrong Five. They toured the world, were extremely famous, and became a household worldwide name. One of the most famous hits Armstrong recorded before his death in 1971 was “What a Wonderful World” known by anyone and everyone who has ever listened to jazz or any type of music.

With his fame came very high respect from others that surround him. Louis was pretty much the ‘big man on campus’ so to speak. Everyone loved him and the amazing work that he did. All throughout his life, amazing respect was shown because when people saw him, they knew he had that something special. Louis was approached by his hero at an early age, Joe Oliver. Joe, recognizing Armstrong’s talent right away, gave him his first big break. Not only does that show how much respect Oliver had for Armstrong, but it showed that the respect was mutual.

Heroes, they are amazing people and help us shape our life. Louis Armstrong is an amazing hero for someone who wants to shape their lives around the upbeat passion of music. With his position came fame and respect to match his talents. Louis was a great man that inspired many to excel in excellence when it comes to music.