Thursday, August 4, 2011

Happy Birthday Satchmo!

Birthday posts are always fun because you get to celebrate someone who meant a lot to you and to the world. Louis Armstrong is definitely one of those people. His music has been celebrated since he was 18 and joined the Kid Ory Band in New Orleans. Some of his most famous recordings are "A Kiss to Build a Dream" on (1951), "Hello Dolly" (1964), "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" (1968), "What a Wonderful World" (1968), "When the Saints Go Marching In" (1930's), "Alexanders Rag Time Band" (1937), and many more. My favorite recording is "When You're Smiling" which he recorded at least three times in 1929, 1932, and in 1956.

He even coined the terms "cat" (a jazz reference for a musician or a person) and "chops" ( as in "show us your chops"). Jazz music is so free, exciting, and relaxing. There are all kinds of jazz and Louis mainly played upbeat jazz with his trumpet. His voice was raspy, grainy, and rough yet it gave off a tender feeling. I feel warm when I hear his voice. He means what he's giving you, every word, every sound.

Louis Armstrong: August 4th 1901 in New Orleans, LA - July 6th 1971 in New York City, NY

                                             Louis and Barbra Streisand in Hello Dolly! (1969)

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