Louis Armstrong was a cornet and trumpet player, vocalist, bandleader and a well-known jazz performer. Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1901. Armstrong was brought up in poverty and lacked formal education. It was not easy to overcome these things, especially with racism. He did, and became one of the most prominent musicians of the 20th century. While young, Armstrong learned to play the cornet. About 1917, he began an apprenticeship with King Oliver. He made his dream come true when his mentor Joe Oliver ask him to join his Band, Creole Jazz Band is Chicago. His playing in the band soon made him a sensation among other musicians in Chicago. In 1924, he moved to New York. There he joined the band of American Pianist. From 1925 to 1928, he led a recording called the Hot Fives. Most music critics consider "The Hot Five" the finest recording in Jazz history. During this period, he made the switch from cornet to trumpet. He extended the trumpets playable range with impressive high notes, raising the standards for trumpeters around the world. One of the popular performing groups in Jazz history is Louis Armstrong and his orchestra. In 1930s and 1940s, Armstrong and his orchestra were the driving forces of Swing style. After his death, he was selected for Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and two Hall of Fame Grammy Awards. |
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