Nicknamed "Pops" or "Satchmo," jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong (August 4, 1901 - July 6, 1971) hails from New Orleans, Louisiana. His gravel-voiced scat singing became his trademark, and he played and sang with jazz greats including Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and Ella Fitzgerald. Raised by his mother, Satchmo was raised by his grandmother, other relatives, and a family of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and by the age of 11, he dropped out of school and became a street musician. He died in his sleep at his home in Queens, New York.
Recommended Resources
Louis Armstrong House and Archives
The official website of the Louis Armstrong House and Archives is an institution that educates the public about the life and art of this famous American musician. The organization also maintains archives on Phoebe Jacobs, Winggy Manoe and Jack Bradley. Researchers can also make an appointment to use the Archives using this website.
http://www.satchmo.net/
Louis Armstrong Stamps Issued in 1971
Features images and descriptions of stamps from around the world which display the image of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong on them. Issuing countries include Chad, Mali, Senegal, and Niger from the year of his death, while Gabon, Upper Volta, Rwanda, and the United States from subsequent years.
http://www.libertyhall.com/stamp/1971.html
Consists of the biography and photographs from Louis Armstrong’s induction into the Hall of Fame in 1990. Additionally, offers musical choices and the highlights of his musical career.
http://rockhall.com/inductees/louis-armstrong/
