Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong's Influential Career Louis Armstrong was the most successful and talented jazz musician in history. His influence and expansive career continues to make waves in the jazz world. That is what made him become what he is to many today Ð'- a legend. Born on August 4, 1901, in the poorest section of New Orleans, Armstrong grew up with his grandparents due to his parents' separation. On January 1, 1913 he made a mistake which turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. At a New Year's celebration in downtown New Orleans, Louis Armstrong, also known as "Satchmo" and "Satch", fired a pistol into the air and was placed in the Colored Waifs' Home. It was there that he was introduced to Peter Davis Ð'- the brass band leader who taught him how to play the cornet (Brown 17). Soon after he began playing, Armstrong was made leader of the band Ð'- something he was extremely proud of. In June of 1914, Armstrong was free to leave the Waifs' Home. He was hired by various cabarets throughout the city, as well as for picnics, dances, and funerals. It was at one of these places that he was spotted by the famous Joe Ð''King' Oliver. King Oliver found Armstrong stand-in slots at orchestras and other venues. In 1918, he was offered the vacant seat left by Oliver in the band the Brown Skinned Babies. Kid Ory, leader of the band, once said that after Louis joined them he, "Ð'...improved so fast it was amazing."

Musicians during the Harlem Renaissance created a style and movement that simply took Americans by storm. Musicians such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong have inspired others all over the country. The Renaissance itself was not only an observation of life for African Americans, but it also showed Americans that they have a place in society. All of the musicians, writers, and artists shared a common purpose. This purpose was to create