Louis Armstrong: A Look Into His Legacy and Contri

Essay by EssaySwap ContributorHigh School, 12th grade February 2008

download word file, 3 pages 0.0

Downloaded 22 times

There are many forms of music today in America today. But how many of them can be called, "ours", truly American Music? Thanks to Louis Armstrong, Jazz can be called American. Why can it be called "ours"? Well, Jazz originated from Soul and Blues. Both came from the hearts of tortured slaves in the Deep South. But, Jazz has a more upbeat rhythm, actually one of his main contributions. I will talk more about his contributions later. Now for a look into Louis Armstrong's life, considered the greatest contributor to Jazz.

When the name Louis Armstrong is mentioned, most people would think of a great trumpeter and Jazz musician. But he was actually more than that. Ask any Jazz influential, and they'll tell you the Satchmo was much more than that. (Satchmo became Louie's also-known-as name.) He gave hope and joy to all those that went to listen to his music.

Jazz and Big Band was before and after war. So listening to his music sort of let you go away for a while, not thinking of all the problems. But let me start back at the early days.

Louis Armstrong was born on July 4, 1900, in the worst neighborhood in New Orleans. His family was very poor and Louie got into trouble at an early age. By the time he was 12, he was sent to Colored Waif's Home. Regardless, it was there that Louie learned to play several different instruments. Among them, his favorite was the cornet. Two years later, at age 14, he was released and shortly began his legacy in music.

He began slow, just as any musician, and started off at local clubs. His first break in a band was with King Ory's Band. It was considered the best Jazz band in New Orleans.