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'The Ambassador of Jazz'
'Satchmo'
'Pops'
1901 ~ 1971

"I never tried to prove nothing, just wanted to give a good show. My life has always been my music, it's always come first, but the music ain't worth nothing if you can't lay it on the public. The main thing is to live for that audience, 'cause what you're there for is to please the people."   - Louis Armstrong

A complete biography of Armstrong's life and works can be found in the New Groves Online by searching "Armstrong, Louis", or by consulting the "New Grove Dictionary of Jazz" (Ref. ML102 .J3 N48 1988, v.1), which is located in the reference area of the Music Library.   It is interesting to note that the New Groves Online lists 1901 as his birth date, yet the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz lists 1898 as his birth year.  Additionally, "All About Jazz Online" says that Armstrong proclaimed July 4, 1900 as his birth date. 

We’ll never be able to play in the style of Louis Armstrong. We just do the best we can.  Wynton Marsalis, artistic director of Jazz, Lincoln Center

JMU owned materials on Louis Armstrong...Books Recordings

Videos

"If it weren't for him, there wouldn't be any of us." Jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie

Find out more about Louis Armstrong from these Jazz sources on the web:The Louis Armstrong Discography Online makes available to a worldwide audience the details of each and every track Armstrong recorded.Armstrong on Yahoo:  Find reviews of recordings, download audio samples, and view a photo gallery.  Also, learn about the times in which Armstrong lived as well as other jazz artists of the time, and don't miss your opportunity to buy Louis Armstrong memorabilia.Louis Armstrong Discography  Louis Armstrong Tribute Site - features biography, Armstrong's influence on jazz, lyrics, photos, and more. Louis Satchmo Armstrong.com - provides biography, discography, and associated artists.  Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Louis Armstrong - discusses the musicianship responsible for innovations that filtered down through popular music to rock and roll. 

Global Music Network:  Visit this site to learn about and listen to jazz.  While there make sure to visit their links page where you'll find links to many websites dedicated to the history and the future of jazz.