Armstrong, Louis (1901–1971)

US jazz cornet and trumpet player and singer, considered one of the most influential jazz musicians. His Chicago recordings in the 1920s with the Hot Five and Hot Seven brought him recognition for his warm and pure trumpet tone, his skill at improvisation, and his quirky, gravelly voice. In 1947 he formed the Louis Armstrong All-Stars, with whom he produced his most popular hits, including ‘Mack the Knife’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’.

Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1923 he joined the Creole Jazz Band led by the cornet player Joe ‘King’ Oliver in Chicago, but soon broke away and fronted various bands of his own. He toured internationally with the All-Stars until the late 1960s. He was instrumental in establishing the important role of the virtuoso jazz soloist, and became a major influence on swing music. He is also credited with the invention of scat singing. From the 1930s he also appeared as himself in feature films, such as High Society (1956).