Satchmo, the one and only king of jazz

There’s no way I can write a column about jazz and leave out the undisputed ambassador of this idiom, the man known as Satchmo: Louis Armstrong. Before we examine why this is true, allow me to make a suggestion as to how to make the most of this and future columns. It would be best if you took the paper to your PC and listened to the selection on YouTube. This will make the column somewhat interactive as you listen and/or watch each selection as you read along.

Louie was born well over a century ago, but his contributions to the music world live on. Perhaps the kids of the “now” generation may have never heard of him, unless their grandparents force-fed his music to them. The ultimate showman, he was prominent worldwide, hence the Ambassador of Jazz title that is so befitting of him.

Born in New Orleans (where else but the birthplace of the blues), Louie made his mark as a trumpeter, band leader, singer, TV and movie star in his long career. When he wasn’t seen in a movie, you might hear his voice, such as in “Sleepless in Seattle,” when he sings “What a Wonderful World,” now a worldwide classic. Listen to Louie sing it on YouTube.


It wasn’t an easy beginning for Louie, whose story is a true “rags to riches” rise to stardom. His actual training began in a reform school in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the Big Easy. He spent 18 months in the school for shooting off a gun at age 12. There, he was introduced to the cornet, and later the trumpet. This stint in the reform school changed his life dramatically, and by the age of 16, he was already deeply engrossed in jazz music and was wowing crowds.

Louie’s first real gig came with the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band out of Chicago. Soon, he formed his own group, the Hot Five, and began making phonograph records. The group is still regarded as a key piece in the history of jazz. 


Technically, Louie was a key figure in promoting a more relaxed style of music. While other musicians stayed “square,” Louie loved playing both in front of and behind the beat, which caught on quickly with others. You can hear Louie’s style influence on great jazz names such as Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck. Louie also had his own style of soloing, more of a storytelling or message approach.

Who can forget Louie, the scat master? The story is told that while in a recording session, he dropped the lyric sheet and, without dropping a beat, just kept going with what sounded like gibberish. The rest is history. 


Later in life, he was seen everywhere: hosting TV shows, traveling with Bob Hope entertaining our troops overseas, making movies, etc. Louie’s personality and showmanship were just as outstanding and lovable as his music. Remember his ever-present handkerchief? He was the consummate entertainer! Hasn’t everyone tried to imitate his singing of “Hello, Dolly”? Here are some of my favorite tunes on YouTube for your viewing and listening enjoyment. 


Louis Armstrong sings “Mack the Knife”

Louis Armstrong – a medley of “A Kiss to Build a Dream on” and “Blueberry Hill”

Louis Armstrong – “When the Saints go Marching in”

Louie Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald – “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”

For a list of Louie’s work on YouTube, type in Louis Armstrong Play List – YouTube. You can then pick and choose other selections to view.

Louie’s influence on jazz and swing music was monumental. He was truly the King of Jazz, an irreplaceable musician and personality. I hope the information above gives readers a little more of an insight into one of America’s most beloved artists and musicians.

That’s “All That Jazz and More” for now. My next column will focus on a relatively unknown singing group called The Real Group. Want to hear a sample on YouTube? Simply type in “Chili con Carne – New Version – The Real Group.” Please send your comments to me at greengeezer9@comcast.net. I’d love to hear from you with your comments and suggestions for future columns.

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Mark your calendar for these coming live events:

Thursday, Aug. 23, 7 – 9 p.m. – The Sun City Swing Band, “Let’s Dance!” will be on stage at Drendel Hall for a CAM-sponsored dance. Get to the CAM desk for your tickets before it sells out. See Lifestyles for more details.

Saturday, Sept. 8, “Blue Skies” jazz trio featuring Reid Spears on keys and vocals, Phil Ciancio on reeds, flute and vocals, and the Geezer – Sammy Geati – on drums. Will play from 1 – 4 p.m. at “Art in My Secret Garden.” This annual event, sponsored by the Gardens of Woodstock, features original fine art by The Pencil & Palette Club of Sun City, Huntley. The event runs for two days, same times, and the music on Sunday, Sept. 9 will be provided by Martin Lopez and the 4 Strings Children’s Violin Group. Stroll among the amazing gardens, view the artwork, enjoy a glass of beer or wine and wonderful musical entertainment. 5211 Swanson Rd., Woodstock. Call 815-337-2509.

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