1971 Louis Armstrong Dies

Louis Armstrong
August 4, 1901-July 6, 1971
Daniel Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong was one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. He was born in a ghetto to Willie and Mary Ann Armstrong. His musical career began at age twelve when he was sent to the Waif's Home for Boys after being arrested for firing a gun on New Year's Eve. While there he learned to play the cornet and to read music from Peter Davis, the home's drill instructor and bandmaster. After his release he took lessons from a local cornetist, Joe "King" Oliver.

In 1925, he started recording with his own band and during the 1930s his band toured Europe. While playing the London Palladium he acquired the nickname "Satchelmouth" later shortened to "Satchmo." Armstrong gained acclaim as a jazz vocalist, using improvisational techniques and inventive lyrics to enhance his small scratchy voice.

Daniel Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong died on July 6, 1971, in New York City of kidney failure.

Source: http://nutrias.org/~nopl/info/aarcinfo/notabl2.htm