Louis Armstrong also known as ‘Satchmo’ poses smiling holding trumpet 1958. (Photo by Screen Archives/Getty Images)
Armstrong was born in New Orleans on August 4, 1901, though he claimed July 4 as his birthday. As a child, on a dare from a friend, he fired a pistol into the air on South Rampart Street and was sentenced to the Colored Waif’s Home. There he got the job of playing the bugle when the flag was raised and lowered.
After serving his sentence, Louis began playing his horn in the noisy, smoke-filled musical clubs of what was then “Black Storyville,” the section of New Orleans in the vicinity of South Liberty and Perdido streets (where New Orleans City Hall is now). Honing his skills by playing in early brass bands with Joe “King” Oliver, Bunk Johnson, Kid Ory and others, he replaced Oliver in Ory’s band in 1919 when Oliver moved to Chicago.
Armstrong’s humble beginnings in New Orleans soon transformed into worldwide stardom. As the years passed, Satchmo’s star appeal continued to grow. He had recording deals with major labels and movie deals with major Hollywood studios. He played for presidents, European royalty and for high-ranking officials on his beloved continent of Africa. “Pops,” as he was often called, toured internationally as a special envoy for the U.S. State Department. He represented his country and New Orleans with dignity, charm and class. Of the many accolades he received, being elected King of Zulu during Mardi Gras was the one that he often said meant the most. A photo of him as Zulu made the cover of TIME magazine in 1949.
Today, the City of New Orleans honors his legacy in many ways and remains the birthplace of jazz.
The statue is in Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans, La.
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