Louis Armstrong was born on this day in 1901. A great innovator, he pioneered new structures in Jazz and the instrumental solo, and was a major catalyst in the evolution of 20th Century music. Dubbed Ambassador Satch, his quest to share music and call attention to social injustices (illustrated by signature tune Black and Blue and his publicized outcry over the Little Rock segregation), Armstrong took Jazz to every corner of the earth. He recorded and toured heavily throughout his sixty-year career and even pushed The Beatles out of the no.1 spot in 1964 with Hello Dolly (the tune stayed in the hot 100 for 22 weeks!). Shortly before his death, he contributed a poignant vocal performance to James Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969). Written by John Barry and Hal David, the tune served as an emotional anchor for Bond's budding love affair in the movie. According to a 2005 BBC News Online report, We Have All the Time in the World came in third as the most popular song to play at weddings. Thankfully in this case, most couples probably don't consider the tragic turn of events for poor 007 after his wedding. Louis Armstrong died on July 6, 1971, one month before his 70th birthday. Learn more at: Louis Armstrong House Museum, PBS, Armstrong Educational Foundation, Armstrong documentary by Gary Giddins Part One. Below: Image of Armstrong with John Barry and Hal David from the Armstrong House Museum, plus a video tribute to their recording from On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Enjoy!
