Louis Armstrong Accomplishments

"What he does is real, and true, and honest, and simple, and even noble. Every time this man puts his trumpet to his lips, even if only to practice three notes, he does it with his whole soul." This quote by composer, Leonard Bernstein, perfectly grasps what Louis Armstrong aspired for every time he unhinged the case of his instrument. This recognition is what countless other black artists, musicians, poets and writers desired during the outbreak of literary and artistic African American culture in the first half of the 1900’s, known as the Harlem Renaissance. Though many worked to further this movement Louis Armstrong is one the most renowned and greatest contributors. First of all, Louis Armstrong’s life is a great example of the rags-to-riches

Louis Armstrong’s success emerged from very humble beginnings. He was born in 1901 in Storyville Louisiana to Willie Armstrong, a violent, barely-there father, and his wife Mayaan, who often turned to prostitution to support her family (Harmon). Storyville, was the red-light district of New Orleans and was a “constant swirl of music—the blues and ragtime just on the verge of becoming jazz” (Harmon). His home life was tough, and before long, a delinquent Louis Armstrong was sent to Colored Waif's Home for Boys (“Louis Armstrong”).There, he received “musical instruction on the cornet, […] and immediately began dreaming of a life making music” (“Louis Armstrong”). Soon thereafter, Armstrong’s passion for his brass instrument turned into a full-blown career. He first booked small gigs on river boats, clubs and parties, where he received instruction from the music legends of the era ("Armstrong, Louis."). Then, in 1922 he took a major job in Chicago with his hero, King Oliver, and later with Fletcher Henderson’s Orchestra in New York City ("Armstrong, Louis."). Armstrong was caught up in a whirlwind of fame and popularity; he toured the world, appeared on Broadway, as well as in Hollywood and produced countless records (Harmon). Later in life, Louis Armstrong faced more difficulties, but his enthusiasm and tenacity prevailed. In 1935 Armstrong returned to Chicago from his jaunt around the globe with