46 years after his death, Louis Armstrong is still the most famous, beloved and influential figure in jazz history. As an innovative trumpeter, singer and comedic personality, his influence can be heard (at least indirectly) on a countless number of performers today.
Armstrong’s recordings from the 1923-28 period, which include his work with King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, the Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra, and his own Hot Five, Hot Seven, and Savoy Ballroom Five groups are universally acclaimed. His brilliant sound, chance taking solos and ability to “tell a story” in his improvisations (often with a beginning, middle and end) changed jazz. Armstrong’s singing, which used similar phrasing as his horn but with his own very distinctive voice, showed other vocalists how to swing lyrics even when they are not scatting. Satch’s early big band recordings (particularly those of 1929-31) are also highly rated.
While continuing to be famous during the Swing Era, Louis Armstrong was a bit overshadowed by other bandleaders (including Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie), and his own orchestra mostly functioned as a backdrop for his singing and playing. However, after he broke up his big band and formed the Louis Armstrong All-Stars in 1947, his popularity and fame grew year-by-year. Armstrong may have no longer been the most modern pacesetter in jazz, but few could
