Louis Armstrong: In His Own Words: Selected Writings

by ThomasBrothers (Editor)

• New

  Illustrated
  1999

  $17.37

  Armstrong recounts his early life in New Orleans, his experiences in Chicago and New York during the 1920s, his crowning as King of the Zulus, and his late years in Queens, New York. Here is a dimension of Louis Armstrong that includes the history of jazz and, he history of American culture.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2000

  $11.92

  Louis Armstrong has been the subject of countless biographies and music histories. Yet scant attention has been paid to the remarkable array of writings he left behind. THis volume introduces readers to a little-known facet of this master trumpeter, band leader, and entertainer. Based on extensive research through the Armstrong archives, this important volume includes some of his earliest letters, personal correspondence with one of his first biographers in 1943-44, autobiographical writings, magazine articles, and essays. This work presents Armstrong's own thoughts on his life and career - from poverty in New Orleans to playing in the famous cafes, cabarets, and saloons of Storyville, from his big break in 1922 with the King Oliver band to his storming of New York, from his breaking of colour barriers in Hollywood to the infamous King of the Zulus incident in 1949, and finally, to his last days in Queens, New York. Along the way Armstrong recorded touching portraits of his times and offered candid, often controversial, opinions about racism, marijuana, bebop, and other jazz artists such as Jelly Roll Morton and Coleman Hawkins.