Louis Daniel Armstrong (August 4, 1901 – July 6, 1971) nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Coming to prominence in the 1920s as an "inventive" cornet and trumpet player, Armstrong was a foundational influence on jazz, shifting the music's focus from collective improvisation to solo performers. With his distinctive gravelly voice, Armstrong was also an influential singer, demonstrating great dexterity as an improviser, bending the lyrics and melody of a song for expressive purposes. He was also greatly skilled at scat singing, or vocalizing using syllables instead of actual lyrics.
Renowned for his charismatic stage presence and deep, instantly recognizable voice almost as much as for his trumpet-playing, Armstrong's influence extends well beyond jazz music, and by the end of his career in the 1960s, he was widely regarded as a profound influence on popular music in general.
This man helped shape the landscape of modern day American music.
A true American Legend.
![](http://whitewhaletheatre.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/louis-armstrong.jpg)
When the Saints Go Marching In
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyLjbMBpGDADream A Little Dream
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-xzfwDAn1I&feature=relatedLa vie en rose
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IJzYAda1wA