Louis Armstrong, who was born in New Orleans in 1901, was an amazing trumpet player, a terrific composer, and an all-around entertainer. He didn’t just play the trumpet, he also put on a show for his audience. People loved to watch Armstrong perform, and he became one of the most important figures in the entire history of jazz music.

Louis grew up in a tough neighborhood, and his family had very little money. But he didn’t let poverty or hopelessness slow himself down. Instead, he just kept practicing, and he made the most of his God-given abilities. That’s why Louis Armstrong is still admired as a true American original and a towering musical genius.

Advice from Notable Musicians

“Play from your heart.”
Louis Armstrong

“If you love life, life will love you back.”
Arthur Rubenstein

“There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.”
Beverly Sills

“Do something worth remembering.”
Elvis Presley

“It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts.”
Ella Fitzgerald