Add a Louis Armstrong Autograph
A Louis Armstrong autograph would make a nice addition to a collection of "20th Century America Greats." He is without a doubt one of the most influential figures in the world of jazz music. Born August 4, 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Armstrong’s troubled early life no doubt had an impact on his choice of a musical career. |
Armstrong’s father left shortly after he was born. His mother soon followed and Armstrong’s early years were spent with his grandmother. His mother did come back when he was about five years old, but he was still passed around from family member to family member quite a bit.
He dropped out of the Fisk School for Boys at age 11. To earn some money, he joined with a group that sang on the streets for whatever money passerby would offer. He got into his share of trouble with the law and was sent – more than once – to the New Orleans Home for Colored Waifs. While at the New Orleans Home for Colored Waifs, he joined their band. While he had already learned to play the trumpet and cornet, while in this band, he worked to further develop his skills.
Released from the home at age 13, he found work in the band of a local dance hall. He earned a very low wage, and it was not enough to support himself, so he worked at various jobs during the day and played in the band at night.
When he was 19, he married Daisy Parker. The marriage ended within a year, but something good came from it. The couple had adopted a son that they named Clarence Armstrong. Clarence was mentally disabled and Armstrong loved and cared for the boy throughout his life.
He joined a band called Joe Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band in 1922, and also released some recordings during this time as well. His success became obvious when he was asked to join the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra. This was the top African American band at the time.
For the next several years, Armstrong moved back and forth between New York and Chicago, playing in various bands and continued to perfect his craft as his popularity continued to increase. He continued making recordings, many of which were songs written by his friend Hoagy Carmichael.
In 1932, during his Grand Tour of Europe, Armstrong picked up the nickname "Satchmo." This was the result of a London music magazine editor writing "Satchmo" when she misread his true nickname at the time "Satchelmouth" in a reporter's notes.
Anderson’s distinctive voice brought new life to songs that had been previously recorded by others. For example, the song “Stardust” had been released several times, but Armstrong’s version was by far the most popular.
In addition to his hit songs, including “Stardust”, “What a Wonderful World” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me”, Armstrong also enjoyed appearing in movies such as Pennies from Heaven with Bing Crosby.
His recordings continue to be popular even today, and he has been honored in many ways. He won a Grammy award in 1964 for his hit “Hello, Dolly”. He also has 11 songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame. He has been inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, The Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
His biggest hit came in 1964 when he was 63 years old. The song “Hello, Dolly” made him the oldest person to have a number one song.
Armstrong died on July 6, 1971 following a heart attack.
Louis Armstrong was very friendly to autograph collectors. He no doubt signed thousands of autographs during his career, and most of them were inscribed to fans who had no thought to their monetary value-- they just wanted something that connected them to the music that they loved. Many of those fans who are no longer among the living would be surprised to know that their Lousi Armstrong signed photos sell for as much as $600. A simple signature is worth $150. Values will no doubt rise as Louis Armstrong's music continues to gain new fans.
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