TRANSCRIPT:
Hi, I am Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Louis Daniel Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901. This American trumpeter and vocalist went by the nicknames "Satchmo," "Satch," and "Pops." He was among the most influential figures in jazz, with a career spanning five decades. He revolutionized jazz with his improvisational genius and charismatic stage presence. Songs like “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly” showcase his ability to blend technical mastery with universal appeal.
Armstrong’s innovative scat singing and pioneering solos set new standards for jazz performance, inspiring countless musicians across genres. Beyond his musical contributions, Armstrong’s infectious personality and tireless work as a cultural ambassador helped bring jazz to a global audience, cementing his legacy as a true icon of 20th-century music.
This has been Rapp On Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible in part by Layman Poupard Publishers, producers of the Literary Criticism Series and the Dictionary of Literary Biography.