Born Under Leo and Built to Lead

The sound of American jazz would be very different without Louis Armstrong. His remarkable trumpet playing and warm, gravelly voice introduced millions of listeners to a style of music that grew out of New Orleans. Armstrong overcame a difficult childhood before launching an extraordinary career with his Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings. In 1964, his recording of “Hello, Dolly!” reached the top of the Billboard chart, ending The Beatles’ remarkable run at No. 1.