Happy Birthday, Louis Armstrong
The first Louis Armstrong song I ever remember hearing was “Hello, Dolly.” (Click link above for video)
My father, who had been a dj for years, had an extensive record collection, which included a 45 of the popular Armstrong hit. Even as a child hearing something like this for the first time, I can recall understanding the extent of his talent. Armstrong’s vocals were special not just because they were unique, but because he conveyed so much when he sang. That he made the trumpet sound as if it, too, had its own voice, is still remarkable to this day.
He grabs your attention and draws you in immediately. After just a few notes, you’re transported. You’re no longer in your living room or in front of a juke box, you’re sucked into Satchmo’s world. It’s as if he’s suddenly right in front of you, personally telling you a story. This is the definition of a brilliant performing artist.
I remember, when hearing the song for the first time, imagining being in front of a stage where he might be performing.
Here in this YouTube find, he performs “Hello Dolly” for troops.
