“If you have to ask what jazz is, you will never know. » - Louis Armstrong (Boujut, Michel) Louis Armstrong was a man who certainly knew what jazz was. jazz is, without ever having to ask. For most of the 20th century, Louis Armstrong was a central figure in the American jazz/swing scene and influenced (directly or indirectly) every musician who came after him (“Louis Armstrong”). This great man does not receive the recognition he deserves for his incredible contributions to the canon of American music (Boujut, Michel). Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayLouis “Satchmo” Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901, in a very poor neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana (“Louis Armstrong"). Her father worked in industry, doing manual labor, and her mother frequently turned to prostitution to support her children. When his parents separate, Louis is left in the care of his grandmother ("Louis Armstrong"). A few years later, Louis' parents try to get back together; although it didn't work out, the couple had a daughter, Béatrice (Boujut, Michel). For the next five or six years, Louis divided his time between school and church, as well as at the youth club where he learned to sing. He also frequented local honky-tonks, where he began to learn how to play the cornet from artists (Boujut, Michel). He stayed in school until the fifth grade, when he began working odd jobs to support his family. After a while, he became close to a Jewish family, the Karnofskys. He often dined with them and they encouraged him to sing (“Louis Armstrong”). In 1913, Louis joined the New Year festivities, and things did not go well. He fired a pistol into the air and was immediately taken to the Colored Waif's Home for Boys, a detention center ("Louis Armstrong"). He joined the band at home and quickly began to become very good on the cornet. Finally, he becomes the leader of the group, a moment of great pride for young Armstrong (Boujut, Michel). When he was released from home, he began to build a reputation as a blues player ("Louis Armstrong"). Joe “King” Oliver, one of the best cornet players in New Orleans, took Louis under his wing and served as his mentor (Boujut, Michel). Keep in mind: This is just a sample. Get a personalized paper from our expert now. writers.Get a Custom EssayLouis occasionally played as a backup alongside King Oliver in Kid Ory's band, one of the most popular swing bands in New Orleans. At first he had to continue doing manual labor, such as hauling coal, but soon he was able to support himself solely through music ("Louis Armstrong"). He played in honky-tonks, at parties and later, on riverboats during the summer..