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Louis Armstrong’s contributions
Discuss Armstrong’s contribution to the development of jazz
Louis armstrong his importance to jazz
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The jazz community and the music we know today would not be the same without the contributions of Louis Armstrong, who is widely considered to be a founding father of Jazz. The works of Louis Armstrong who was a trumpet and cornet player, composer, actor, and singer have profoundly shaped and impacted all American music. His ingenuity and his musically inventive mind have given us a style that dominates the Jazz community. Armstrong’s innovations and progressions single handedly changed the face of Jazz, his innovations are still effecting music today. Many musicians today work in the shadow of Louis towering figure and bask in his legacy he left behind. His style of trumpet playing revolutionized the world of Jazz, and he became one of …show more content…
the most loved and recognized entertainer of the century. In 1922 Louis Armstrong was invited to Chicago by his mentor and idol Joe "King" Oliver, to join his Creole Jazz Band. Even at a young age and with hardly any professional musical experience Armstrong was proving himself to be a musician worthy of recognition. Working with Oliver’s band would become Armstrong’s first record to be recorded with a professional band, which provided him with a substantial amount of money to live, so that he didn’t have to do day labor and could focus on his music. Oliver’s band gave Armstrong the start and experience that he needed to get his own career going. Not everyone accepted his style at first, there was a lot of fellow musicians that didn’t like his style because it was different and didn’t fit with what was expected at the time. In Joe Oliver recording of the DipperMouth Blues, it is possible to hear the contrast between the two different styles of Oliver and Armstrong. Oliver sticks to his New Orleans roots and almost blends in with the other instruments in the band, Oliver focuses more on the texture and rhythm of the song. Whereas Armstrong is eager to prove himself as a young trumpet player, focusing more on the verity of the notes. Armstrong had a tendency to be more prominent with his coronet playing in Oliver’s band, making his solos linger and bolder than the other instruments in the band. It would be Louis Armstrong’s second wife, Lil Harding-Armstrong who would push him leave Oliver’s Creole band and to start his own band called Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five.
Leaving Oliver’s Creole band gave Armstrong the opportunity to express and experiment with his own style of playing. In 1920 Armstrong encountered Earl Hines, Hines like Armstrong was a soloist who was interested in reshaping the way traditional Jazz was played, their duet on Weatherbird is a perfect example of the type of Jazz he was trying to create and was a milestone recording from the 1920s. On November 12th, 1925 Louis Armstrong and his band The Hot Five, made their first recording that bore Armstrong’s name as the band leader. The Hot Five band members originally consisted of Louis Armstrong’s wife, Lil Harding-Armstrong on the piano, Kid Ory on the trombone, Johnny Dodds on the clarinet, and Johnny St. Cry on the Banjo. Most of Armstrong’s band members came from King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, in the late 1920’s Armstrong would change the band’s name from The Hot Five to the Hot Seven, with the addition of a tuba player and drums. Armstrong would later disband the Hot Seven and start working with the bigger bands of the Swing Era. This was artistically a low point in Armstrong’s career as he focused more on the big band sound and movie sets, there was also a lot of personal turmoil going on in his life at that time, but he would later go back to his small band roots in the late …show more content…
1940s. Louis Armstrong’s key contribution to Jazz is indisputably and without doubt his works from the 1920s. But his contribution to the Jazz community in the 1930 and on into the 1940s is certainly worth noting. Some of his best works from the 1930’s includes I’m a Ding Dong Daddy, lazy river, Shine, Star Dust, I Surrender Dear, Shine, and Sweethearts on Parade. Some of his best works from the 1940’s includes Louis Armstrong’s early years of recording were some of his most influential years as he shifted the focus and the ethos of Jazz music from the collective improvisation to the solo performances, which he was incredibly talented at.
The collective improvisation was a style typically used by older styles of Jazz, such as Dixieland Jazz, Free Jazz, and New Orleans Jazz where every band member would improvise a “solos” collectively. Except for the bass and drums, they were expected to keep playing a beet or a certain cord sequins in the background. As a result Dixieland and New Orleans Jazz can sound a little predictable. Armstrong had a style of only having the individual instruments play their solo separately with no other instruments playing or only with nonintrusive instruments playing in the background. This style highlighted the individual talent of each musician by giving the musician a chance to show off his or her talent separately from everyone else, this also gave the audience the chance to truly appreciate the individual components of the band and the individual talent of each musicians. After each musician had performed a solo the band would return to the original melody and finish the song, sometimes only a select few members of the band would perform a solo while the others nonintrusive played in the background, it was common for the bass and drums to stay in the background. Armstrong pioneered the style of primary solos and brought it to the public’s
attention, instantly popularizing the style and changing the face of music forever. The Hot Fives and the Hot Sevens, as they would later be called, recorded several records that would change the face of Jazz, these recordings are considered to be some of the most virtuosic and influential albums in the history of recorded Jazz imposition. In his song Cornet Chop Suey, Armstrong used a stop-time accompaniment, the band in the background played a simply rhythmic pattern in unison while Armstrong delivered a strong trumpet solo. Armstrong’s solo seemed to create a very interesting musical dialoged between the band and himself. Armstrong was constantly experimenting with his music and was known to put accents on notes where they were not expected to be placed. He would also start using a variety of rhythms to make his melody’s, causing them to unexpectedly off-beat or Syncopated. In his recording of Potato Head Blues, Armstrong plays a solo that had a varied timing of the notes over a stop-time accompaniment. Some of his best song with the Hot Five were Potato Head Blues, Struttin’ With Some Barbecue, and West end Blues. Armstrong was able to work with the Fletcher Henderson’s Orchestra, during this time he was able to further refine and develop his skill of improvisation. In a recording of the Shanghai Shuffle, Armstrong abandons the fixed melody and innovates in a way that people had never heard before. He repeated a single note and varied the time that it was supped to be played. Because of the notes placement with in the song and the intensity at which it was played, made the use of syncopation standout to the audience. Armstrong also had a profound impact on the genre of Jazz singing also known as scat- singing. Armstrong was not the first to incorporate scat-singing into his song but he did popularized the style. Given his powerful influence in the Jazz community and the certain rough and gritty tenderness that he brought to the style made it stand out.
Louis has being the most prominent trumpet player in history. His trumpet playing techniques significantly impacted all other instrument players who came after him and emulated his techniques in all other instruments. His style and innovative perspective of jazz changed all the forthcoming jazz singers who had a lot to learn from him, including Bix who learnt a lot from Louis Armstrong. Two of his most famous hit sounds were “What a Wonderful World” as well as “Hello Dolly” among others. The emotions attached to his music is what attracted most people and led to the spread of his music. The charm present in the music was also adored and enjoyed by
Developed in the early 1940's, Bop had established itself as vogue by 1945. It's main innovators were alto saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. In this stage in jazz, improvisation differed immensely. Bebop soloists engaged in harmonic improvisation, often avoiding the melody altogether after the first chorus. Usually under seven pieces, the soloist was free to explore improvised possibilities as long as they fit into the chord structure. Popular and influential jazz artists include: Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, & Cannonball Adderley. Armstrong is most known for his involvement in hot jazz as a trumpeter, but is especially renowned for his improvisation capabilities. Louis Armstrong, born August 4, 1901 right in the beginning stages of the jazz movement, was originally from New Orleans. Armstrong was a bandleader, soloist, comedian/actor, and vocalist. Another famous, Miles Davis, is what some consider to be the best trumpeter of the era. Davis was born on May 26, 1926 in Alton, Illinois. One unique thing about Davis was that he was taught to play without vibrato, which was incredibly contrary to the popular way of
Louis Armstrong was known for his “hot jazz” while Bix Beiderbecke was known more for his “cool reflective” jazz style. Louis Armstrong developed a new style of jazz music that took New Orleans by storm, and many other bands decided to move to north Chicago because of it. In 1925 Louis recorded his first Hot Five records and this was the first time he developed songs under his name. Then later on he made the Hot Seven and these two records are considered some of the biggest jazz classics. These records really established Louis Armstrong’s “hot jazz” style and many people recognized that. Many people and critics also considered these records as some of the finest jazz recordings in history, solos began to emerge and that really characterized jazz. These tracks were very important because it not only expressed Louis style but it influenced a lot of the jazz world. After the tracks many people began to change from polyphony to soloists, from embellishment to improvisation, and changing from breaks to having solos and their was much more influence. Then there was Bix Beiderbecke who was known for his “cool reflective” jazz. He was known for having a unique lyric tone, he had a vibrant sound, and he and he was different from other trumpet and cornet players. These were the type of things that led to the development of what is known as “cool jazz”. Everything that he went through in his life, the sadness, his heroic side, all this led to his music style. These two had a huge impact with their type of styles, which is the reason for their success. There uniqueness is what led to their style and them being known for their type of jazz, one simply can not say that one is better than the other because they simply did not have the same
The music of jazz became an important aspect of American culture in the early 20th century. The crisp syncopation of ragtime and the smooth tunes of the blues seeped into American mainstream music through dance halls and saloons and later through ballrooms. Instruments like the piano, trumpet, trombone and clarinet became important and symbolized the “swing-feel” of jazz because of their capability to syncopate and improvise precisely. With the help of the booming recording industry, musical geniuses were discovered and their talent and contributions to the emergence of jazz spread throughout the entire country. Such musicians include composer, arranger and pianist Jelly Roll Morton who heavily influenced the development of early jazz by his unique piano style, his “invention” of musical notation for jazz, and his compositions that have become the core in the jazz repertory. Because the style was new and different and so successful in drawing in large audiences, musicians around the world tried to mimic it. Furthermore, Morton’s masterpieces were the first to show notation for complicated jazz music and thus, formed the basis for standard notation in jazz compositions today.
It was said that he thought he was born on July 4, 1900 (Armstrong 7). While Louis was still an infant his father, William Armstrong, abandoned his family. He spent the first years of his life living with his Grandmother since at the time his parents were going through a separation. At age 5, he moved into a home with his mother and sister, Beatrice, whom he called Mama Lucy. He grew up in a rough section of New Orleans. They were incredibly poor and did not have enough money. He would work different jobs just to take care of his family. Louis would work anywhere that he would be able to find work. He would sing on the street, which would result in his nickname, Satchelmouth that would be shorten to Satchmo. His nickname was a result of him having a wide
When it comes to jazz music, there is one name that everyone knows, whether they’ve never listened to jazz before or if they’ve listened to it their whole lives. That name is Louis Armstrong. Armstrong was one of the pioneers of jazz music, from his humble beginnings in one of New Orleans roughest districts, “the Battlefield”, to playing concerts for sold out crowds in Chicago and New York City, Louis left a massive impact on the way America listened to music for a long time. One of his premier tracks, “West End Blues”, left an impact on jazz music, which other musicians would try to emulate for years.
His “hot bop” style was heard in places like the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theatre. Everyone from all over the country would come to see him. Armstrong recorded such works as I’m in the Mood for Love, and You Rascal You (http://library.thinkquest.org/26656/english/music.html). Another famous person during this era was Coleman Hawkins, a saxophone player. Hawkins is recognized as the first great saxophonist of jazz.
Throughout history, and even today, music has shaped America’s culture, society, and even politics. One of the most outstanding and enduring musical movement has been from African American artists, ranging from bebop to jazz to hip-hop to rap. During the 1920’s , jazz artists stepped into the limelight and began their impact on American and even world history. Louis Armstrong was one of the most influential leaders during the Harlem Renaissance and his jazz legacy and impact of American history is everlasting. A master of his craft, Armstrong and his music heavily influenced America’s white and black populations from the 1920’s and up until his death.
Louis Armstrong created a huge cultural shift that swept over America and changed music forever. It allowed for African-Americans to be a part of the music industry, and even contributed to women’s acceptance in music as well. African- Americans are now a vast majority of our musicians and artists, and are just as appreciated and idolized as white musicians. Louis Armstrong’s love for music and jazz still thrives today among his fans and fans of jazz in general. He is well-known and well-respected, and will never be forgotten in the music industry. Louis Armstrong changed music for the better, and will always be the king of jazz.
He was known as the Father of Jazz. He was most notable as an entertainer, however, he was a soloist that provided improvisations in regards to tunes. Louis Armstrong's “What a Wonderful World” is the first song that comes to many minds when discussing jazz. He is also well known for his scat singing, However, he also had a political side. In his song “What Did I Do To Be So Black and Blue,” Armstrong talks about the color of his skin as a bad thing and how blacks were treated. In World War II he fulfilled by performing for the soldiers during a recording
Armstrong is not only a trumpet player, as a singer, he is also very successful. For many years, jazz lovers tried in ecstasies to imitate his unique voice and scat singing, which was nonsense but with a rhythm. Armstrong was the first to successfully use scat singing, which eventually became a major feature of jazz concerts. His singing method affected almost every jazz singer, including Coypin Crosby in the 1940s, the most charismatic singer in jazz history Billie Holly and Frank Sinatra. Of course, Armstrong's achievements in jazz music could not be summarized by the above description.
Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong was born to Mary and William Armstrong on August 4, 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in poverty, and his father left his family while Armstrong was a baby. After his father left, Armstrong and his younger sister Beatrice were passed back and forth between their grandmother and uncle until they moved back in with their mother when Armstrong was five years old. He went to the Fisk School for Boys until he was eleven and experienced a variety of music and dances during his attendance. At eleven years old, Armstrong quit school at the Fisk School for boys. He sang in a quartet of boys who performed for money in the streets. In 1913, he shot his stepfather’s pistol into the air during a New Year’s Eve party, and he was sent to the New Orleans Home for Colored Waifs for one year. Armstrong played the cornet in the Home’s band, and they traveled around New Orleans playing at various places. His teacher, Peter Davis, acted as his mentor at this time, and he made Armstrong the leader of the band. It was then that his musical skills began to develop, and he ...
Jazz is referred as “America’s classical music,” and is one of North America’s and most celebrated genres. The history of Jazz can be traced back to the early era of the 20th century of the U.S. “A History of Jazz” presents From Ragtime and Blues to Big Band and Bebop, jazz has been a part of a proud African American tradition for over 100 years. A strong rhythmic under-structure, blue notes, solos, “call-and response” patterns, and
One of the very monumental jazz artists during the jazz age was Louis Armstrong. Armstrong was a trumpet player, bandleader, soloists and singer. Louis was born on August fourth 1901 in a bad neighborhood of New Orleans called “The Battlefield”. His parents were not the best . Armstrong's father was a factory worker but left when he was young. His mother was around but she often turned to prostitution in order to help support him; therefore his grandmother was his primary guardian. Armstrong's first job was given to him by a Jewish family by the last name of Karnofskys working delivering coal and collecting junk The Karnofskys often fed him meals and always encouraged him to sing. Armstrong was a bit rough around the edges and he had an incident on new year’s eve in 1912 he fired h...
... Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and others, helped to create the jazz that we have until today.