A definitive account by Thomas Brothers of Louis Armstrong, his life and legacy, during the most creative period of his career.

Nearly 100 years after bursting onto Chicago's music scene under the tutelage of Joe 'King' Oliver, Louis Armstrong is recognized as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A trumpet virtuoso, seductive crooner, and consummate entertainer, Armstrong laid the foundation for the future of jazz with his stylistic innovations. But his story would be incomplete without examining how he struggled in a society seething with brutally racist ideologies, laws, and practices.

Episode 3:
Louis is offered a big break with a jazz band in New York and, although he much prefers life in Chicago, his New York adventure will bring a whole new dimension to his music.

Reader: Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Eileen Horne

Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4 Show less