A film portrait of Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong 1900-1971
Louis Armstrong was the best known and the most influential of all jazz men as well as, in his later years, a much-loved popular entertainer. His recordings in the 1960s of 'Hello Dolly' and 'What a wonderful world' sold millions. But 40 years earlier he had already established himself as the first jazz soloist of any real importance.
In the 1920s his Chicago recordings on cornet with King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band and later on trumpet with his own Hot Five and Hot Seven, revolutionised jazz and awakened millions to the possibilities of the new music.
Russell Davies presents this portrait which includes many of Louis's rare film and television appearances. Among the contributors filmed in New Orleans and New York are:
Lionel Hampton , George James 'Jabbo' Smith, Danny Barker
Leslie Thompson, 'Doc' Cheatham Arvell Shaw, Joe Muranyi and personal physician 'Doc' Schiff
Film editor KEITH WILTON Producer PHILIP SPEIGHT