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King Louis the First of Britain

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BBC Radio 4 - King Louis the First of Britain

How the late Louis Armstrong conquered Britain with his music and personality.

The world's greatest jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong died 50 years ago. This is the story of how Britain and the man known as "Satchmo" fell in love with each other.

The great jazz trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong died 50 years ago today, in New York. In his near 70 years on Earth, the man known to his fans as "Satchmo" and "Pops" made friends and created admirers wherever he played. It was no different in Britain. 

Louis came here first in 1932 and lastly in 1968. He influenced many jazz performers including one of this country's finest trumpeters, Byron Wallen, who first picked up the trumpet after hearing "Satchmo" play.

In this programme- "King Louis the First of Britain", Byron sets out to find out just why Louis made such a connection with people here - a connection that is just as strong today.

A 6foot6 production for BBC Radio 4

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