Famous jazz musician, Louis Armstrong, and renowned playwright, William Shakespeare, are the guests in this episode. The hosts discuss their contributions to history, share fast facts about their lives, play games, and compare their views on power, professions, writing, and creativity with words.
Louis Armstrong was a jazz musician who used his platform to speak out against injustice during the civil rights movement.
William Shakespeare is known for his vast contributions to the English language and his plays continue to be celebrated.
Deep dives
Louis Armstrong: A Musical Legend
Louis Armstrong, a renowned jazz musician, was born in 1901 and died in 1971. He began playing the Cornet at the age of seven and became one of the most influential voices in jazz. Along with his musical talent, Armstrong was known for his distinctive, gravelly voice. He was vocal about civil rights issues and used his platform to speak out against injustice, as shown when he referred to the Governor of Arkansas as an 'uneducated plowboy' during the Little Rock Nine incident.
William Shakespeare: The Bard of Avon
William Shakespeare, considered the world's greatest playwright, was born in 1564 and died in 1616. He is known for his vast contributions to the English language, coining numerous words and phrases that are still used today. Shakespeare's plays, such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, and Othello, continue to be performed and celebrated. He was a member of the acting troupe called Lord Chamberlain's Men and became part owner of the company. Shakespeare's work spanned a variety of genres, from tragic to comedic, and he is regarded as a literary genius.
Game Time and Fun Facts
During the podcast episode, contestants Gia and Hazel participated in various games related to Louis Armstrong and William Shakespeare. They showcased their knowledge of these historical figures and their respective fields. Hazel shared interesting information about Louis Armstrong's autobiography, the first of its kind by a jazz musician, while Gia learned about Shakespeare's sonnets and the impact of his words on the English language. The episode highlighted the overlapping themes and creativity of these influential figures.
We think to ourselves, what a wonderful...all the world's a stage! Our contestants keep the momentum and rhythm going in this battle of wits! Shakespeare stops by with a rap!