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Armstrong as a Cultural Weapon
- Louis Armstrong, a renowned jazz musician, was used by the U.S. government as a cultural ambassador during the Cold War.
- His popularity helped promote American ideals abroad, countering Soviet propaganda.
The Congo Concert and Lumumba
- Armstrong's 1960 concert in the Congo, during a civil war, was seen as a strategic move by the U.S.
- Months later, the Congolese Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, was assassinated with suspected CIA involvement.
Scorpions' Path to Popularity
- The Scorpions, a German hard rock band, gained popularity abroad before being accepted in their home country.
- Their music was even smuggled into East Germany and the Soviet Union, building a large, dedicated fanbase.