Fresh Air

How Louis Armstrong Became The First Black Pop Star

12 snips
Jan 30, 2025
Ricky Riccardi, Director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum and author of "Stomp Off, Let's Go," dives into the transformative journey of Louis Armstrong. He shares how Armstrong's struggles and innovative spirit reshaped 20th-century music as the first Black pop star. Discussions cover pivotal recordings like 'West End Blues,' his introduction of scat singing, and the nurturing role of the Karnofsky family in his life. Riccardi emphasizes Armstrong's legacy and resilience, even in his later years, proving his lasting influence on jazz and pop.
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INSIGHT

First Black Pop Star

  • Louis Armstrong, according to Ricky Riccardi, was the first Black pop star.
  • His innovative trumpet and vocal styles shaped 20th-century music.
ANECDOTE

West End Blues

  • West End Blues, recorded in 1928, showcases Armstrong's trumpet and vocal skills.
  • Its iconic opening cadenza is still studied by musicians worldwide.
INSIGHT

Scat Singing Origins

  • Armstrong's Heebie Jeebies is considered the first recorded example of scat singing.
  • Though the dropping sheet music story is popular, he'd scatted before.
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