In 1961, Louis Armstrong appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show with a band of top-tier players and delivered “Now You Has Jazz”, a performance that comprises of both music and magic. With a wink in his eye and a trumpet in hand, Armstrong broke down the ingredients of jazz like a recipe; skin, bass, box, bone and turned it into a joyful explosion of rhythm and personality. This is Louis at his most playful, and it’s one of the reasons millions still love him for his raw honesty and relatable feelings.
As he goes from one musician to the next, introducing each instrument with clever rhymes and laughter, the stage becomes a classroom but it never feels like a lesson, it feels like fun. The emotions here are excitement, humor, and wonder. Armstrong leads the band with ease, shouting out solos, cracking jokes, and jumping into the final chorus like a kid with a secret. It’s jazz that moves, talks, and laughs exactly how he wanted it to be remembered.
Louis Armstrong “Now You Has Jazz” (March 5, 1961) on The Ed Sullivan Show
People who watch this clip say it feels like a time machine. The viewers of all ages say they didn’t just enjoy the music, they learned something. The way Armstrong explains jazz without ever getting boring is something only he could pull off. It’s funny, fast, and full of character. You leave the performance not just smiling, but also loving jazz a little more.
To see another side of Armstrong, switch to “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans.” If the first song is a party, this one is the goodbye. It’s slow, emotional and filled with longing. He sings it with a calm sadness, reflecting on the place that gave him his music, his story and his start. It’s a different kind of jazz, one that sits with you long after it ends.
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans
In this second video, his trumpet plays softer, like it’s telling a story too personal for words. His voice is gentle and tired in the best way, like he’s not just performing, but remembering. The song is about New Orleans, but it could be about any place or person you miss deeply. That’s the heart of Louis Armstrong: joy and pain, celebration and loss, all wrapped in sound.
Louis Armstrong didn’t just play jazz, he defined it. Whether he was making people laugh, cry or dance, he always brought his full heart. That’s why his music still matters. Follow him on YouTube or any music app because every Louis Armstrong performance is more than a song. It’s a feeling you won’t forget.