Very few songs capture the beauty of life as perfectly as Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World. This 1967 classic reminds us to slow down and enjoy the little things. This rare live performance at the BBC in 1968 features Armstrong singing with his unique warmth and intensity in that deep, gravelly voice of his; his sincerity is genuine, and at hands down one of the most moving performances you could ever hear.
Armstrong’s voice has an abiding sense of wisdom and gratitude in its first note, which makes the lyrics wash over you with raw feeling. Lines such as “I see trees of green, red roses too” and “I see friends shaking hands, saying ‘How do you do?’ ” teaches us to appreciate everything in the world. His performance is tough but gentle, intimate but powerful, an indelible mark on all who hear it, set to a soft, orchestral backdrop.
Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (At The BBC)
What makes this performance so magical is Armstrong’s ability to reach across the void toward his audience. You can hear in his voice the wisdom, the years of working that gives every lyric a feeling of authenticity and heart. This song, written and performed at work time of extreme socio political turmoil, is just as relevant now as ever, a timeless message of hope, solidarity, love.
And if you like this classic, you’ll surely love a performance of another legend, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” which carries a closest theme of life reflection or appreciation.
My Way (2008 Remastered)
From Louis Armstrong’s buoyancy to Sinatra’s rumination, these songs encourage us to savor every instant. If you’d like to stay on top of rare performances and restored recordings, follow Louis Armstrong’s official pages on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube — his legacy isn’t going anywhere.
