Few voices in history have the warmth and soul of Louis Armstrong. His 1959 live performance of “La Vie En Rose” in Belgium is just magic. With his gravelly voice and smooth trumpet playing, he makes the song into an intimate moment that lingers long after the note is gone.
As he sings, the audience is totally entranced, swaying to the beat of his all-star band. He can do romance, nostalgia and charm with ease. If you haven’t seen this live version yet, now’s the time:
Louis Armstrong – La Vie En Rose [LIVE 1959 Belgium]
Louis Armstrong wasn’t just a singer, he was a performer who could command any stage. A perfect example of this is his 1968 Show of the Week concert, one of the only complete length recordings of louis at his best. Here he gives a masterclass in jazz improvisation, storytelling and showmanship, with a band that swings from one classic to another.
If you want to see the full range of Armstrong’s talent – from his trumpet playing to his storytelling – this is a must see:
Louis Armstrong – Show of The Week (1968)
A Louis Armstrong collection cannot be considered a collection without his raucous, energetic performance of “When The Saints Go Marching In ” This is the sheer joy and vigor of jazz, Armstrong leading his band through a boisterous and jubilant rendition of what has become a standard in jazz.
Louis Armstrong’s influence cannot be overstated in either jazz or popular music and even today his sound lives on in his recordings and live performances. In order to pay tribute to Armstrong, delve deep into his extensive archives on streaming platforms. Feel free to join any of the fan communities which celebrate his genius. There is only one Louis Armstrong when it comes to jazz.