Louis Armstrong sings “My Old Kentucky Home,” and his unique, soulful voice brings a timeless American classic to life. The song, which Stephen Foster wrote, describes a person remembering about their upbringing in Kentucky and longing for the sights and sounds of their home. The way Armstrong sings the lyrics is smooth but with power, too — he sets a scene of life past that provides endless nostalgia and earnestness. It is his unique vocals, in combination with the jazz-style instrumental, that make this track so charming.
From the first note, Armstrong’s deep connection to the song is clear. You can practically feel the warmth and the love he has for his home state through his delivery, even if he’s singing it from a distance. The music matches the emotional pitch of the lyrics, with gentle brass and a steady rhythm section that sounds relaxed and slightly dreamy. It’s almost as if Armstrong’s journey back to Kentucky is Armstrong’s, and with every listener, he is reliving his memories there.
My Old Kentucky Home
What’s so special about this performance, though, is that it’s not just a matter of the words; Armstrong makes you feel his longing, his joy, even his sadness. The mournfulness of the tune showcases Armstrong’s ability to turn essential lyrics into an emotive piece of music. He doesn’t merely sing “My Old Kentucky Home” he makes it resonate with his listeners putting a familiar sense of longing into something personal and relevant to anyone who has ever been separated from their own home or loved ones.
Making a turn from the soulful, pensive “My Old Kentucky Home,” Armstrong delivers an approach to “White Christmas” that’s a holiday gift. This old holiday chestnut, composed by Irving Berlin, is given a new life through Armstrong’s warm, satiny vocals. The day feels magical; the Christmas spirit suffused through the great outdoors as he sings softly about, dreaming of a white Christmas. Pairing them with Gordon Jenkins’ orchestra is a recipe for elegance; it’s an unmistakable Christmas classic.
Louis Armstrong, Gordon Jenkins And His Orchestra – White Christmas (Audio)
“White Christmas” brings forth the warm, festive spirit that is of the holiday season. Armstrong’s silky singing of the lyrics has hope, joy, and a sliver of longing for the idealized winter wonderland. Brass, strings, and an upset rhythm section in the back bring a little snowfall to the music — such a peaceful, festive vibe. This edition of “White Christmas” has a timeless quality, drawing together the old and the young in a joyous celebration of the holidays.
Louis Armstrong is one of the most transformative jazz musicians of the genre’s history: his recognizable singing voice and master trumpet playing have made him one of the genre’s most reproducing yet discarded sounds. His songs — from the plaintive ballad “My Old Kentucky Home” to the jubilant holiday song “White Christmas” — tap into the most bottomless well of emotion and humanity. The real killer of Armstrong was his ability to touch the listeners with his voice and music. Follow Louis Armstrong on social media and listen to more of his classic hits here: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.