Picture this: It’s 1956 and one of America’s greatest jazz legends sits down for what would become one of the most charming interviews ever recorded. Louis Armstrong with his trademark smile beaming, casually drops bombshells about playing for royalty and breaking every rule of proper British etiquette along the way.
This rare television interview captures Satchmo at his absolute best; speaking from the heart about his European tours and his unforgettable encounters with the British Royal Family. When asked about playing for the royals, Armstrong’s response was pure gold: “Oh they’re all cats, you know, they’re all cats”; but the real magic happened when he described Princess Margaret’s reaction to his performance.
Louis Satchmo Armstrong Talks About Playing in Europe and for the Royal Family, 1956
The audience watching this interview unfold must have been stunned by Armstrong’s honest, down-to-earth personality. Here was a man who could make royalty tap their feet to jazz rhythms, yet remained completely humble about his incredible talent. His infectious joy radiates through every word as he recalls how Princess Margaret put her hand on her knee and just “dug that jazz.”
What makes this interview even more special is how Armstrong transitions from talking about breaking royal protocol to discussing music as a universal language. His wisdom shines when he explains that “notes are notes in any language” and how jazz had become stronger than any political movement overseas.
Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World (Original Spoken Intro Version)
This legendary performance showcases exactly why Armstrong became such a beloved figure worldwide. The way audiences responded to his music; whether in smoky jazz clubs or royal palaces; proved his point that great music transcends all boundaries; his voice, both speaking and singing, carried the same warmth that made even British royalty forget about proper manners.
Armstrong remained active on various platforms throughout his career sharing his music and infectious personality with fans around the world; his ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him not just a musician but a true ambassador of American culture.