ABSTRACT
Louis Armstrong (1901–1971) was undoubtedly the most famous American musician of his time, and possibly of his century. His renown was not limited to the United States, and he became one of the most celebrated musicians of the Western world. Almost single-handedly, he invented swing style, scat singing, and modern jazz trumpet playing. He was the first jazz soloist, a role that cannot be underestimated in its impact not only on jazz but also on all popular music. In his spare time, he appeared in some twenty-four full-length feature films, published two books, wrote over two dozen articles, and sent hundreds of often lengthy letters to friends and fans. One aspect of Armstrong’s remarkable life, however, is little known or at best underappreciated: his role as an African-American spokesman and cultural ambassador. In the fall of 1957, at a crucial moment in his career, Armstrong helped integrate U.S. public schools and create a new respect for black Americans. Shortly thereafter, he became a U.S. State Department touring musician who would moderate the temperature of U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War. The results were far reaching, as Armstrong entered the final phase of a now legendary career. 1
