July 9, 2018 Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. The weather was ideal here, and I was fortunate to meet up with some old friends for a great outdoor concert. Indeed, it was wonderful! I’ve always had an eclectic taste in music: classic rock, pop, blues, jazz, swing, big band, country, easy listening, and classical genres all have some artists I enjoy. Some artists incorporate a mix of genres in their repertoire, and some artists are noted for just one style. Fortunately, in the age we live in, we can find something that appeals to our taste very easily through the internet. This is doubly convenient for me. Writing and researching for Mistletoe Enterprises and Victory & Valor, I am a history buff. As such, I often find some musical offering to associate with the historical events that I publish here or on the website. On July 4th, for instance, I enjoyed researching more about the life of John Philip Sousa. He was an accomplished composer of military marches and, as the most notable leader of the Marine Band, his music remains today among the most popular patriotic music in the United States. In a recent Victory & Valor Blog I wrote a piece about Frank Sinatra welcoming Elvis Presley home from his military duty. In another recent blog I wrote about Sir Paul McCartney’s musical career and his Library of Congress Gershwin Prize. Several artists, multiple genres, spanning many years. Touching many lives. Today, I remember Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. He was born in New Orleans on August 4, 1900. He passed away in New York City on July 6, 1971. He is regarded as the first great jazz solo artist, and his career was incredible. He was among the most notable performers in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s. He moved to New York City from Chicago in 1924 and he was a wildly popular performer playing trumpet at legendary venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. During World War II he performed for the troops via the Armed Forces Radio Service and made “V-Discs” which were rugged-durable records distributed to military personnel overseas. His voice was unique. He gave us unforgettable renditions of tunes such as “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Hello Dolly”. And he gave us “What a Wonderful World”. According to his obituary in the New York Times, his honorary pallbearers included Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Guy Lombardo, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Pearl Bailey, Count Basie, Harry James, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, David Frost, Merv Griffin and Dick Cavett. He touched many artists. He influenced many genres and was the King of Jazz. His career spanned more than fifty years. He touched many lives. Mistletoe Enterprises and Victory & Valor remember fondly the life and talent of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. He gave us “What a Wonderful World.” We’re trying to pay it forward. Enjoy! And I’ll see you back here Wednesday!
2 Comments
Irene Alberto
7/10/2018 01:27:20 pm
Très bel hommage à Louis Armstrong et ses immortelles musiques! Merci
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Thomas Davis
7/10/2018 01:31:16 pm
Merci beaucoup!
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AuthorTom Davis is the owner of Mistletoe Enterprises LLC. He also publishes and distributes the Victory & Valor Flyer, it tells the stories of heroes from all walks of life. Archives
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