Louis Armstrong remains an iconic figure in music history, not just within jazz. His influence as a trumpeter and vocalist spans genres and generations. Armstrong’s career, stretching from the vibrant 1920s to the culturally rich late 1960s, showcased his extraordinary talent and distinctive gravelly voice, making him a global phenomenon of the 20th century.
Here’s a countdown of 10 of his most unforgettable songs, celebrating the genius of Satchmo:
1. Hello, Dolly!
Louis Armstrong performing Hello Dolly, the title song from the 1964 musical, later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
This cheerful tune became synonymous with Armstrong in 1964 when his rendition of “Hello, Dolly!” topped the charts, even surpassing The Beatles at the time. Originally the title song from the Broadway musical of the same name, Armstrong’s version brought a unique jazz flavor to the popular melody. His performance was so impactful that it cemented the song’s place in popular culture and earned a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. Armstrong also appeared in the 1969 film adaptation of Hello, Dolly!, further linking him to this timeless song.
2. Georgia on My Mind
Louis Armstrong performing Georgia on My Mind, a jazz standard written in 1930 and later the official song of the state of Georgia.
While Ray Charles’ soulful version is perhaps the most widely recognized, Louis Armstrong’s take on “Georgia on My Mind” is equally captivating. Written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell, this jazz standard has been interpreted by numerous artists. Armstrong’s rendition highlights the song’s inherent beauty and melancholy, showcasing his ability to infuse emotion into every note. Decades later, in 1979, “Georgia on My Mind” was officially declared the state song of Georgia, a testament to its enduring appeal.
3. La Vie en Rose
“La Vie en Rose,” the quintessential French chanson made famous by Edith Piaf, found a surprising yet delightful interpreter in Louis Armstrong. While Piaf’s version remains iconic, Armstrong’s 1950 recording brought the song to a wider American audience. That year saw a wave of American artists covering “La Vie en Rose,” including Tony Martin, Bing Crosby, and Dean Martin, among others. Armstrong’s trumpet and vocal styling added a layer of warmth and charm to this already enchanting melody, proving its universal appeal.
4. Dream a Little Dream of Me
Louis Armstrong performing Dream a Little Dream of Me, an early recording of the 1931 song that became a standard, later popularized by Cass Elliot.
“Dream a Little Dream of Me,” penned in 1931, is often associated with Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas, who popularized it in the late 1960s. However, Louis Armstrong was among the first to record this dreamy ballad. His version, recorded much earlier, carries a gentle sweetness and ease that is characteristic of his style. Armstrong’s rendition captures the tender and hopeful essence of the song, making it a timeless classic in his repertoire as well as in the broader American songbook.
5. St. James Infirmary Blues
Louis Armstrong performing St. James Infirmary Blues, a haunting 1928 recording of the gambler's blues, covered by many artists since.
“St. James Infirmary Blues,” sometimes known as “Gambler’s Blues,” is a traditional folk song that became indelibly linked to Louis Armstrong through his haunting 1928 recording. This early recording showcased Armstrong’s ability to convey deep emotion and narrative through his music. He revisited the song throughout his career, and its raw and melancholic feel has resonated with artists across genres, leading to covers by The Doors, The White Stripes, and even actor Hugh Laurie, highlighting its enduring power and Armstrong’s definitive early version.
6. When the Saints Go Marching In
Louis Armstrong performing When the Saints Go Marching In on The Ed Sullivan Show, transforming the hymn into a jazz classic.
Originally a hymn from the 1890s, “When the Saints Go Marching In” was transformed into a vibrant jazz standard thanks to Louis Armstrong. He took the traditional spiritual and infused it with the energy and improvisation of jazz, creating a celebratory and infectious tune. Armstrong’s version became so iconic that it has been covered by a diverse range of artists, from Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton, demonstrating its broad appeal and Armstrong’s pivotal role in popularizing it beyond its hymn origins.
7. Summertime (with Ella Fitzgerald)
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong performing Summertime, a classic Gershwin standard in a beautiful duet version.
“Summertime,” composed by George Gershwin for the opera Porgy and Bess, is a jazz standard that has been embraced by countless musicians. Among the most cherished versions is the duet by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Their collaboration brought together two of the greatest voices in jazz history, with Fitzgerald’s velvety vocals and Armstrong’s distinctive trumpet and voice creating a truly magical rendition. This version emphasizes the song’s poignant beauty and the exceptional artistry of both performers.
8. Mack the Knife
Louis Armstrong performing Mack the Knife on The Ed Sullivan Show, his early recording of the song predating Bobby Darin's hit.
While Bobby Darin’s swinging 1959 version of “Mack the Knife” became a massive international hit, Louis Armstrong actually recorded the song first. “Mack the Knife” originated from Kurt Weill’s The Threepenny Opera in 1928, with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht. Armstrong’s earlier recording introduced the song to a wider audience and showcased its potential for jazz interpretation. The song, telling the dark tale of Mackie Messer, a character inspired by historical figures, gained further popularity through Armstrong’s rendition, paving the way for Darin’s later success.
9. We Have All the Time in the World
Louis Armstrong performing We Have All the Time in the World, the love theme from the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Composed by John Barry with lyrics by Hal David, “We Have All the Time in the World” served as the poignant love theme for the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. John Barry specifically chose Armstrong for his ability to deliver the song’s title line with irony, given its context in the film. Despite not being an initial hit, the song gained immense popularity in the UK in 1994 after being featured in a Guinness advertisement, becoming a Top 10 hit and solidifying its place as a classic Bond theme and a testament to Armstrong’s enduring appeal across generations.
10. What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong performing What a Wonderful World, a classic song initially turned down by Tony Bennett, highlighting Armstrong's ability to unite people.
“What a Wonderful World” is perhaps Louis Armstrong’s most beloved and enduring song, carrying a message of hope and optimism. Interestingly, it was initially offered to Tony Bennett, who declined it. Co-writer George David Weiss envisioned Armstrong performing it, inspired by his ability to bridge racial divides. While not initially a hit in the US, it became a massive success in the UK, making Armstrong, at 66, the oldest artist to have a number one single. Today, it remains a timeless classic, embodying Armstrong’s warmth and his optimistic outlook on life.
