Name________________________________________
1. Louis Armstrong (1901 – 1971)
Louis Armstrong was one of the most influential artists in the history of music. Born in
New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 4, 1901, he began playing the cornet at the age of
thirteen. Joe “King” Oliver, one of the most famous cornetists in New Orleans, became
Armstrong’s mentor. When Oliver, who had moved to Chicago, invited Armstrong to
join his band, Armstrong accepted the invitation. It was the beginning of a lifetime of
touring and recording. In 1925, Armstrong began making records with his own group,
the Hot Five. Much later in his unparalleled career, he formed the Louis Armstrong All
Stars, with whom he performed until the end of his life. Armstrong perfected the
improvised jazz solo as we know it. He also popularized scat singing. Affectionately
known as “Pops” and “Satchmo,” Louis was loved and admired throughout the world.
He died in New York City on July 6, 1971.
Listen to: Potato Head Blues (3:03)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNw35uMVXwE
As you listen to the music, answer the following questions. Short answers are fine.

What are the instruments used to make the music?0

How does this music make me feel?

Is there a singer?

In what genre does this music best fit?
2. Sidney Bechet (1897 – 1959)
Saxophonist Sidney Bechet, along with trumpeter Louis Armstrong, was an early jazz musician
who pioneered what would become an essential part of jazz up to the present: the improvised
solo. Bechet was born in 1897 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to middle-class Creole parents. At a
young age, he began playing the clarinet, and performed the popular dance music of the time.
However, he was drawn to jazz, which was wailing out of the clubs in New Orleans. Bechet did
not read music, but taught himself to play well enough to attract the attention of a bandleader,
who offered Bechet a job. In 1919, Bechet put down his clarinet in exchange for the soprano
saxophone. Bechet played the soprano saxophone in a style similar to the way he played
clarinet, although the instrument’s more powerful sound allowed him to compete more
effectively with trumpet players. Bechet is often remembered as a secondary figure in early
jazz. Louis Armstrong is the undisputed star of early jazz. Armstrong exhibited tremendous
business savvy and was able to translate his style into a mainstream music career. Bechet went
through a long period in the middle of his life without performing much at all. Towards the end
of a career, Bechet moved to France in 1950, where he recorded and composed until he died in
1959. Today, Sidney Bechet is considered one of the most important innovators in jazz.
Listen to: Maple Leaf Rag (3:10) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8ePe1AO9Lc
As you listen to the music, answer the following questions. Short answers are fine.
 What are the instruments used to make the music?

How does this music make me feel?

Is there a singer?

In what genre does this music best fit?