Written and maintained by the Louis Armstrong Fellows.
One of the greatest cultural exports that America has produced for the world are the wonderful genres of African American music. Throughout the U.S. many cities are known for being epicenters of various forms of Black American music. New Orleans is famously known as the birthplace of jazz, the Mississippi delta as the origin of... Continue Reading →
Many people know Louis Armstrong as a musician, singer, entertainer, and staple of jazz music. But not many people focus on Louis’ resilient spirit throughout his life. Louis spent his childhood in New Orleans in an area called The Battlefield and dealt with segregation, poverty, and the dangerous element that was frequent in his neighborhood.... Continue Reading →
Greetings everybody, hard to imagine but, already I have made it more than halfway through the LAHM fellowship. A lot has happened since I first started and I felt that it would be a good time to reflect on some of the highlights of this experience. My whole motivation for applying to this wonderful opportunity... Continue Reading →
What does it mean to preserve? In the dictionary, the word preserve has multiple meanings, but all of them refer to maintaining or protecting something from decay. This can refer to a physical object or an idea. But how do you preserve an idea? You cannot put it in a box or wrap it in... Continue Reading →
Louis Armstrong may be considered the King of Jazz but, it is not widely known that Louis Armstrong considered another to be the king. Joe “King” Oliver was an instrumental figure in Louis’ career and helped introduce Louis to an audience outside of New Orleans. Most importantly Louis saw Joe Oliver as a mentor and... Continue Reading →
This Black History Month I want to highlight places that are preserving black history. Establishments like the Louis Armstrong Archives, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the National Museum of African American Music, the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University, and countless museums and archives that collect and catalog information pertaining... Continue Reading →
Since its creation in the early twentieth century, jazz has remained a popular genre of music with both men and women creating music. Its fast pace and upbeat tempo helped to increase its popularity, but most of the people who were receiving attention were men. Women, especially black women, have long contributed to the creation... Continue Reading →
2020 is here! A New Year and a new decade begins but, the New Year also brings in another cherished celebration, Mardi Gras. Carnival season is upon us, and all throughout New Orleans, people are engaging in various festivities and traditions leading up to Mardi Gras day, which will be February 25 this year. Alas,... Continue Reading →
Within the long history of jazz music, many people have made their mark in one way or another. Some through playing, others through its documentation and study. Among the latter, exist polarizing figures that valiantly stand firm in their beliefs and thoughts on jazz music. Hugues Panassié is one such figure. Panassié was a man... Continue Reading →
