The 2013 JAM: The Spirit and Rhythms of Jazz

Louis Armstrong (b. August 4, 1901, New Orleans - d. July 6, 1971, New York) was the first important soloist to emerge in jazz and became a pivotal figure in jazz history. As a trumpet virtuoso, he began with the 1920s studio recordings made with his Hot Five And Hot Seven ensembles. With his highly imaginative and emotionally charged improvisations, he chartered a future for jazz. His playing was quite unlike that of other players of the time. Fellow musicians and fans alike flocked to hear him play, and his style set the standard for all jazz soloists to this day.

In the American Corner's exhibition you can view a variety of textual, audio and visual materials on display from the jazz library Jazzoteka and read Armstrong's quotes on life in jazz. We also invite you to explore our collection further and visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum for a virtual tour through his New York home in Queens with the abundance of resources on his life and work. 85 years ago, Louis Armstrong recorded one of his masterpieces "West End Blues". For Jazz Appreciation Month, the Museum's historic house features an ultra rare recording of Louis Armstrong performing "West End Blues" live at Freedomland in 1961. This performance was recently donated to the Museum's Archives by the son of Freedomland sound engineer Peter Denis. Previously unissued and not in any discographies, it will be featured only during Jazz Appreciation Month!

To learn about JAM, please visit the Smithsonian at http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=69. To join in ZGJAM, please view the program at JAZZart.