Essay Sample about Louis Armstrong's Musical Career

When most people think of Louis Armstrong, they think of his song, “What a Wonderful World,” but the world he grew up in was not always so wonderful. Armstrong overcame many hardships to become one of the most famous musicians in the world. His music crosses generations, classes, and races. He has inspired countless musicians across multiple genres including jazz, pop, and country. From negative experiences during his childhood to more positive experiences with his idol, Joe “King” Oliver, Armstrong’s life and music were richly influenced. Two influences that contributed mostly to the musical career of Louis Armstrong were the hardships of his childhood and working closely with his idol, King Oliver.

One of Louis Armstrong’s major influences on his life as a musician was the hardships of his childhood. As a boy, Armstrong would sing in a barbershop quartet to make money for his family because they were so poor (Williams). When he was five years old, his parents separated, which caused his family to have less money than they already had (“Louis Armstrong” Contemporary Black). At the young age of thirteen, Armstrong shot gun blanks into the air to celebrate the Fourth of July and was arrested and sent to a boy’s home. It was there that he learned how to play music by joining the jailhouse band. By the end of his sentence, he had become the band leader playing cornet (“Louis Daniel”). A quote from “Louis Armstrong” Contemporary Black Biography states “his poverty has been described as a key factor in discovering his affinity for music.” Hardships in Louis Armstrong’s childhood were one of the major factors that led to his musical success. 

Another major influence on Armstrong’s career as a musician was working with his idol, Joe “King” Oliver. Armstrong had worked odd jobs just to be able to pay for lessons from King Oliver. With a successful band in Chicago, Oliver sent for Armstrong to become the second cornetist (“Louis Armstrong” Contemporary Black). While working for him, Armstrong began making his first recordings (Williams). Duets with Oliver had become very popular in the Chicago area (“Louis Daniel”). Armstrong was successfully a part of this band for seven years (“Louis Armstrong” Contemporary Heroes). Armstrong so idolized King Oliver, that he was willing to follow him anywhere. (“Louis Daniel”) It is seen through the quote “Armstrong was reluctant to leave New Orleans, but was willing to follow ‘Pappa Joe’ anywhere” (“Louis Daniel”). Joe “King” Oliver was a key factor in keeping Armstrong in the music industry and building his talent.

From the difficulties of his childhood to finding an idol in King Oliver, Armstrong’s music was richly influenced. Armstrong’s musical interests were sparked in jail while serving time at a boy’s home for illegally firing a weapon. There he was able to spend time with fellow musicians learning his craft. As an adult, Armstrong again sought out time with fellow musicians, but this time with his idol and mentor, King Oliver. If not for either of these influences, his music may not be what it is today. The not always so wonderful experiences of Louis Armstrong led to the legacy he left behind, with songs that the world continues to enjoy to this day.