The classic “West End Blues” by Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong was born on 4 August 1901 into a very poor family in New Orleans
His mother was a part-time prostitute and his father deserted the family shortly after Louis was born. As a boy he lived in the red-light district of New Orleans – an area catering for working-class black customers.

He was sent to the Coloured Waifs Home aged 12 for firing his stepfather’s pistol in the air at a New Year’s Eve celebration. The home provided musical training and eventually Louis was made the band leader.
He was released from the home aged 14 determined to become a professional player and by the time he was 18 he was working for the best band in New Orleans – Kid Ory’s.

In 1922 he was invited to Chicago to play 2nd cornet in King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. Within 5 years he had transformed jazz and within 10 he was one of the most famous performers in the world.

This recommendation comes from “Hot Fives and Sevens Box Set” consisting of classic recordings from between 1925 and 1930.

He died on 6 July 1971 in New York City; a global superstar.