Let’s talk about the man often celebrated as the father of jazz—Louis Armstrong. Now, here’s something remarkable: at the age of 63, he made history by replacing The Beatles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his hit “Hello, Dolly!” Can you believe that? At the time, Louis Armstrong became the oldest artist ever to reach the number one spot, a true testament to his lasting impact and timeless talent.
But let’s go back a bit. Before fame found him, Louis Armstrong faced some real hardships. Born the grandson of former slaves, he started working at a young age—first as a paperboy, then picking up food scraps to sell to local restaurants. Life wasn’t easy, but music soon changed everything. When he was just eleven years old and already out of school, a musician named Bunk Johnson took him under his wing and taught him how to play by ear. That moment sparked the beginning of an incredible journey for Louis Armstrong.
When it came to love, Louis Armstrong had several important chapters. He first married Daisy Parker on March 19, 1918. After their marriage ended in divorce, he went on to marry Lil Armstrong—yes, she took his last name—on February 4, 1924. Later, on October 11, 1938, he tied the knot with Alpha Smith. Finally, and perhaps most enduringly, Louis Armstrong married Lucille Wilson on October 12, 1942, a union that lasted until the end of his life.
Throughout it all, one thing remained constant—Louis Armstrong’s passion for music and his groundbreaking influence on jazz. From humble beginnings to global acclaim, his story is nothing short of inspiring. And even today, when we think of the father of jazz, the name that comes to mind is, without a doubt, Louis Armstrong.
“Bout Time,” a heartfelt track he penned during his 60s, found its way into the spotlight when it was featured in the film Bewitched. It’s kind of remarkable how he, even in his later years, continued to create music that resonated so deeply. “Bout Time” really stands out as one of those late-career gems that showcased his enduring talent. He had such a unique ability to capture emotion, and this song was no exception. When you think about it, hearing “Bout Time” in Bewitched added a nostalgic layer that only he could deliver.