PERFORMING ARTS

Stomp Off, Let’s Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong

Oxford Univ. Feb. 2025. 472p. ISBN 9780197614488. $34.99. BIOG
COPY ISBN
Louis Armstrong (1901–71) may be the quintessential American musician. A legendary innovator in jazz, he dealt with racism from white audiences and criticism from Black audiences. He created his most important work early in his career before morphing into more of an “entertainer,” yet became an international icon whose popularity transcended genres. Riccardi’s third book on Armstrong, after What a Wonderful World and Heart Full of Rhythm, covers the first 28 years of Armstrong’s life. Of the many biographies of Armstrong from the past quarter century, no author may be as well versed in his subject as Riccardi, the director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum. The beauty of this book is that it is not an original history but more of a conversational accumulation of information from previous biographies, supported by newly discovered manuscripts and recordings. Though many of the stories have been told before, Armstrong’s discovery of music as a child, his ascent through the ranks of New Orleans bands, and the Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings in the 1920s that cemented his legacy continue to inspire.
VERDICT An exceptional conclusion to Riccardi’s brilliant trilogy.
0 COMMENTS
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.
Fill out the form or Login / Register to comment:
(All fields required)

RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?