Just a Lucky So and So: The Story of Louis Armstrong

He was born "Black, poor, and lucky." The glowing story of "Satchmo"--the great jazz musician, Louis Armstrong.

Louis Armstrong has been called the most important improviser in the history of jazz. Although his New Orleans neighborhood was poor in nearly everything else, it was rich in superb music. Young Louis took it all in, especially the cornet blowing of Joe "King" Oliver. But after a run-in with the police, 11-year-old Louis was sent away to the Colored Waif's Home for Boys where he became a disciplined musician in the school's revered marching band.

Ultimately, he was to travel the world from Chicago to Paris and would transform jazz through his improvised singing ("scatting") and masterful trumpet playing. He played with Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and other jazz greats of his day. Armstrong was the first African-American man to host a national radio show, and the first jazz musiciain to write an autobiography.

This is a joyful tribute to the virtuoso musician and buoyant personality who introduced much of the world to jazz. The author's note includes a detailed biography and resources to learn more about Louis Armstrong and jazz.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 02/27/2016
ISBN: 9780823434282
Pages: 40
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.10w x 0.40d

Review Citations: School Library Journal 02/01/2016 pg. 112
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2016
Booklist 04/01/2016 pg. 31
Publishers Weekly 04/25/2016
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2016 pg. 117
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2016 - Superior,Well Above Average

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 182947 / Just a Lucky So and So: The Story of Louis Armstrong
Reading Level: 4.5 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5