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Louis Armstrong was the greatest jazz musician of the twentieth century and a giant of modern American culture. He... read full description
Louis Armstrong was the greatest jazz musician of the twentieth century and a giant of modern American culture. He... read full description
reviews
Jan 18, 2011
Bill
rated it: 
A relatively short biography (400 pages not counting the bibliography and notes) of perhaps the most influential jazz musician of all. Terry Teachout--not only a good writer but also a former professional bass player who loves trad jazz and yet is no "moldy fig" with an axe to grind--appreciates both Armstrong's seminal Hot Fives and his later more commercial recordings. He shows us Armstrong in all his complexity: the sunny disposition and the explosive rages, the devotion to wife
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Mar 29, 2011
Fred
rated it: 
To give you an idea of how much I like this book, I should tell you that half way through it I downloaded "The Essential Louis Armstrong" for my IPod so I could play the songs after reading Terry Teachout's descriptions of them. Teachout is a drama critic and a former professional musician who writes about music with an enthusiasm and detailed accuracy I have never before encountered. He takes us into Armstrong's world, from his New Orleans beginnings through his Chicago stint with
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Mar 25, 2011
Jeff
rated it:
If I could give this biography of Louis Armstrong four and a half stars, I would. It's excellent; certainly far better than James Lincoln Collier's Armstrong biography, which is more an attempt at armchair psychoanalysis than an objective account of Armstrong's life and music. I would dock Teachout half a star because I found myself wishing for a more detailed account of Pops' young adulthood: his time playing on the riverboats, with King Oliver's band in Chicago, and the period of the amazing
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Jan 12, 2010
Clif
rated it:
This book explains as well as anything I've ever read the kinds of losses our country has suffered as a result of racism. Louis Armstrong is probably the greatest American musician of the 20th century, yet he had to develop his style and his music to conform to the confines of racism.
How much more could he have done in a culture free of racism?
The most difficult thing for Teachout to explain is the relationship between Glaser, Armstrong's white manager and promoter, an More...
How much more could he have done in a culture free of racism?
The most difficult thing for Teachout to explain is the relationship between Glaser, Armstrong's white manager and promoter, an More...
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Nov 29, 2011
Texbritreader
rated it:
In the cultural pantheon of 20th century America Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong occupies a unique place; revered as one of the seminal figures in the evolution of Jazz, he was also consistently disdained by critics and jazz buffs alike from the 1930s on for his penchant for artistic populism. A master player and brilliant innovator, he was also an endearing and beloved entertainer, who enjoyed clowning for audiences while he engaged in an habitual routine of grinning, eye rolling and moppi
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Feb 08, 2010
Bookmarks Magazine
rated it:
Terry Teachout, like "Pops" himself, is capable of doing many things at once and doing them well. His biography relied on a large number of new sources, but it is an easily readable length. He critically assesses Armstrong's recordings, but he also tells a story inviting to musical novices (tales of mob trouble and marijuana add some spice). A few reviewers felt that Teachout's description of Armstrong's actual recordings came up a bit short--but it was Teachout's own musical backgroun
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Mar 09, 2011
Eric
rated it:
As a huge jazz fan, I have always been a bit uncomfortable with my lack of knowledge about the life and music of Louis Armstrong. Lately I've been attempting to remedy that situation. I've acquired some recordings of his Hot Fives and Sevens, and read this fine biography of the man. The author does a good job placing Armstrong into the proper perspective. Too often, Armstrong has been judged by the standards of a time other than his own. Specifically, his on stage behavior, which has been denigr
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Nov 29, 2009
David
rated it:
A few years ago I received a Louis Armstrong CD for Christmas from a family member who knew of my appreciation of the great man’s music. Unfortunately, to my mind at the time, it was a later CD, a collection of his songs with the All-Stars, the small combo band he formed in 1947 and continued performing with right up until his death in 1971. I had listened to little of Satchmo’s music from this period because I had the same opinion of it that many jazz fans had, i.e., that it was the music of a
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Nov 07, 2009
Teresa Rolfe
rated it:
A thorough examination of the life of a music legend and American cultural icon. This is the story of how one man overcame an enormous amount of personal challenges and societal obstacles, to become who he was meant to be: one of the most original, inspiring entertainers of a generation.
A music history education in one life, Louis Armstrong defined a new style of music in his own likeness. By sticking to what he enjoyed doing most, playing and singing music from the core of who he wa More...
A music history education in one life, Louis Armstrong defined a new style of music in his own likeness. By sticking to what he enjoyed doing most, playing and singing music from the core of who he wa More...
Jun 21, 2011
John
rated it:
Probably in between 3.5 and 4 stars, but worth it. My main fear is that it would be a hagiography -- and it gets close at times. But, the book succeeds regardless b/c (1) his life and surroundings are very interesting (NOLA to Chicago to Harlem to superstardom); and (2) the author lays out enough of *others'* criticisms that you get a pretty good sense of what his shortcomings were (e.g., mob ties, sell-out in late career, alleged by later black artists to be Uncle Tom/socially non-activist/et
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Dec 24, 2009
Bobsie67
rated it:
Excellent biography of Louis Armstrong, who is indeed the greatest trumpet player that I've ever listened to. If yoo sound great on those old recordings, you must be great. What I enjoyed most about this biography is that it really was a reassessment of Armstrong's work--both as an artist and as a person. Teachout was quite compelling in bringing forth the humanity of Mr. Armstrong, who, as Teachout points out, is sometimes seen too often only as a caricature. My only reasons for not giving
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Jul 30, 2011
Chris
rated it:
The best book I've read this year! This book is a gem. It gets Louis Armstrong right. He was more than an entertainer. He was a serious artist with a high conception of his art but a great populist who wanted his fans to get where he was going. Teachout writes with feeling and acuity about Armstrong's hits "West End Blues" "Weather Bird" "Hello, Dolly" and others. He gives us the personal, troubled, brooding and angry Armstrong. This Armstrong is self-aware, smart,
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Dec 19, 2009
Steven
rated it:
I remember as a child getting a Disney album with songs sung by a man with a very gravelly voice. At first I found it kind of off-putting, but I remember my mom especially enthusing about him and his music. I also remember being impressed with the fact that you could have a real name, and then a really cool nickname, like Satchmo.
I'm not a connoisseur of biographies, usually only picking them up when I feel I want to know more about someone I've run across. In my opinion, though, thi More...
I'm not a connoisseur of biographies, usually only picking them up when I feel I want to know more about someone I've run across. In my opinion, though, thi More...
Feb 23, 2010
Austen
rated it: 
Yuck. Terry Teachout--from the very beginning of "Pops"--positions himself as an apologist for Louis Armstrong's much-maligned later career. Any criticism or potentially unflattering aspect of Armstrong's life is presented only to provide token credibility, but is then promptly explained away time and again. This whole book really comes across as a reaction to criticism of Armstrong's efforts from the Forties onward. Now, Armstrong was a solid performer up to the end, but reactiona
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May 21, 2010
Howard
rated it:
Very good recounting of the Louis Armstrong. This isn't a kitchen sink slog through every session and gig Armstrong played. Teachout does everything you want with a musician's biography: he gives you the highlights and low points of his career, discusses the seminal moments, locates them within their social and cultural milieu, etc. Teachout quotes extensively from Armstrong's personal papers, which gives you the sense that you are "hearing" his voice, even though he's been dead for 40
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Jan 10, 2010
Caroline
rated it: 
An interesting read about a fascinating life. I was very impressed with the handling of the continuing theme of race dynamics. Unfortunately, Teachout literally does not have a good word to say about any female performer. He's dismissive of Louis' first wife's skills, as well as Velma Middleton, and even Ella does not get a significant word of praise. It is distracting. I found it to significantly diminish my enjoyment. I don't have a problem with him reporting misogynistic things that were said
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Aug 19, 2011
Neil
rated it:
Highly enjoyable biography of the most important Jazz musician of all time in fact probably the most important musician of the twentieth centenary if not of all time. Anyone who thinks Louis was just the grinning black guy who sang "What a wonderful world" and "Hello, Dolly!" really needs to read this book.
If anything the main problem with the book is it's too short the c.400 pages can't begin to tell the full story of the man and his genius. I would recommend this book More...
If anything the main problem with the book is it's too short the c.400 pages can't begin to tell the full story of the man and his genius. I would recommend this book More...
Nov 15, 2010
Andrew
rated it:
This book uses new source materials, including letters and reels of private tapes Armstrong recorded) to provide a fresh look at one of the key figures in jazz. He was born in New Orleans (though not on July 4, 1900 as he always thought) among prostitutes and gamblers, and went to a waif's home for shooting a gun on New Year's Eve. There he 'straightened out' and learned the cornet.
He was highly influential for transforming ragtime and other musical forms in to jazz, and his early sm More...
He was highly influential for transforming ragtime and other musical forms in to jazz, and his early sm More...
Jan 22, 2011
Alecia
rated it: 
This book makes me want to listen to some Louis (pronounced Lew-isss)Armstrong music anew, especially his duets with Ella. Jazz and history buffs may find the reviews and recollections of his recordings and concerts very interesting. After somewhat of a dry beginning, I found myself enjoying the read, and feeling a great affection and admiration for this man. In spite of his human frailties, he comes off in this biography as a hard working, supremely gifted and very nice human being.
Dec 31, 2009
Tom
rated it:
Satchmo is up there on the Mt. Rushmore of 20th Century culture and this books reminds you why -- Teachout produces a readable bio but there's some annoying repetition here and there and some workmanlike reviews of every album and many songs that you have to page through -- the best parts are taken from Armstrong's own autobiographical recordings and writings -- makes me want to read them. There is also a playlist of 30 tunes at the end of the books that's worth making sure you have.
Jun 24, 2011
Marty
rated it:
Really in depth but the author spends too much time letting you know how much he knows and this take you on boring tangents and details that take away from the main story line. Example: Louis managed to incorporate yet a third high C in the intro to .... blah blah..... and 6 pages of musical trivia that do not have importance to all but a very few people who already know what is being said.
Aug 03, 2010
Micah
rated it:
Very comprehensive study of one of the artistic geniuses of the 20th century. Four instead of five stars for being a bit prodding and slow in certain points. The quotes from Louis himself are the best parts of the book.
This is a fully sourced and enjoyable bio of a great man and if your goal is to get a nicely researched smattering of knowledge of his life, this is the book to do it.
This is a fully sourced and enjoyable bio of a great man and if your goal is to get a nicely researched smattering of knowledge of his life, this is the book to do it.
Aug 16, 2010
Janis
rated it:
Pops is a thorough history of the great Louis Armstrong's career with only brief glimpses into his personal life. The early part of the book was the most exciting (oh, for a time machine, to see King Oliver and Louis Armstrong playing at the Lincoln Gardens in Chicago!). I especially appreciated the author's analyses of Armstrong's songs (Teachout is himself a musician).
Nov 28, 2009
Harold
rated it:
Seems like there's a new bio of Louis Armstrong every few years. This is an excellent one and I would recommend it to anyone interested in Jazz. As with the Monk bio, it sent me back to the recordings and I've been having a ball listening to Pops. I recently bought the Mosaic Decca 1930s reissues and I've been digging them in the best sound ever for that stuff.
May 20, 2010
Christopher
rated it:
Loved this book. Aside from being a thoroughly and thoughtfully researched biography, Pops showed me just how complex a personality Louis Armstrong was. Certainly he was a great musician and entertainer, but he was also a devoted diarist and writer, and was more forceful an advocate for civil rights previously given credit for. Highly recommend it.
Jan 02, 2010
Leigh
rated it:
A fresh, fascinating biography of Louis Armstrong, a true founder and innovator of American jazz. Unfortunately, Armstrong's reputation in later years as an Uncle Tommish entertainer has obscured his true importance to music. His unassuming, joyous, earthy view of life was conveyed well by Terry Teachout, a good writer on music and culture.
Jul 29, 2011
Nice biography of Satchmo--from his childhood in New Orleans (hooker mother and absent father) through his musical career and his four marriages. He was a man who consistently played with the best musicians, regardless of color, and a man who traveled the world--sometimes because he had to. Interesting read.
Jun 20, 2010
John
rated it:
I knew some of the importance of Armstrong's contribution to music. This book fills in the details. It really makes me wish for a new "book" format where audio, video, and text are incorporated as one. Kindle and the like surely must be headed in this direction.
Jan 18, 2010
Phil
rated it:
A revelatory story of the coexistence (and equal importance) of art and entertainment, the happiness that comes with balance, the triumph of a "perfectly natural" man over unnatural intolerance, and the manifestation of manhood in the power of a horn. ESSENTIAL READING! And Teachout's from Cape Girardeau, but don't hold that against him....
Jan 17, 2010
Ken
rated it:
This was a great book. Not only did it give a thorough look at the life of Louis Armstrong, it examined his music and its place in history. In an extraordinary way, Terry Teachout included the culture of the day into this biography which gave me a broad perspective about the man and his music. Caught in between fellow blacks that called him an Uncle Tom and whites who thought him inferior, Armstrong found a middle ground with people who were willing to enjoy life for what it was worth. This
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