Louis Armstrong

History Maker Bios

by Judith Pinkerton Josephson

This is a biography of Louis Armstrong, the world's greatest trumpet player whose electrifying solos and one-of-a-kind raspy singing voice revolutionized American music. Armstrong is one of jazz music's greatest performers and is beloved around the world. This book follows his childhood of abject poverty in New Orleans through his rise to stardom in Chicago and New York. At the same time, the reader learns about the rise of jazz as a uniquely American art form as well as the racial prejudices that Louis was subject to at the time.

48 pages, Library Binding

First published December 15, 2007

About the author

In my writing career, I have published numerous magazine, newspaper, and journal articles and over twenty books spanning varied genres—including biographies, childhood history books, and picture books for children; two zany grammar guides for folks needing a refresher; and a historical fiction novel. I write books and stories for children and some for adults. I’ve written biographies on diverse people, such as track and field legend Jesse Owens, detective Allan Pinkerton, poet Nikki Giovanni, musician Louis Armstrong, composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and labor activist Mother Jones. One of the things I love about writing biographies is the chance to shine a spotlight on fascinating people. Sometimes they are more interesting than anyone I could invent. Especially interesting to me are those who overcome challenges and provide positive role models for children. In my books on childhood history (the Our America series), I explored what children were doing during various eras in history—using children’s diaries, memoirs, photographs, songs, games, and more. As a co-author with Edith Fine, we wrote two humorous grammar guides and a picture book, Armando and the Blue Tarp School, nominated for the 2009-2010 California Young Reader medal and chosen for One Book San Diego. When I am not scrutinizing words, I enjoy writing poetry, playing my violin, reading, swimming, snorkeling, walking, and spending time with my family. For more about me, visit www.judithjosephson.com, www.grammarpatrol.com, and www.bluetarpschool.com