The Louis Armstrong Companion: Eight Decades of Commentary

by Joshua Berrett

Drawing on the rich resources of the Louis Armstrong Archives, jazz historian Joshua Berrett has compiled a wonderful tribute to the multitalented trumpeter, vocalist, and Ambassador of Jazz, Louis Armstrong. Included in this collection are Armstrong's autobiographical writings and colorful letters to friends and family, many never before published. In addition, writings on Armstrong's life and music from the 1920s to today provide a full picture of this extraordinary performer. For everyone from the diehard jazz fan to those interested in learning more about America's music, this volume serves as the perfect introduction.

Genres: Biography, Music

312 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Bill]

Mostly uneven collection of memoirs, interviews and letters. It does include a few juicy bits though--recommended for diehard Dippermouth fans.

[Jeff Crompton]

This book has a lot of overlap with Louis Armstrong in His Own Words; I just reread the sections that weren't included in that book, like Armstrong's fascinating 14-page 1941 letter to critic Leonard Feather. Well worth reading for Satchmo fans and jazz fans; probably of no interest to anyone else.