Louis Armstrong, born Louis Daniel Armstrong on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a pioneering jazz musician renowned for his virtuosic trumpet playing, distinctive gravelly voice, and charismatic stage presence. Growing up in extreme poverty, Armstrong's early life was challenging; he was abandoned by his father and often left in the care of his grandmother by his mother. Despite these hardships, Armstrong found solace in music, learning to play the cornet at the Colored Waif's Home for Boys after a juvenile incident led to his arrest.

Armstrong's talent quickly became evident, and he was mentored by the esteemed cornet player Joe "King" Oliver. By 1918, Armstrong replaced Oliver in Kid Ory's band, a pivotal moment that allowed him to focus entirely on his music career. In 1922, Armstrong joined King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band in Chicago, where he gained recognition for his innovative ensemble leads and cornet solos.

Encouraged by his wife, Lil Hardin, Armstrong left Oliver's band to pursue a solo career. He played with Fletcher Henderson's orchestra in New York before returning to Chicago, where he recorded with his own groups, the Hot Five and Hot Seven. These recordings, including classics like "Hotter than That" and "West End Blues," solidified his status as the first great jazz soloist.

Armstrong's influence extended beyond music; he became the first Black American to star in a Hollywood film with 1936's "Pennies from Heaven." Throughout his career, he recorded iconic songs such as "What a Wonderful World," "Hello, Dolly!," "Star Dust," and "La Vie En Rose." Known affectionately as "Satchmo" and "Ambassador Satch," Armstrong's contributions to jazz and popular music were profound, helping to usher in the era of jazz big bands.

Armstrong was married four times and had two children, Clarence and Sharon. He passed away on July 6, 1971, in New York City at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential artists in jazz history. His impact on music and culture continues to be celebrated worldwide.