Born on August 4
Louis Armstrong's Birthday
Put on a record and smile.
Next: August 4, 2027
Where it comes from
Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans on 4 August 1901, according to his baptismal record, and this Story marks that birthday. He himself always gave 4 July 1900, the date his mother kept, and the baptismal certificate only came to light in the 1980s.
How it's celebrated
The Louis Armstrong House Museum, in his former home in Queens, New York, usually celebrates him twice, on 4 July and on 4 August. Anyone can join in with a record: his trumpet solos from the 1920s, his duets with Ella Fitzgerald or 'What a Wonderful World'.
Did you know
In May 1964 his 'Hello, Dolly' reached number one in the United States, ending the Beatles' 14-week run at the top. 'It's awful nice to be there among all them Beatles,' he said.
Read the full story of Louis Armstrong's Birthday
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Leo · July 23 – August 22 · Fire sign
Warm, generous and made for the spotlight.