On the 4th of July remember to say “Happy Birthday” to the great Louis Armstrong, a man who was so beloved we named an airport after him, even though I’m pretty sure he never actually landed a 747.
If you are of a certain age, you may remember numerous star-spangled musical tributes that aired on TV, often including a “birthday medley” of Louis’ greatest hits.
There are several recordings and videos of Louis being presented with a very elaborate cake at a July 4th concert performance, with the audience singing him “Happy Birthday!”
But it wasn’t his birthday.
Please keep in mind that Louis was born in New Orleans at the turn of the century, in a rough neighborhood known as The Battlefield on the southern section of Rampart Street, and was raised by his grandmother until age 5.
Louis dropped out of school at age 11, and after reportedly shooting a gun in the air on New Years Eve. He spent the night at New Orleans Juvenile Court and was sentenced the next day to detention at the “Colored Waif’s Home.”
It was a strict and even harsh environment for young boys, but this is where Louis was introduced to the cornet. That first horn is on display at The New Orleans Jazz Museum, donated by The New Orleans Jazz Club, and you can see the story behind that horn by clicking here
After he became famous, Louis always told everyone his birthday was July 4th, 1900, possibly because it was an easy date to remember, so it was printed on several recordings, newspaper and magazine articles, and even on statues. Truthfully, he didn’t know his own birthday.
However, in the 1980s, historian Tad Jones discovered what is now accepted to be his actual birth certificate, with a date of August 4. 1901.
That date is now celebrated with many musical events, including Satchmo Summerfest at The New Orleans Jazz Museum, which will be held on August 1st and 2nd of this year. However, some organizations, including The Louis Armstrong House Museum, still have events that celebrate the July 4th “birthday.”
This year, they are offering free tours of the museum and a concert featuring Louis’ music.
While accuracy should always be embraced, many people, and especially musicians, embraced the utopian idea that a national treasure like Louis would be born on the same day of the nation.
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a man who was possibly the most important musical figure in the United States be honored with two different birthdays.
If you agree, take a moment this weekend and raise a glass to Pops.
READ MORE:Louis Armstrong’s real birthday is not July 4th. So why do we still celebrate?
