Trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong is born in New Orleans.
At a Glance
- Date
- 4 August 1901
- Location
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Key people
- Louis Armstrong
- Category
- Music
- Source
- Recordings; biographical records · Smithsonian NMAAHC
What It Meant Then
He was the most influential improviser in early jazz and a global ambassador for the music.
What It Means Now
Armstrong's recordings remain foundational to American music.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Louis Armstrong Is Born.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/louis-armstrong-is-born/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Louis Armstrong Is Born. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/louis-armstrong-is-born/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Louis Armstrong Is Born.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/louis-armstrong-is-born/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.