Others protested his silence in the early years of the Civil Rights Movement and his willingness to perform to segregated audiences. In the 1940s his stage antics became controversial as many younger jazz musicians saw them as reminiscent of blackface minstrelsy. At this time, Armstrong began to appear with the leading bands and musicians of the day, shuttling between Chicago, New York, and New Orleans and touring America and Europe.Īn article from the Pittsburgh-Courier about Louis's protests because of the Little Rock Nine.Īrmstrong leaves behind a complicated racial legacy. Oliver moved to Chicago in 1919 and summoned Armstrong to perform with his Creole Jazz Band in 1922.
Armstrong rose to prominence among early jazz musicians in New Orleans, bolstered by his mentor, cornetist King Oliver. Kennedy at the forefront of the news headlines, the sincerity of Armstrong's vocals, the lush orchestra in the background, and the gentle patter of the drums offered hope and invited listeners to see beauty in the world.īorn in New Orleans, Armstrong's career is representative of the Great Migration, during which many southern musicians moved to northern cities, spreading the popularity of jazz and other styles and mixing them with local traditions. With the Vietnam War, protests of the Civil Rights Movement, and assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. The song was released during a turbulent time in American history. With lyrics by producer Bob Thiele and an arrangement by composer George David Weiss, "What a Wonderful World" features an expressive melody with idyllic images of nature, people, and the beauty of life. Recorded in 1967, "What A Wonderful World" is a lyrical ballad made famous by the jazz musician Louis Armstrong (1901–71). For the lyrics please consult this online source: Rights have not been secured to reprint the words for this song. Available on Itunes, Spotify, and YouTube.įor more information on Louis Armstrong, visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum website. "What a Wonderful World" performed by Louis Armstrong on Louis Armstrong's All-Time Greatest Hits, © 1990. What aspects of Louis Armstrong's long career made him particularly suited to deliver the message of this song?Ĭompare and contrast the song with songs such as Edwin Starr's "War" or Nina Simone's "Mississippi Goddam," which take a very different approach to addressing the issues of the era. What was going on in the country and throughout the world that might have made the song's message appealing? The song was recorded in the turbulent year of 1967. Based on your reading of the lyrics, what do you think is the message of "What a Wonderful World"?
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