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Before we begin, if you do not know who Louis Armstrong is, stop right now and go read up on him, listen to his music and pay homage to an American genius!

Brian and I were talking to one of our new students, Lou M. and the conversation turned to jazz. Soon after, Lou mentioned that he flew Louis and his band to a USO show back in 1959 when he was a pilot in the Air Force.

Lou had several stories about Louis and his band, and was kind enough to allow us to post one of them on our blog. Also, check out the picture below of Lou's flight book from 1959, signed by Mr. Louis Armstrong himself.

Here is an excerpt from Lou on his time with Louis Armstrong...

"In May, 1959, Louis Armstrong came to Newfoundland, Canada to entertain the USAF personnel. He entertained the airmen, non-commissioned officers and officers at separate entertainment events.

I was fortunate enough to hear him play at the officer's club -- a great entertainer! I will always remember that beautiful sounding trumpet, that gravely voice and that white handkerchief wiping his brow. He played his last performance at the club, ending at 2 a.m., only to leave early the next day for Halifax, Nova Scotia.

I was assigned to fly he and his band that day. Prior to take off, I had breakfast with Louis and the band. I remember him kidding his lead singer about the number of pancakes she ate. He was very personable and shared his thoughts on entertaining the troops and his music."

Thanks Lou for sharing this with us. Anyone else out there have a story about a famous musician that you want to share? If so, let me know!






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