Satchmo: The Genius of Louis

¶ … Satchmo: The Genius of Louis Armstrong by Gary Giddins. Specifically, it will contain a book report on the book, including Louis Armstrong's musical thoughts. Louis Armstrong is a musical legend, and this book celebrates the man, his legacy, and his incredible talent.

Gary Giddins book is more than a biography of Louis Armstrong, a legend in American jazz music; it is really an anthem to a great musician and man. It is clear from Giddins style of writing that he admires, even idolizes Armstrong, and he gives some very compelling reasons for his adulation. Bing Crosby called Armstrong "the beginning and end of music in America" (Giddins 6), and author Giddins clearly agrees. His book looks at the life of Armstrong, from his early interest in music, throughout his career to his death, when many Americans still did not recognize his talent and his great contribution to American music. Giddins shows the reader a man who loved music, loved people, and loved performing, and never got over those loves. Music was his life, and he spent his life sharing his love with millions of people all around the world. He later said that by the age of eleven he "had music in my soul" (Giddins 38). Armstrong was a great improviser, that may have been one of his greatest musical talents, and many bandleaders who appreciated his talent would allow him free reign during his solos. Giddins writes, "Interpreting a phrase in a way that makes it personal is the mark of a master" (Giddins 52). Louis was a master, and it is quite clear that Giddins thinks so too in this book.

Music remained the main motivator in Louis' life, and as he became more comfortable with the cornet and in the band, be began to sing. Many bandleaders did not enjoy his gravely, rough and grating voice, but there was something about it the people liked, and Louis recognized that. He was always a showman and entertainer, and enjoyed giving the people what they wanted. Musically, he was a perfectionist who rarely lost his temper, but wanted the best out of his band members. Giddins notes, "When the lights went down for the musical interludes, the audience could see his trumpet poking above the pit; his solos got tremendous ovations" (Giddins 60). Other performers admired him, and many other coronet players tried to emulate him, but there was only one Louis Armstrong, one music master, one unique singer, and one ambassador of jazz. He was a legend, and many of his musical numbers live on today, including "Hello Dolly," and "What a Wonderful World," which staged a comeback after it was used in the soundtrack for the film "Good Morning Vietnam" (Giddins 5). This book reads more like an homage to Armstrong, rather than a simple telling of his musical life and that may be the book's biggest weakness. It is clear the author is a fan and admirer of Armstrong, his musical talent, and his many accomplishments, and so, it is difficult to find any real criticism of his work or his music here. The author does mention other criticism of Louis, but is skeptical of most of it, and so, the book reads more as a testimonial rather than an unbiased account of Armstrong's life and talent. However, the author does quote heavily from Armstrong himself, so his own persona definitely comes through in the book, and there is a nice collection of photographs that give even more detail about the man and his life.