WKCR is thrilled to announce the second and final installment of this year’s celebration of the legendary Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The birthday broadcast, which will take place from midnight to midnight on August 4th, 2026, will preempt all regularly scheduled Tuesday programming.
Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans on August 4th, 1901, although he believed it to be July 4th, 1900, his whole life. It was discovered after his death that his actual birthday was August 4th, not July 4th (and a whole year later), so rather than celebrating him on one day, we celebrate him on both. Born and raised in New Orleans, Armstrong was deeply influenced by the musical traditions of his hometown: the syncopated rags of Scott Joplin, somber funeral marches, and brassy street parades that defined the early jazz scene. In 1922, Armstrong joined King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band and became a featured soloist, during which his approach to rhythm and phrasing became the quintessential sound of the era. In 1924, he moved to New York City to join Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra, but returned to Chicago by 1925, where he led his infamous Hot Fives and Hot Sevens recordings until 1928. While his sounds on the cornet and trumpet are distinctive and infamous, both technically skillful and emotionally laden, his raspy yet melodic vocals were even more legendary. He brought a unique energy and charisma to every performance and, by the 1950's, had become a household name and the face of jazz, known overseas as "Ambassador Satch". Throughout his career, Armstrong collaborated with numerous jazz legends, including Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck, and Duke Ellington. Although Armstrong did not compose original pieces, his performances redefined what jazz could be and influenced generations to come.
We are honored ot celebrate Armstrong for the second time this summer. Tune in to WKCR on August 4th for the music of the late, great icon, Louis Armstrong. Follow WKCR on Instagram (@wkcr) and Twitter (@WKCRFM) for further updates. Online listening is available 24/7 at wkcr.org via our web stream.
