1930
Performs in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C., setting a pattern of extensive touring that continues for the rest of his career. Appears at Frank Sebastian’s New Cotton Club (Culver City, CA) and the performances are broadcast on radio. Records “Blue Yodel No. 9” with Jimmie Rodgers (the “Father of Country Music”), and “Memories of You.”
Louis with Johnny Collins
1931
Separates from Lil Hardin in August. Appears in his first film, Ex-Flame. Johnny Collins becomes Louis’s manager, against Rockwell’s objections. Makes two extensive tours of the Midwest and the south. Performs at the Roof Garden of the Kentucky Hotel in Louisville, making Louis the first black American to do so. Makes a triumphant return to New Orleans—his first visit since he departed in 1922. Records “When It’s Sleepytime Down South,” which becomes his theme song.
Separates from Lil Hardin in August. Appears in his first film, Ex-Flame. Johnny Collins becomes Louis’s manager, against Rockwell’s objections. Makes two extensive tours of the Midwest and the south. Performs at the Roof Garden of the Kentucky Hotel in Louisville, making Louis the first black American to do so. Makes a triumphant return to New Orleans—his first visit since he departed in 1922. Records “When It’s Sleepytime Down South,” which becomes his theme song.
Louis with the Jack Hylton Band in a dressing room at the Palladium
1932
Appears for three months at Frank Sebastian’s New Cotton Club (Culver City, CA). Films “A Rhapsody in Black and Blue,” a one-reel short. Appears in a Betty Boop cartoon, “You Rascal, You.” Departs for England upon the S.S. Majestic on July 9th. Tours Great Britain for three months (July-November). Appears for two weeks at the London Palladium.
Appears for three months at Frank Sebastian’s New Cotton Club (Culver City, CA). Films “A Rhapsody in Black and Blue,” a one-reel short. Appears in a Betty Boop cartoon, “You Rascal, You.” Departs for England upon the S.S. Majestic on July 9th. Tours Great Britain for three months (July-November). Appears for two weeks at the London Palladium.
Conducting the band at the Salle Pleyel
1933-1934
Performs in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Nebraska. In July 1933, returns to England upon the S.S. Homeric. Tours Britain, Scandinavia, and Holland. Ten thousand people greet him at the railway station in Denmark. For much of 1934, Louis lives in Paris. Performs at La Salle Pleyel.
Performs in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Nebraska. In July 1933, returns to England upon the S.S. Homeric. Tours Britain, Scandinavia, and Holland. Ten thousand people greet him at the railway station in Denmark. For much of 1934, Louis lives in Paris. Performs at La Salle Pleyel.
1935
Returns to the United States in January. Joe Glaser becomes Louis’s manager (and remains Louis’s manager until his death in 1969). Appears at Connie’s Inn in New York City (the ensemble is billed as “Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra”) and the performances are nationally broadcast over CBS radio. Esquire runs a feature story on Louis.
Returns to the United States in January. Joe Glaser becomes Louis’s manager (and remains Louis’s manager until his death in 1969). Appears at Connie’s Inn in New York City (the ensemble is billed as “Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra”) and the performances are nationally broadcast over CBS radio. Esquire runs a feature story on Louis.
Louis with Bing Crosby in Pennies From Heaven
1936
Portrays a band leader in the motion picture Pennies from Heaven with Bing Crosby. Records “Swing That Music” (which amazed audiences by Louis’s hitting forty-two high Cs followed by a high E-flat). Publication of Louis’s first autobiography, Swing That Music.
Portrays a band leader in the motion picture Pennies from Heaven with Bing Crosby. Records “Swing That Music” (which amazed audiences by Louis’s hitting forty-two high Cs followed by a high E-flat). Publication of Louis’s first autobiography, Swing That Music.
Joe Glaser, Louis, and Cork O’Keefe sign the contract for the Fleischmann’s Yeast Show
1937
Hosts the Fleischmann’s Yeast Show, a national network radio program. Appears in the motion picture Artists and Models. Films Everyday’s a Holiday with Mae West.
Hosts the Fleischmann’s Yeast Show, a national network radio program. Appears in the motion picture Artists and Models. Films Everyday’s a Holiday with Mae West.
Alpha and Louis, c. 1934
1938
Performs throughout the deep south, including Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, as well as his hometown, New Orleans. Films Going Places. Divorces Lil Hardin on September 30th—they had been separated for years—and marries Alpha Smith on October 11th.
Performs throughout the deep south, including Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, as well as his hometown, New Orleans. Films Going Places. Divorces Lil Hardin on September 30th—they had been separated for years—and marries Alpha Smith on October 11th.
Swingin’ the Dream
1939
Portrays Bottom in the musical Swingin’ the Dream, a jazz version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Begins a six-month engagement at the Cotton Club (New York).