“The music was wonderful, but the man was even greater.” – James Blake (former neighbor of Louis and Lucille Armstrong.)

The Corona Collection shines a spotlight on the voices, memories, and legacies of the Corona and East Elmhurst communities that Lucille and Louis Armstrong were part of throughout their lives. 

Opening to the public on Thursday, October 2, 2025, The Corona Collection brings Lucille and Louis Armstrong to life through the voices of neighbors who knew them personally. These oral histories offer an intimate look into the life Louis and Lucille lived in the neighborhood.

“This is a portrait, not just of the Armstrongs, but of the power of community.” Regina Bain, Executive Director, Louis Armstrong House Museum 

“These oral histories go beyond the personal narratives, contributing to the shared, intergenerational memory of the neighborhood.” – Charanya Ramakrishnan, The Corona Collection project lead & Director of Community Engagement

Photo Credit: Chris Barham / Louis Armstrong House Museum
Description- Willie Johnson playing the trumpet with Louis Armstrong, sitting on the Armstrong stoop beside Jonny Johnson and a young child, 1970

One of the featured narrators  is Willie Johnson, who grew up in Corona and is featured in an iconic photo from when he was a child, sitting on the Armstrong steps and learning to play the trumpet.

“Louis Armstrong instilled in me that whatever light you have within yourself, don’t stifle it. Allow for it to shine. He would always say, keep your head up and don’t ever let someone make you behave other than who you are. Louis Armstrong taught me that art is creativity at its finest, so I got into playing music. He didn’t glamorize himself with me because of his fame and his music. He was more humble, caring and understanding.”  – Willie Johnson

The neighbors who shared their stories and memories as part of the Corona Collection are:

Beverly Johnson, Debra Grinage, Denise Pease, James Blake, Joey White, John Faust, Kevin Taylor, Lamont Lumberger, Lori Jones, Miles Davis, Robyn Edwards, Shayne Edwards, Verin Johnson, Willie Johnson and Yvonne Lambie.  

The Museum will host a special community celebration on Saturday, October 4, honoring the contributors to The Corona Collection and the broader neighborhood. The event will feature special screenings of the oral histories, guided tours, food, music, and a chance for the invited guests to connect with the stories.