WEST END BLOG

Louis Armstrong has one of the world’s most recognizable voices. To many, his raspy voice is iconic, marvelous, beautiful, incredible, and timeless. After reading comments left in the “comment section”… Read more

“the timeless in you is aware of life’s timelessness, And knows that yesterday is but today’s memory and tomorrow is today’s dream. And that that which sings and contemplates in you is… Read more

In 2013, Sony Music representatives announced their intentions to relaunch OKeh Records as the primary jazz imprint of the company’s Sony Masterworks. According to Sony Music, OKeh of the twenty-first… Read more

“On Being Black” Tatjana Lightbourn “What did I do to be so black and blue?” sings Louis Armstrong in my earphones as I sit on the stoop of my Brooklyn… Read more

We value archives because we value the life that preceded them. But artists are not perfectly self-aware, and they owe neither us, nor posterity, an explanation for what they value… Read more

“A Cat’s Tale” Tatjana Lightbourn How would you define a cat? Is the definition of a cat even relevant to you and how you define the story of your life? In… Read more

When people say “you learn something new every day” that statement should not be taken lightly. Throughout my time at the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives I have learned… Read more

Few musicians can be synonymous with a style of music such as Louis is to jazz and, still shock and astonish listeners many decades after his passing. The music that… Read more

Summertime, an’ the livin’ is easy  Fish are jumpin’ an’ the cotton is high. Oh, yo’ daddy’s rich and yo’ ma is good-lookin’ So hush, little baby, don’ you cry…. Read more

To Louis Armstrong, family meant everything. From his band members to his actual family members, those who were close to Louis experienced his warmth and generosity. It did not matter… Read more