Stardom: Louis Armstrong On His Own (1929 - 1932)

When Lil Armstrong led her husband from the comfort of steady work with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, Louis responded by leading the Hot Fives into a revolutionary two-year period that left New Orleans jazz in the dust. Now, cut loose from the bonds of matrimony -- however lax -- Armstrong made another astounding leap forward. Already renowned in jazz circles, he was soon leaving his mark on the popular music market -- indeed, on the entire culture as a whole.

Armstrong stormed back into New York with a happy confidence that had the music world giddily reeling. The country's top songwriters queued to coax the new star to perform their tunes. The astounding series of records that followed forever bridged the gap between black and white music styles: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', BLACK AND BLUE, WHEN YOU'RE SMILING, ALL OF ME... Pops became a master interpreter of American song.

By the end of this initial three-year period of stardom, Louis was able to make the effortless transition from "race" artist to mainstream "pop" artist. Though "purists" are unforgiving to this day for a perceived abandonment of traditional New Orleans jazz, by moving in a more popular direction, Armstrong created a following that would have been otherwise unobtainable. His audience swiftly bridged the racial and cultural gaps, and his popularity overflowed into Europe and Africa. His bold example cleared the way for all the black entertainers to follow.

Seger Ellis
June 4, 1929, New York, NY

S'posin' (Razaf, Andy; Denniker, P.) [master W.402416-B] -- OKeh 41255
To Be In Love (Ahlert, R.E.; Turk, R.) [master W.402417-C] -- OKeh 41255

Ellis, Seger (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet)
Dorsey, Tommy (Trombone)
Dorsey, Jimmy (Clarinet)
Hoffman, Harry (Violin)
Ring, Justin (Piano, Celeste)
King, Stan (Drums)

A by-now rare appearance on another artist's record, a thoroughly eclectic pairing with bandleader Seger Ellis. This pair of tracks that would seem, on first listening, as a slip backward for Satch. But, on further examination, these sides are thoroughly charming, positivelysopping with a 1920's aesthetic created by Ellis' nasal tenor. And -- what's this?!? -- one glance at the sidemen affirms an additional importance to this session that is at once disposable and timeless. Not only that, but ithas to be noted that Seger Ellis was OKeh's top-selling male vocalist of the era, a man who constantly surrounded himself with some of the top jazzmen -- black and white -- of the time. He is absolutely forgotten now, but these 1929 sides are really the equivalent of a duet between Frank Sinatra and Willie Nelson: memorable if for nothing else but their eccentric unlikelihood.

Victoria Spivey
July 10, 1929, New York, NY

Funny Feathers (Spivey, Victoria; Floyd, R.) [master W.402525-C] -- OKeh 8713
How Do You Do It That Way? (Spivey, Victoria; Floyd, R.) [master W.402526-A] -- OKeh 8713

Spivey, Victoria (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet)
Robinson, Fred (Trombone)
Strong, Jimmy (Tenor Saxophone)
Anderson, Gene (Piano)
Carr, Mancy (Banjo)
Singleton, Zutty (Drums)

Another side project for Satch, though, with the impending success of hisnextrecording, destined to be pretty much his last. This also marks the reunion of the Chicago "Orchestra", now re-situated in New York.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
July 19, 1929, New York, NY

Ain't Misbehavin' (Waller, Thomas; Razaf, Andy; Brooks, H.) [master W.402534-B] -- OKeh 8714

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Hobson, Homer (Trumpet)
Robinson, Fred (Trombone)
Strong, Jimmy (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone)
Curry, Bert (Alto Saxophone)
Washington, Crawford (Alto Saxophone)
Dickerson, Carroll (Violin)
Anderson, Gene (Piano, Celeste)
Carr, Mancy (Banjo)
Briggs, Pete (Tuba)
Singleton, Zutty (Drums)

The first of four songs from the hit Harlem production of "Hot Chocolates". AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' is destined to become a signature tune for Louis throughout his career, featuring an inspired riff lifted from RHAPSODY IN BLUE.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
July 22, 1929, New York, NY

Black and Blue, (What Did I Do To Be So) (Razaf, Andy; Waller, Thomas; Brooks, H.) [master W.402535-B] -- OKeh 8714
That Rhythm Man (Razaf, Andy; Waller, Thomas; Brooks, H.) [master W.402540-B] -- OKeh 8717
Sweet Savannah Sue (Razaf, Andy; Waller, Thomas; Brooks, H.) [master W.402541-B] -- OKeh 8717

Three more songs from the hit Harlem production of "Hot Chocolates.". BLACK AND BLUE is a terrific statement on the black condition years before such public proclamations were deemed acceptable. Along with Ain't Misbehavin', the two together created a double-sided whammy on release.

Seger Ellis
August 23, 1929, New York, NY

Ain't Misbehavin' (Waller, Thomas; Razaf, Andy; Brooks, H.) [master W.402881-B] -- OKeh 41291

Ellis, Seger (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet)
Dorsey, Tommy (Trombone)
Dorsey, Jimmy (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
Venuti, Joe (Violin)
Shutt, Arthur (Piano)
Lang, Eddie (Guitar)
King, Stan (Drums)

The unforgettable Seger returns with his own rendition of Armstrong's monster hit. All that's missing is the megaphone! His backup, though, keeps getting better and better, what with the addition of Venuti and Lang. Must be heard to be appreciated.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
September 10, 1929, New York, NY

Some Of These Days (vocal) (Brooks, S.) [master W.402942-A] -- OKeh 41298
Some Of These Days (Brooks, S.) [master W.402923-C] -- OKeh 8729

Dickerson, Carroll (Conductor, Violin)
Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Hobson, Homer (Trumpet)
Robinson, Fred (Trombone)
Strong, Jimmy (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone)
Curry, Bert (Alto Saxophone)
Washington, Crawford (Alto Saxophone)
Anderson, Gene (Piano)
Carr, Mancy (Banjo)
Briggs, Pete (Tuba)
Singleton, Zutty (Drums)

A third, non-vocal take of SOME OF THESE DAYS (W.402943-F) has been rumored to be released, but the only known copy shows no difference between it and W.402923-C.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
September 11, 1929, New York, NY

When You're Smiling (vocal) (Fisher, M.; Goodwin, J.; Shay, L.) [master W.402947-A] -- OKeh 41298
When You're Smiling (Fisher, M.; Goodwin, J.; Shay, L.) [master W.402924-B] -- OKeh 8729

The juggling matrix numbers, begun with SOME OF THESE DAYS, continue with this number.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
November 19, 1929, New York, NY

Little By Little (unknown) [master W.403282-A] -- OKeh rejected
Little By Little (unknown) [master W.403282-B] -- OKeh rejected
Look What You've Done To Me (unknown) [master W.403282-A] -- OKeh rejected
Look What You've Done To Me (unknown) [master W.403282-B] -- OKeh rejected

Two tracks OKeh passed on.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
November 26, 1929, New York, NY

After You're Gone (Creamer, H.; Layton, P.) [master W.403454-B] -- OKeh 41350
After You're Gone (non-vocal) (Creamer, H.; Layton, P.) [master W.490005-B] -- OKeh unissued
After You're Gone (non-vocal) (Creamer, H.; Layton, P.) [master W.490005-C] -- OKeh unissued

Take B, earmarked for South American release, was withdrawn at the last minute. It turned up, along with the long-lost take C, in time for inclusion on Columbia's "Louis in New York" set.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
December 10, 1929, New York, NY

I Ain't Got Nobody (vocal) (Graham, R.; Williams, S.) [master W.403493-A] -- OKeh 8756
I Ain't Got Nobody (non-vocal) (Graham, R.; Williams, S.) [master W.490014-A] -- OKeh unissued
Dallas Blues (vocal) (Garrett, L.; Wand, H.A.) [master W.403494-C] -- OKeh 8774
Dallas Blues (non-vocal) (Garrett, L.; Wand, H.A.) [master W.490015-A] -- OKeh unissued

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Johnson, Otis (Trumpet)
Allen, Henry Red (Trumpet)
Higginbotham, J.C. (Trombone)
Nicholas, Albert (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
Holmes, Charlie (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
Hill, Teddy (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone)
Russell, Luis (Piano)
Johnson, Will (Guitar)
Foster, Pops (Bass)
Barbarin, Paul (Drums)

Introducing an entirely new lineup for the Orchestra. The two non-vocal tracks remained unissued until Columbia's CD series in 1991.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
December 13, 1929, New York, NY

St. Louis Blues (vocal) (Handy, W.C.) [master W.403495-B] -- OKeh 41350
St. Louis Blues (non-vocal) (Handy, W.C.) [master W.490016-A] -- OKeh unissued
St. Louis Blues (non-vocal) (Handy, W.C.) [master W.490016-B] -- OKeh unissued

The non-vocal takes of ST. LOUIS BLUES were unissued until Columbia's CD release of 1991.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
December 13, 1929, New York, NY

Rockin' Chair (Carmichael, Hoagy) [master W.403496-A] -- OKeh 8756
Rockin' Chair (Carmichael, Hoagy) [master W.403496-C] -- OKeh 8756

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Carmichael, Hoagy (Vocal)
Johnson, Otis (Trumpet)
Allen, Henry Red (Trumpet)
Higginbotham, J.C. (Trombone)
Nicholas, Albert (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
Holmes, Charlie (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
Hill, Teddy (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone)
Russell, Luis (Piano)
Johnson, Will (Guitar)
Foster, Pops (Bass)
Barbarin, Paul (Drums)

Take A of ROCKIN' CHAIR is only available on an obscure Italian release on the King Jazz label.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
January 24, 1930, New York, NY

Song Of The Islands (King, C.) [master W.403681-A] -- OKeh 41375

Louis Armstrong
February 1, 1930, New York City,

Bessie Couldn't Help It (Warner, B.; Richmond, J.; Bayha, C.) [master W.403714-B] -- OKeh 8774
Blue Turning Grey Over You (Razaf, Andy; Waller, Thomas) [master W.403715-B] -- OKeh 41375

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Johnson, Otis (Trumpet)
Allen, Henry Red (Trumpet)
Higginbotham, J.C. (Trombone)
Blue, William Thornton (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
Holmes, Charlie (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
Hill, Teddy (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone)
Russell, Luis (Piano)
Johnson, Will (Guitar)
Foster, Pops (Bass)
Barbarin, Paul (Drums)

Louis Armstrong
April 5, 1930, New York, NY

Dear Old Southland (Creamer, H.; Leyton, T.) [master W.403895-A] -- OKeh 41454

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Spoken Introduction)
Washington, Buck (Piano)

An odd recording anomaly, credited only to "Louis Armstrong".

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
April 5, 1930, New York, NY

My Sweet (Carmichael, Hoagy; Gorrell, S.) [master W.403896-D] -- OKeh 41415
I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me (McHugh, Jimmy; Gaskill, C.) [master W.403897-A] -- OKeh 41415

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Anderson, Ed (Trumpet)
Hicks, Henry (Trombone)
Holmes, Bobby (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
McCord, Theodore (Alto Saxophone)
McCord, Castor (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone)
Turner, Joe (Piano)
Washington, Buck (Piano)
Addison, Bernard (Guitar)
Hutchinson, Lavert (Tuba)
Lynch, Willie (Drums)

Yet another completely fresh lineup for the Orchestra. As always, Louis has the uncanny knack of grooving with whatever set of cats he sits with!

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
May 4, 1930, New York, NY

Indian Cradle Song (Wayne, M.; Kahn, G.) [master W.403999-A] -- OKeh 41423
Exactly Like You (McHugh, Jimmy; Fields, Dorothy) [master W.404000-B] -- OKeh 41423
Dinah (Lewis, S.; Young, J.; Akst, H.) [master W.404001-C] -- OKeh 8800
Tiger Rag (Rocca) [master W.404002-B] -- OKeh 8800

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Anderson, Ed (Trumpet)
Hicks, Henry (Trombone)
Holmes, Bobby (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
McCord, Theodore (Alto Saxophone)
McCord, Castor (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone)
Turner, Joe (Piano)
Addison, Bernard (Guitar)
Hutchinson, Lavert (Tuba)
Lynch, Willie (Drums)

Jimmie Rodgers
July 16, 1930, Los Angeles, CA

Blue Yodel No. 9 (standin' On The Corner) (Rodgers, Jimmie) [master 54867-2] -- Victor 23580

Rodgers, Jimmie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Lil (Piano)

Louis Armstrong And His New Sebastian Cotton Club Orchestra
July 21, 1930, Los Angeles, CA

I'm A Ding Dong Daddy (from Dumas) (Baxter, P.) [master W.404403-A] -- OKeh 41442
I'm In The Market For You (Hanley, J.; McCarthy, J.) [master W.404404-C] -- OKeh 41442

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Elkins, Leon (Conductor, Trumpet)
Brown, Lawrence (Trombone)
Herriford, Leon (Alto Saxophone)
Stark, Willie (Alto Saxophone)
Franz, William (Tenor Saxophone)
Brooks, Harvey (Piano)
Burke, Ceele (Banjo, Steel Guitar)
Jones, Reggie (Tuba)
Hampton, Lionel (Drums, Vibrophone)

Though often criticized as "minor league", Leon Elkins' orchestra backed Louis more than adequately on a number of memorable, swinging sides. Armstrong was also introduced to a performer who was every bit a major talent in vibes master Lionel Hampton.

Louis Armstrong And His New Sebastian Cotton Club Orchestra
August 19, 1930, Los Angeles, CA

I'm Confessin' (that I Love You) (Neiburg; Daugherty; Reynolds) [master W.404405-A] -- OKeh 41448
If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight (Creamer, H.; Johnson, J.) [master W.404406-A] -- OKeh 41448

Ex-Flame (film)
September, 1930, Los Angeles, CA

Louis makes his Hollywood debut in this film for for Tiffany Productions (Liberty Films?). No print has survived although a publicity still with some members of the band, the Les Hite Orchestra, is extant. Date is from Willems.

More info at imdb.com

Louis Armstrong And His New Sebastian Cotton Club Orchestra
October 9, 1930, Los Angeles, CA

Body And Soul (Heyman, E.; Sour, R.; Eyeton, F.; Green, J.) [master W.404411-D] -- OKeh 41468

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Hite, Les (Conductor, Saxophone)
Orendorff, George (Trumpet)
Scott, Harold (Trumpet)
Graven, Luther (Trombone)
Johnson, Marvin (Alto Saxophone)
Jones, Charlie (Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet)
Prince, Henry (Piano)
Perkins, Bill (Banjo, Steel Guitar)
Bailey, Joe (Tuba, Bass)
Hampton, Lionel (Vibraphone, Drums)

A completely new lineup for the Orchestra (except for the great Hampton).

Louis Armstrong And His New Sebastian Cotton Club Orchestra
October 16, 1930, Los Angeles, CA

Memories Of You (Blake, Eubie; Razaf, Andy) [master W.404412-D] -- OKeh 41463
You're Lucky To Me (Blake, Eubie; Razaf, Andy) [master W.404413-C] -- OKeh 41463

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Hite, Les (Conductor, Alto Saxophone, Bass Saxophone)
Orendorff, George (Trumpet)
Scott, Harold (Trumpet)
Graven, Luther (Trombone)
Johnson, Marvin (Alto Saxophone)
Jones, Charlie (Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet)
Prince, Henry (Piano)
Perkins, Bill (Banjo, Steel Guitar)
Bailey, Joe (Tuba, Bass)
Hampton, Lionel (Vibraphone, Drums)

Louis Armstrong And His New Sebastian Cotton Club Orchestra
December 23, 1930, Los Angeles, CA

Sweethearts On Parade (Newman; Lombardo) [master W.404417-A] -- Columbia 2688-D
You're Drivin' Me Crazy (Donaldson, W.) [master W.404418-B] -- OKeh 41478
You're Drivin' Me Crazy (Donaldson, W.) [master W.404418-C] -- OKeh 41478
The Peanut Vendor (Simons, M.) [master W.404419-B] -- OKeh 41478

Louis Armstrong And His New Sebastian Cotton Club Orchestra
March 9, 1931, Los Angeles, CA

Just A Gigolo (Caesar, I.; Casucci, L.) [master W.404420-A] -- OKeh 41486
Shine (Dabney, F.; Brown, L.; Mack, C.) [master W.404421-C] -- OKeh 41486

Mixed Doubles (film)
Early 1931, Los Angeles, CA

A rumored second Hollywood film for Tiffany Productions, probably with the Les Hite Orchestra. No print has survived. This may have been produced as early as 1930.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
April 20, 1931, Chicago, IL

Walkin' My Baby Back Home (Turk, R.; Ahlert, F.) [master W.404422-B] -- OKeh 41497
I Surrender Dear (Barris, H.; Clifford, G.) [master W.404423-B] -- OKeh 41497
When It's Sleepy Time Down South (Rene, O.; Rene, L.; Muse, C.) [master W.404424-B] -- OKeh 41504

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Randolph, Zilner (Trumpet)
Jackson, Preston (Trombone)
Boone, Lester (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
James, George (Reeds)
Washington, Albert (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone)
Alexander, Charlie (Piano)
McKendrick, Mike (Banjo, Guitar)
Lindsay, John (Bass)
Hall, Tubby (Drums)

Back in Chicago for a year, Louis hits the studio for a series of landmark recordings for OKeh -- includingYou Rascal You, Them There Eyes and his trademark song,When It's Sleepy Time Down South. Though 1931 only saw three sets of studio sessions for Louis, they were extremely productive.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
April 28, 1931, Chicago, IL

Blue Again (Fields, Dorothy; McHugh, Jimmy) [master W.404425-A] -- OKeh 41498
Little Joe (Miller, N.; Styne, J.) [master W.404870-C] -- OKeh 41501
You Rascal, You (I'll Be Glad When You're Dead) (Theard, Sam) [master W.404871-A] -- OKeh 41504

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
April 29, 1931, Chicago, IL

Them There Eyes (Pinkard, M.; Tauber, D.; Tracey, W.) [master W.404872-C] -- OKeh 41501
When Your Lover Has Gone (Swan) [master W.404873-A] -- OKeh 41498

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
November 3, 1931, Chicago, IL

Lazy River (Carmichael, Hoagy; Arodin, S.) [master W.405058-4] -- OKeh 41541
Chinatown, My Chinatown (Jerome, W.; Schwartz, J.) [master W.405059-4] -- OKeh 41534

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
November 4, 1931, Chicago, IL

Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (Moll; Koehler; Barris) [master W.405060-1] -- OKeh 41530
Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (Moll; Koehler; Barris) [master W.405060-2] -- OKeh 41530
Stardust (Parish; Carmichael) [master W.405061-1] -- OKeh 41530
Stardust (Parish; Carmichael) [master W.405061-3] -- OKeh 41530
Stardust (Parish; Carmichael) [master W.405061-4] -- OKeh 41530

Take 2 ofWrap Your Troubles In Dreamscan be found on LP issue, along with Take 3 ofStardust. There is also a supposed release of Take 3 ofWrap Your Troubles, though this cannot be verified.

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
November 5, 1931, Chicago, IL

You Can Depend On Me (Dunlap; Hines; Carpenter) [master W.405062-2] -- OKeh 41538
Georgia On My Mind (Gorrell; Carmichael) [master W.405063-3] -- OKeh 41541

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
November 6, 1931, Chicago, IL

The Lonesome Road (Austin; Shilkret) [master W.405064-5] -- OKeh 41538
I Got Rhythm (Gershwin, George; Gershwin, Ira) [master W.405065-3] -- OKeh 41534

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
January 25, 1932, Chicago, IL

Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (Arlen; Koehler) [master W.405130-A] -- OKeh 41550
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (outtake) (Arlen; Koehler) [master W.405130-B] -- OKeh 41550
Kickin' The Gong Around (Arlen; Koehler) [master W.405131.A] -- OKeh 41550

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
January 27, 1932, Chicago, IL

Home (When Shadows Fall) (Steeden; Clarkson) [master W.405132-A] -- OKeh 41552
All Of Me (Simons; Marks) [master W.405133-A] -- OKeh 41552

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
March 2, 1932, Chicago, IL

Love, You Funny Thing (Ahlert; Turk) [master W.405154-B] -- OKeh 41557

Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra
March 11, 1932, Chicago, IL

The New Tiger Rag (Rocca) [master W.405155-C] -- OKeh 41557
Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now (Razaf, Andy; Waller, Thomas) [master W.405166-A] -- OKeh 41560
Lawd, You Made The Night Too Long (Lewis; Young) [master W.405167-B] -- OKeh 41560

Now at the end of a contract with Okeh, Armstrong leaves Chicago once again for the East Coast and a short but productive term with the Victor company.

Rhapsody in Black and Blue (film)
Early 1932, Fort Lee, New Jersey

Shine

A short film featuring Armstrong as a lazy husband who is knocked out by his wife and takes an offbeat dreamtrip to Jazztopia where King Louis performs in full jungle regalia. If you can get past the jaw-droppingly racist setting, it's a very exciting performance that helps explain Armstrong's growing popularity in the 1930s.

More info at imdb.com

I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal You (film)
Early 1932, Fort Lee, New Jersey

You Rascal, You (I'll Be Glad When You're Dead)

A typically bizarre, nightmarish Betty Boop cartoon with cannibal Louis scaring the daylights out of the lead cartoon characters. Perhaps recorded on the same day asRhapsody in Black and Blue.

More info at imdb.com