Twilight (1963 - 1971)

The sixties saw the biggest cultural upheaval in the Western World since -- well, the twenties. Once again, an old line of performers was washed aside by an unrelenting flood of fresh artists and their young fans. Louis Armstrong was not immune to this changing of the guard.

The decade that started off with a fine pairing with Duke Ellington kept rolling with a lively and inventive tribute by Dave Brubeck that must surely take a place as one of the first concept albums. But before long, Louis' recorded career sank into a morass of mediocre MOR, swept aside by the infectious energy of rock and roll. Late-decade attempts at a revival with a Disney collection and an ill-advised modern pop album did nothing to boost this falling-out; yet, true to form, his own enthusiasm never sagged.

Ironically, as his recorded output reached its nadir, Satch's popularity soared to its all-time peak. Spurred by the unexpected worldwide success of "Hello Dolly" (a song he had forgotten even recording!), he was suddenly in demand for every television venue available. A new generation of music buyers was handed a hearty introduction to the King of Jazz, though for many it was a long time before they could hope to grasp his importance. His last big hit, "What a Wonderful World", didn't really leave its mark until its inclusion in the film Good Morning, Vietnam, 16 years after he had passed away. But the song perfectly encapsulates the heart and soul of Louis Armstrong: anytime he appeared on film, played on stage, or performed on record, it was, indeed, a wonderful, wonderful world.

Armstrong died of a heart attack on July 6, 1971, at his home in Corona, Queens, New York, NY and is interred in Flushing Cemetery in Queens, New York, NY.

Louis Armstrong and The All Stars
December 3, 1963, New York, NY

Hello, Dolly! (Herman, Jerry) -- Kapp 573
A Lot Of Livin' To Do (Adams, Lee; Shouse, Charles) -- Kapp 573

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Young, Trummy (Trombone)
Darensbourg, Joe (Clarinet)
Gottuso, Tony (Banjo, Guitar)
Kyle, Billy (Piano)
Shaw, Arvell (Bass)
Barcelona, Danny (Drums)

The publisher got Glaser to get Armstrong to record this tune from a show that had yet to open simply as a way to promote the show. Louis and the boys clearly didn't think much of this toss-off tune and the record company overdubbed the cheesy banjo to give it a little extra pep. But when Glaser heard the demo, he knew it was a hit and pushed hard to get it released. Within weeks, it would be the biggest selling disc in America (at the height of Beatlemania) and fuel Armstrong's popularity throughout his final decade.

Mike Douglas Show (TV)
January 13, 1964, Cleveland, OH

Rockin' Chair
     Douglas, Mike (Vocal)
Lazy Bones
     Douglas, Mike (Vocal)
Gone Fishin'
     Douglas, Mike (Vocal)
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
My Bucket's Got a Hole In It
Struttin' With Some Barbecue
When The Saints Go Marchin' In
     Douglas, Mike (Vocal)

Armstrong, Louis (Trumpet, Vocal)
Moore, Russel "Big Chief" (Trombone)
Darensbourg, Joe (Clarinet)
Kyle, Billy (Piano)
Shaw, Arvell (Bass)
Barcelona, Danny (Drums)

First show of a week of appearances on the popular talk show. The All Stars may be replaced by the house band on some cuts.

Mike Douglas Show (TV)
January 14, 1964, Cleveland, OH

Blueberry Hill
How You Has Jazz
High Society Calypso
Indiana (Back Home Again In)
St. Louis Blues
Brown, Jewel (Vocal)

Mike Douglas Show (TV)
January 15, 1964, Cleveland, OH

Ain't Misbehavin'
Douglas, Mike (Vocal)
Wabash Blues
Yellow Dog Blues
Someday You'll Be Sorry

Mike Douglas Show (TV)
January 16, 1964, Cleveland, OH

Basin Street Blues
Douglas, Mike (Vocal)
Old Man Mose

Mike Douglas Show (TV)
January 17, 1964, Cleveland, OH

You Rascal You (I'll Be Glad When You're Dead)
I Cover the Waterfront
Douglas, Mike (Vocal)
Muskrat Ramble
I Can't Give You Anything But Love

What's My Line? (TV)
March 22, 1964, Unknown location

Appearance as a "Mystery Guest"