He helped reinvent jazz. This doc uses secret recordings to show the complicated man behind that famous smile.
Shout out to the IDA Newsletter for putting this one on my radar.
Trailer for “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues”
You Can’t Make This Sh!t Up
- Armstrong secretly taped his life for about 40 years—talking openly about racism, music, fame, sex and marijuana.
- In 1957, Armstrong ripped President Eisenhower for not doing enough to integrate Little Rock schools. He even offered to go to Arkansas with him.
- Armstrong loved the laxative Swiss Kriss so much, he handed it out to friends—and even British royalty.
Watch “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues”
You can watch “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues” on Apple TV+.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 92/100
- IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 79/100 (Users); 98/100 (Critics)
Release Date: October 28, 2022
Director’s Note: Sacha Jenkins directed this 106-minute documentary. Jenkins also directed “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men.”
Other Unique Stuff
- Armstrong’s trumpet playing helped move jazz away from group improvisation and toward the featured soloist. Saxophonist Archie Shepp describes him as the first truly important jazz soloist.
- His nickname “Satchmo” came from “Satchel Mouth,” a reference to his large mouth.
- Armstrong spent part of his childhood at the Colored Waifs’ Home for Boys in New Orleans after getting into trouble as a kid. It was there that music became a serious part of his life.
Wrap Up:
I liked “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues” because it shows the complicated guy behind a smile.
Thanks for reading!
Heather Fenty, Guest Writer, Daily Doc