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As his Chicago career blooms, Louis distances himself from his mentor in favour of a beautiful pianist. Read by Colin McFarlane.

A definitive account by Thomas Brothers of Louis Armstrong, his life and legacy, during the most creative period of his career.

Nearly 100 years after bursting onto Chicago's music scene under the tutelage of Joe 'King' Oliver, Louis Armstrong is recognized as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A trumpet virtuoso, seductive crooner, and consummate entertainer, Armstrong laid the foundation for the future of jazz with his stylistic innovations. But his story would be incomplete without examining how he struggled in a society seething with brutally racist ideologies, laws, and practices.

Episode 2:
As his career in Chicago continues to blossom, Louis grows close to Lil Hardin, a beautiful pianist, and starts to distance himself from his long-time mentor, Joe 'King' Oliver.

Reader: Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Eileen Horne

Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4

15 minutes

Credits

RoleContributor
ReaderColin McFarlane
ProducerClive Brill
AbridgerEileen Horne
AuthorThomas Brothers

Broadcasts

  • Tue 8 Apr 201409:45
  • Wed 9 Apr 201400:30
  • Tue 26 Feb 201914:45
  • Wed 27 Feb 201902:45

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