2021 marked the 50th anniversary of Louis Armstrong’s final public performances, as well as his passing on July 6, 1971. The following series of posts detail the last months of Armstrong’s life, covering his Waldorf-Astoria engagement, the tapes and collages he made from home, his correspondence with friends and fans, the story of the last tape he made and much more.
“My Whole Life, My Whole Soul, My Whole Spirit Is To Blow That Horn”: 50 Years of Louis Armstrong at the Waldorf”
“Armstrong’s Personal Recordings”: Louis Armstrong’s Final Tapes Part 1
“Louis’ Sick Days”: Louis Armstrong’s 1971 Jasmin Interview
“Armstrong’s Personal Recordings”: Louis Armstrong’s Final Tapes Part 2
“I Am At Peace With The World”: Louis Armstrong Photos and Letters from June 1971
“Armstrong’s Personal Recordings”: Louis Armstrong’s Final Tapes Part 3
“A Message To My Fans And Friends From All Over The World”: Louis Armstrong’s “Open Letter to Fans”
“Armstrong’s Personal Recordings”: Louis Armstrong’s Final Tapes Part 4
“That Cat Ain’t Never Gonna Die”: Louis Armstrong’s Final Collages and Last Birthday Party
The Story of Louis Armstrong’s Final Tape
“A Jazz Era Ends”: The 50th Anniversary of Louis Armstrong’s Passing
“Move Over Gabriel, Because Here Comes Satchmo”: The Funeral of Louis Armstrong
