Satchmo
Satchmo is the mysterious old trumpet player in Jazz Daze. He lives in Armstrong Street. Every evening, he practises with his window open.
'Why they call you Satchmo?'
asks Courtney.
It's 'cause of this satchel mouth. I can get a whole whale and a cherry in here without even trying', replies Satchmo.
Satchmo was the nickname of Louis Armstrong, a great trumpet and cornet player. He was born in New Orleans in the USA. Jazz was everywhere in downtown New Orleans.
This exciting new music had been developed by black Americans from ragtime, blues and other traditional musical styles.
'King' Oliver, Satchmo's favourite band leader, gave him his first instrument. Satchmo practised hard and discovered ways of making new and exciting sounds.
Eventually, everyone in Chicago and New York wanted to hear Satchmo's amazing 'horn' playing.
He also started a new style of jazz singing called scat.
Although Satchmo began playing in the popular New Orleans jazz style, he worked at developing a new style of jazz music called swing. In 1935, he put together a large swing band which toured for many years.
Later, he chose the very best musicians for a smaller band called the Louis Armstrong Allstars.
In 1963, Hello Dolly by the Allstars took top place in the charts over the Beatles
Louis Armstrong poster image courtesy of AllPosters.com
Discover more about Satchmo at www.redhotjazz.com/louie.html