Louis Armstrong

Known as Sachmo, short for "Sachel Mouth". He grew up in New Orleans, played cornet in marching bands and on Mississippi riverboats. He launched the instrumental solo in jazz performances and established himself as a jazz virtuoso. I was once privileged to see him perform in person - incredible trumpet, ever present large white handerchief in his hand, gravel voice lyrics augmented with "scat" - what a happy evening! - I'll never forget it.