The definitive account 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,...

Jazz is born in the African-American community of New Orleans but it grows up with the influence of ragtime, band music, spirituals, and the blues.

Just before World War II jazz continues its great popularity as demonstrated when Benny Goodman holds the first jazz concert ever at Carnegie Hall.

It's the Roaring Twenties and jazz is flourishing everywhere in America.

In the years between 1955 and 1960 jazz faces plenty of competition from rhythm and blues and rock and roll.

"This is the true story of Lil Hardin Armstrong: pianist, composer, and bandleader in the early days of jazz. Ahead of her time, Lil made a career for herself--and for Louis Armstrong, her modest, unassuming husband ... Scat-inspired verse celebrates how Lil overcame race and gender barriers to become the first lady of the Chicago jazz scene"--Publisher marketing.

By the 1960s, rock and roll is the musical phenomena and jazz drifts into the avant-garde, often used as a form of social protest.