1. Biography Report by: Katie Gilliam
WHO WAS
LOUIS ARMSTRONG ?
Biography Report by:
Katie Gilliam

2. Birth/Family/Education
Louis Armstrong was born in1901 and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana “the birthplace of jazz.”
Armstrong’s father abandoned his mother soon after Louis was born.
Louis spent his first few years with his strict grandmother, Josephine.
When he was in fifth grade, he shot a gun and was forced to go to Colored Waif’s Home for Boys.

3. Adult Life Accomplishments
In 1942, he married,for the fourth time, Lucille Watson.
In 1923, he made his first records.
He published “Swing That Music” ,the first autobiography by a black person.
In 1929, he starts playing in big bands.
In 1949, Time magazine calls him “The King Of Jazz.”
In 1964, “Hello, Dolly!” becomes a number 1 song
In 1968, “What A Wonderful World” becomes a worldwide hit.

4. Where are they now?
When he died, on July 6th 1971, Louis Armstrong was a musical hero.
President Richard called him a free and individual spirit and an artist of worldwide fame.
25,000 people came to his funeral.
His music is still heard today on the radio, T.V., and in movies. He had a full and rich career.

5. Important/Interesting Facts
Louis Armstrong was a poor boy who never went to high school.
He wrote two autobiographies, composed dozens of songs that became jazz classics, and performed about 300 concerts a year all over the world.
He was a talented actor and appeared in over 30 films.
When he was working for a kind family, they loaned him $5.00 to buy a used cornet.
He was quick at learning to play new instruments.

6. Admirable/Hero Qualities
I picked this person because I love music and wanted to learn more about a musician’s life.
I admire Louis Armstrong because he was a poor boy who grew up to be a great singer, songwriter, cornet player, and trumpet player.

7. Bibliography Who Was Louis Armstrong? By Yona Zeldis McDonough
Published by Grosset and Dunlap, New York

8. Katie gilliam All About the Author
I was born on April 9th,2001 in Los Angeles, California. I am 9 years old and in 3rd grade.
My family is my Mom, Dad, and three year old, Lauren.
My interests are reading, Greek mythology, and music.
My hobbies are swimming, playing video games, and computer.
Katie gilliam