Ever find yourself tapping your foot or humming along when Louis Armstrong’s gravelly voice comes on? His innovative jazz stylings and timeless trumpet solos have captivated listeners for generations. You know ’em when you hear ’em – songs like “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “Ain’t Misbehavin'” that instantly transport you to another era. His distinctive raspy voice and masterful trumpet playing made him one of the most influential artists in jazz history.
In celebration of his enduring musical legacy, here are 10 Louis Armstrong songs that stole our hearts. Get ready to kick back, immerse yourself in the nostalgia, and let the melodies of this jazz pioneer work their magic. His soulful songs have stood the test of time and will continue to spread joy for years to come.
What a Wonderful World
This 1967 classic is arguably Armstrong’s most well-known and heartfelt song. The melody and lyrics evoke a sense of hope and optimism in the listener.
When “What a Wonderful World” was released, racial tensions were high in the U.S. This song’s message of beauty, love and unity struck a chord. Louis Armstrong’s gravelly, soulful voice and trumpet playing perfectly captured the song’s sentiment.
Hello, Dolly!
This 1964 classic is arguably Armstrong’s most well-known song. The infectious tune and Louis’ gravelly vocals are impossible not to love. When Jerry Herman wrote Hello, Dolly!, he knew Louis Armstrong was perfect for the title track.
At first, Louis didn’t want to record it, thinking his style was all wrong for the show tune. But when he gave in, his version rocketed to number one on the Billboard charts, knocking The Beatles out of the top spot.
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Another classic that stole our hearts is “Ain’t Misbehavin’”. This 1929 song sums up that carefree spirit of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Originally written by Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong’s rendition with his distinctive gravelly voice and scat singing style made it famous.
The lively beat and playful lyrics simply make you want to get up and dance.
Stompin’ at the Savoy
When it comes to Louis Armstrong’s timeless songs, “Stompin’ at the Savoy” stands out as an irresistible classic that stole our hearts. Recorded in 1936, this swing jazz tune makes you want to get up and dance.
The melody is lively and energetic, with punchy horn sections that are quintessential Armstrong. His gravelly, unmistakable vocals croon about dancing the night away at New York’s famed Savoy Ballroom. You can almost see the couples swinging and spinning across the dance floor.
Stardust
When it comes to Louis Armstrong’s timeless songs, “Stardust” has to be near the top of the list. Recorded in 1931, this iconic standard showcases Satchmo’s unparalleled skills with a trumpet.
The melody of this jazz classic is sublimely beautiful. From the opening notes, Armstrong’s masterful phrasing and tone captivate the listener. His innovative improvisations give the tune a dreamy, wistful quality. There’s a reason “Stardust” has endured for over 90 years – once you hear Pops play it, you’ll never forget it.
When the Saints Go Marching In
This jazz standard is arguably Louis Armstrong’s most well-known song. When those first few notes play, you instantly recognize it. Originally a traditional New Orleans funeral march, Louis transformed “When the Saints Go Marching In” into a joyful celebration of life.
Released in 1938, Louis’ version introduced the song to a wider audience and popularized the jazz funeral tradition. His gravelly voice and masterful trumpet playing are on full display here. The call and response between Louis’ vocals and his band is infectious. You can’t help but sing and clap along.
Dream a Little Dream of Me
One of the most well-known and beloved jazz standards of all time has to be “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” Originally recorded in 1931, Louis Armstrong’s 1968 version is a timeless classic.
When that familiar trumpet intro starts playing, you instantly recognize “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” Satchmo’s gravelly, soulful voice crooning those memorable lyrics – “Stars fading, but I linger on, dear, still craving your kiss” – no one could interpret a ballad like Louis.
La Vie en Rose
La Vie en Rose is arguably Louis Armstrong’s most well-known song. Recorded in 1950, this jazz standard became popular all over again when it was featured in the Pixar movie Up.
The original French version was written in 1946 by Édith Piaf, who also recorded it. But “Satchmo’s” rendition is by far the most famous. His gravelly, soulful voice and virtuosic trumpet playing transform the melody into a poignant and timeless classic.
If We Never Meet Again
If We Never Meet Again is a bittersweet jazz standard composed in 1944 by Bobby Worth. Louis Armstrong recorded a poignant version for Decca Records in 1947 that showcases his distinctive gravelly voice and masterful trumpet skills.
The melody is wistful and melancholy, reflecting the theme of longing and lost love conveyed in the lyrics. Phrases like “though we say goodbye, my love will always be” and “if we never meet again, I’ll always dream of you” express deep affection and the hope of reuniting, even if uncertain.
Mack The Knife
Mack the Knife is one of Louis Armstrong’s most well-known songs. Originally written in German as “Die Moritat von Mackie Messer,” Armstrong popularized the English version. His gravelly, distinctive voice wraps around the tune like a warm blanket.
The song tells the grim tale of a sinister criminal named Mack the Knife, who “robs you with a smile” and “loves the ladies.”But when Armstrong sings it, he infuses it with a sense of playfulness and charm. You find yourself bopping along as he scats and improvises, forgetting for a moment it’s actually about a murderer!
There we have it, our list of 10 best songs by Louis Armstrong. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: