Satchmo (Da Capo Paperback)

My mom ordered this book after learning about Louis' son from his cousin who was young that he took care of when he was 14. It empowered both of us and she bought this book. She loved it and I think I will read it too when she's done

I grew up watching this man on TV variety shows and movies. I love Dixie Land Jazz and have loved this man's music all my life. I wanted to know more about his beginnings and this book certainly gives great details of his life as a child and young man. I would highly recommend the book to any of his fans or fans of the early days of Jazz. It also paints a pretty good picture of life in New Orleans during his childhood.

I enjoy biography's of flameouts people. Especially the struggles over come at a very difficult time. Showing that no matter what ethnic group you belong to, especially poor and poverty you can excell. Einstein's mother got a letter from school saying he was uneducatable and was basically dumb. But his mother told him that the letter said he was intelligent and that he didn't have to go to school any more. So if you Poor, Irish, Polish, Black, White, you can be very successful. With the people around you telling you your great.!! And you can do anything!!!!

Good book! Definitely written by Louis himself. The books is interesting and it shows what a great man Louis was and how he never had an enemy only a friend he had not met yet.

Louis only talks about his years as a youngster here but it's so interesting that you can easily imagine that you are there in New Orleans experiencing all that he does. He was always complimenting folks - even his (very few) enemies. It's certainly no wonder that he became the world's greatest entertainer. He richly deserved that honor. READ IT!

Armstrong wrote this book himself, so I felt the information was real. It gave me good insight into his life.

I agree with the previous reviewers regarding style and simplicity.What I loved most about this book is the glimpse into old New Orleans, an older America, and the richness of black music and its culture and roots.One learns some older blues jargon, and, implicitly, the closely knit New Orleans musical life. The book also gives insight into another culture, musicians, pimps and prostitutes and the sporting life, as well as the unfailing positive spirit of Louis Armstrong.This is more about the times of his youth than an in depth understanding of the development of his musicianship. It is, however, an entertaining and informative read, for lovers of the man, blues, jazz, and 'wild west' New Orleans culture around the early 1900's. Mr. Armstrong's happiness and energy pour forth in every page.

Loved this book. Made me want to listen to Louis Armstrong's music more - to attempt to understand the difference he describes in the book between swing and jazz. What a relief that, unlike today, the juvenile detention center he landed in was a good and helpful place. He makes it - a Wonderful World. Still.

The soul and character of Louis Armstrong just shines out in this book of his early life. There is no ego. He just tells it as he saw it, and man, he saw some stuff. And experienced most of it too. This guy is no angel but oh boy he should be counted as one of the most human of humans that ever walked the Planet. The backdrop of New Orleans in all its glory and gory times come right at you as do the hustlers, musician and ladies. Just wonderful if you have a mind to read it

From the heart. Louis Armstrong writes as he plays. His book flows with optimism, enthusiasm and an unabashed truth that tells it just as it is with no apologies and doesn't need any. I read it as though his voice was narrating. A laid bare truth about being black in America, in the south in the early decades of the last century. GREAT READ!

This book is a great addition to your jazz books library and is another fascinating insight into the background and early life of the Great New Orleans Musician Louis Armstrong

A great read even if you’re not a fan of jazz,Gives you a real insight in to life in New Orleans in the early years.

I could not put this book down. He must have had a very warm nature as so many people were ready to help him on his journey int adulthood.He gave the world great happiness with his music. Many years ago he came to England, I went to hear him in the Finsbury Park Empire.He did not disappoint.