Posts tagged: black history

Armstrong’s Birthday Hit: How a Jazz Legend Toppled The Beatles

By , July 31, 2024 2:25 pm
Collage of Louis Armstrong record covers and record labels with text "Celebrate Louis Armstrong's birthday with a fun fact"

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? On this particular day, we’re celebrating the birthday of the legendary Louis Armstrong, who, at 63, pulled off one of the most unexpected chart-topping victories in pop music history. His achievement proves that age is just a number—and a golden trumpet!

Picture this: It’s late 1963, and Armstrong, along with his All Stars, is recording the title track for an upcoming Broadway musical called “Hello, Dolly!” Despite his humble expectations for the tune, he was about to blow the roof off the charts. Read More About This…

Black History Month Music Resources

By , February 10, 2022 3:44 pm
Discover Music Resources this Black history month - record labels featuring and highlighting several black musicians

In celebration of Black History Month, our Sound Archivist Ben Roth wanted to share “Heebie Jeebies” one of Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five’s first recordings on a piano roll using his player piano. Please enjoy this video we put together.

You can listen to the original recording played by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five by visiting: https://rsa.fau.edu/album/6591 Read More About This…

Discover New Artists during Black History Month

By , February 22, 2019 7:45 pm
Collage of portraits of Black blues and jazz musicians including Billie Holiday and Fats Waller, with text celebrating Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the Recorded Sound Archives has curated a collection of African-American artists. Discover the voices of Huddie Leadbelly, Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, and Fats Waller.

Follow us on Facebook and learn some fun facts all this month about these artists and they’re contributions to music.

Ethel Waters – First African American to be Nominated for an Emmy in 1962

By , February 2, 2018 6:24 pm

Did you know that Ethel Waters was the first African American to be nominated for an Emmy Award? In 1962, the legendary jazz and blues singer received the nomination for her performance in a “Route 66” episode, “Good Night, Sweet Blues.”

Ethel Waters in "Route 66", episode “Good Night, Sweet Blues.”
Ethel Waters in “Route 66”, episode “Good Night, Sweet Blues.”

In the episode, “Good Night, Swee Blues”, Ethel Waters plays Jenny Henderson, a retired singer in failing health who commissions Tod and Buzz to find and bring her the members of the Memphis Naturals, the band she performed and recorded with thirty years earlier. Read More About This…

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