Armstrong’s Birthday Hit: How a Jazz Legend Toppled The Beatles
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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.
Fast forward to early 1964, and “Hello, Dolly!” debuts on Broadway. It’s an instant hit, but nobody could have predicted what would follow. By May, Armstrong’s trumpet-laden rendition soared to the top of the charts, knocking off not one but two songs by The Beatles—those mop-topped icons who had the world wrapped around their guitars.
At 63, Louis Armstrong became the oldest musician in American history to score a number-one hit. While The Beatles were at the peak of their popularity, Armstrong’s victory was a moment of pure, unadulterated musical magic.
Imagine Armstrong, with his famous gravelly voice and infectious grin, basking in the glow of his unexpected triumph. It was as if he had said, “Take that, Fab Four!” His “Hello, Dolly!” was more than just a song; it was a delightful, brassy kiss to an era of jazz greatness.
In honor of his birthday, we’re highlighting some of our favorite Armstrong tracks at the Recorded Sound Archives. Here are a few picks from our staff:
Celebrate Armstrong’s Birthday with these staff favorites:
- What a Wonderful Word – Track # 1 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/53845
- When The Saints Go Marching In – Track # 12 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/31316
- Mack The Knife Track # 2 – https://rsa.fau.edu/track/35484
- Black and Blue – Track # 16 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/31312
- Blueberry Hill – Track # 4 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/53845
- Hello Dolly! – Track # 8 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/53845
- St. Louis Blues – Track # 1 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/9624
- Cabaret – Track # 1 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/31387
- La Vie en Rose – Track # 1 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/19858
- All Of Me _ Track # 5 – https://rsa.fau.edu/album/55252
So here’s to Louis Armstrong, who, at 63, showed the world that jazz, with its soulful notes and spirited rhythms, still had the power to conquer hearts and charts. His story is a jazzy reminder that age is no barrier to greatness, and sometimes, the old school can school the new kids on the block.
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