Louis Armstrong had two famous nicknames (绰号). Some people called him Bagamo. They said his mouth looked like a large bag. Musicians often called him Pops, as a sign of respect for his influence on the world of music.
Although born in 1901 in New Orleans, poor, he lived among great musicians. Jazz was invented in the city a few years before his birth. Armstrong often said, "Jazz and I grew up together."
Armstrong showed a great talent for music when he was taught to play the comet (短号) at a boys' home. In his late teens, Armstrong began to live the life of a musician. He played in parades, clubs, and on the steamboats that traveled on the Mississippi River. At that time, New Orleans was famous for the new music of jazz and was home to many great musicians. Armstrong learned from the older musicians and soon became as famous as them.
In 1922 he went to Chicago. There, the tale (传说) of Louis Armstrong begins. From then until the end of his life, Armstrong was celebrated and loved wherever he went.
His comet playing had deep humanity (仁爱) and warmth that caused many listeners to say, "Listening to Pops just makes you feel good all over." He was the father of the jazz style and also one of the best-known and most admired people in the world. His death, on July 6, 1971, was headline news around the world.
