On August 04, 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana, an extraordinary man named Louis Armstrong was born. Armstrong's dad had left the family early on and he was raised mainly by his mother, Mayann.

Although Louis didn't grow up in the nicest neighborhood, the streets were still always filled with music. This greatly intrigued Armstrong.

Unfortunately, on New Year's Eve, 1913, Armstrong got into some trouble and was sent to a military-type school called Colored Waifs' Home that was run by an African American Man.

Luckily, the military school had its own band and that’s where Armstrong first started playing music!

After Armstrong was released from the school, he had to work many jobs to support his family. However, at night he would wander the streets listening to live music.

Two of Armstrongs early mentors were Joseph "King" Oliver and Kid Ory. He then first signed on with a Mississippi riverboat band thanks to their help.

Later on, Armstrong teamed up with some fellow New Orleans musicians to make multiple records under the band name of the "Hot Five" and the "Hot Seven”.

In 1924, Armstrong moved to New York in order to expand his career. This is when Armstrong became a part of the legendary, Harlem Renaissance.