Bullets and blues: Louis Armstrong's difficult upbringing revealed after discovery of family police records
Briefly

Louis Armstrong, a pivotal figure in jazz, rose from a challenging childhood in New Orleans characterized by poverty and crime. Recent findings reveal that both his mother and sister were arrested for prostitution, underscoring their struggles. Despite these hardships, Armstrong's passion for music flourished after his incarceration in 1912, where he learned to play cornet. By joining influential bands and making history in the music industry, he became an icon whose popularity even surpassed that of The Beatles in the 1960s. A new book uncovers these facets of his life through various historical documents and interviews.
Armstrong's childhood, growing up in poverty and amidst violence, starkly contrasts with his later fame, suggesting resilience and the transformative power of music.
Fresh evidence details the struggles of Armstrong's family, revealing that both his mother and sister faced multiple arrests for prostitution during his early life.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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