The post-war years were when Louis Armstrong reached his highest level of acceptance with the general populace. Unfortunately, the price of mass acceptance had a cost, and Louis’ entrance into the mainstream meant that he was no longer in the vanguard.

The ‘Young Turks’ were now playing a form of music called ‘be-bop’, and Louis’ brand of swing/jazz was deemed ‘old-fashioned’ by the younger breed of players. At this point, Louis was in his late forties, so the transition was only natural. He had been a de facto leader of musical development for over twenty years, but now he was preparing to settle into the role of elder statesman, while continuing to make some truly wonderful music. Songs from today’s show include;

1) Marie (with the Mills Brothers)

2) Ain’t It the Truth

3) You Won’t Be Satisfied (Until You Break My Heart)

4) Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans

5) Where the Blues Were Born in New Orleans

6) Rockin’ Chair

7) Snafu

8) Fifty-Fifty Blues

9) Before Long

10) Blueberry Hill