1. Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong forever changed jazz with his dazzling trumpet technique and unmistakable gravelly voice. His improvisational brilliance set new standards for soloists, transforming jazz from ensemble-based to a soloist’s art form. Armstrong’s recordings, such as “What a Wonderful World” and “West End Blues”, became instant classics. He collaborated with legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Earl Hines, spreading jazz’s popularity worldwide. Discover more about his remarkable journey on the Smithsonian biography.
