Jazz Musician. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she was a jazz pianist, composer, arranger, singer, bandleader and the second wife of Jazz legend Louis Armstrong. As one of the most prominent woman in early jazz, she led her own band in Chicago, when she started arranging for bands in New Orleans. In 1921, she met Louis Armstrong and they were married in 1924. She was credited as was a major contributor to Armstrong's recordings. She played piano, sang and composed several of the Louis Armstrong group's major songs. After her in Armstrong divorced in 1938, they remained friends for life. She went on to appear in several Broadway shows including "Hot Chocolates" and "Shuffle Along". In the late 1930s, she recast herself as a Swing vocalist and cut 26 vocals for Decca records. In the 1940s, she moved back to Chicago and played as a soloist in nightclubs. She also continued to record and led her own "All Girl Orchestra", which performed on NBC Radio until 1963. She died at age 73 in Chicago, Illinois.
Jazz Musician. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she was a jazz pianist, composer, arranger, singer, bandleader and the second wife of Jazz legend Louis Armstrong. As one of the most prominent woman in early jazz, she led her own band in Chicago, when she started arranging for bands in New Orleans. In 1921, she met Louis Armstrong and they were married in 1924. She was credited as was a major contributor to Armstrong's recordings. She played piano, sang and composed several of the Louis Armstrong group's major songs. After her in Armstrong divorced in 1938, they remained friends for life. She went on to appear in several Broadway shows including "Hot Chocolates" and "Shuffle Along". In the late 1930s, she recast herself as a Swing vocalist and cut 26 vocals for Decca records. In the 1940s, she moved back to Chicago and played as a soloist in nightclubs. She also continued to record and led her own "All Girl Orchestra", which performed on NBC Radio until 1963. She died at age 73 in Chicago, Illinois.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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