Z2401

American Music

Louis Armstrong

Autum 2019 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 24 Z2401 — Louis Armstrong — 9/1/95

This is the first time I've offered this iconic musician since my cover sold out. It is a special hand painted cachet with Louie at the right side of the envelope playing his trumpet which extends out across the rest of the cover with music notes in the background. The stamp has the first day of issue postmark from New Orleans. If you need "Satchmo" for your collection, make an offer now before it climbs in value over time.

Spring 2024 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 20 Z2401 — Louis Armstrong — 9-1-95

Louis Armstrong became known internationally as the "United States Ambassador of Good Will." As he traveled the nation and the world performing his trumpet magic, this extraordinary musician was recognized during his lifetime as a major influence in the evolution of ja77. At 17 he joined Edward "Kid" Ory's New Orleans Band. Next, it was Fletcher Henderson's Big Dance Band. In 1925 he organized "The Hot Five" Band and some of their surviving recordings represent the finest examples of Dixieland Jazz. Known as "Satchmo," Armstrong made the first of many successful European tours in the early 1930s. His unique brand of improvising and "scat" singing landed him roles in films, radio, and television. With his deep range and raspy vocal style, Louie switched back and forth from trumpet to voice in such classics as Hello Dolly and What a Wonderful World. I've added some nice details to the cachet. The gleam of his horn. The ever-present white handkerchief. The use of blended background tones that complement the stamp and capture in color the emotions of ja77. It's a first day cover that captures the spirit and essence of the man.