“Louis Armstrong” is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential jazz musicians of all time. Known for his virtuosic trumpet playing and soulful vocals, Armstrong’s music has been beloved by audiences around the world for nearly a century. With a career that spanned from the 1920s until his death in 1971, Armstrong left an indelible mark on the jazz and popular music canons.
In this list, we’ll be exploring the 10 best Louis Armstrong songs of all time. From timeless classics like “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly!” to jazz standards like “Stardust” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” these tracks showcase Armstrong’s incredible talent as a musician and his unique ability to infuse jazz music with the emotional depth and passion of other musical traditions.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Armstrong’s music or a newcomer to his work, these 10 tracks are a must-listen for anyone who loves great jazz and timeless music.
1. “What a Wonderful World”
“What a Wonderful World” is a timeless classic by legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Released in 1967, the song’s upbeat melody and heartwarming lyrics have made it one of the most beloved and enduring tracks in the history of popular music. The song’s simple but powerful message of love, hope, and gratitude has resonated with listeners for generations, making it a favorite at weddings, graduations, and other special occasions. Armstrong’s smooth and soulful vocals create a sense of joy and optimism, while the song’s message of appreciating the beauty and wonder of the world around us speaks to the universal human experience.
2. “Hello, Dolly!”
“Hello, Dolly!” is a classic tune by legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Originally written by Jerry Herman for the Broadway musical of the same name, Armstrong’s 1964 recording of the song became a massive hit, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance. The song’s upbeat melody and Armstrong’s soulful vocals make it a joyous and infectious tune that has become a staple of the jazz and popular music canons. The lyrics tell the story of a man excited to see his old flame, Dolly, and celebrate their reunion.
3. “La Vie En Rose”
“La Vie En Rose” is a classic French song by legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Originally written by Edith Piaf in 1945, Armstrong’s 1950 recording of the song became one of his most popular and enduring hits. The song’s gentle melody and Armstrong’s soulful vocals create a sense of beauty and romance that is both timeless and universal. The lyrics, which describe the beauty of seeing life through rose-colored glasses, convey a sense of hope and optimism that is as relevant today as it was when the song was first written.
4. “Mack the Knife”
“Mack the Knife” is a classic song by legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Originally written by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for the 1928 musical “The Threepenny Opera,” Armstrong’s 1956 recording of the song became one of his most popular and enduring hits. The song’s catchy melody and Armstrong’s soulful vocals create a sense of excitement and danger that is both thrilling and unforgettable. The lyrics, which describe the exploits of a notorious criminal, convey a sense of dark humor and satire that is as relevant today as it was when the song was first written.
5. “Ain’t Misbehavin'”
“Ain’t Misbehavin'” is a classic jazz standard by legendary musician Louis Armstrong. Originally written by Fats Waller in 1929, Armstrong’s 1929 recording of the song became one of his most popular and enduring hits. The song’s upbeat melody and Armstrong’s soulful vocals create a sense of joy and freedom that is both infectious and unforgettable. The lyrics, which describe the joys of letting loose and having a good time, convey a sense of fun and carefree spirit that is as relevant today as it was when the song was first written.
6. “When the Saints Go Marching In”
“When the Saints Go Marching In” is a classic gospel hymn that has been covered by countless artists, but Louis Armstrong’s 1938 recording of the song remains one of the most iconic and beloved versions. The song’s joyful melody and uplifting lyrics create a sense of hope and optimism that is both timeless and universal. The lyrics, which describe the celebration that will occur when the saints go marching in to heaven, convey a sense of spiritual exaltation that is both powerful and moving
7. “Stardust”
“Stardust” is a classic jazz standard by legendary musician Louis Armstrong. Originally composed by Hoagy Carmichael in 1927, Armstrong’s 1931 recording of the song became one of his most popular and enduring hits. The song’s gentle melody and Armstrong’s soulful vocals create a sense of timeless beauty and romanticism that is both heartfelt and unforgettable. The lyrics, which describe the beauty of falling in love under the stars, convey a sense of tenderness and intimacy that is both poignant and relatable.
8. “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” is a classic jazz standard that has been covered by many artists, but Louis Armstrong’s 1950 recording of the song remains one of the most beloved and enduring versions. The song’s dreamy melody and Armstrong’s soulful vocals create a sense of nostalgia and longing that is both haunting and beautiful. The lyrics, which describe the desire to dream of a loved one, convey a sense of romanticism and tenderness that is both timeless and universal.
9. “Blueberry Hill”
“Blueberry Hill” is a classic jazz and blues standard that has been covered by countless artists, but Louis Armstrong’s 1949 recording of the song remains one of the most iconic and enduring versions. The song’s upbeat melody and Armstrong’s soulful vocals create a sense of joy and nostalgia that is both infectious and memorable. The lyrics, which describe the pleasures of falling in love on Blueberry Hill, convey a sense of romanticism and optimism that is both timeless and relatable.
10. “When You’re Smiling”
“When You’re Smiling” is a classic jazz and blues standard that has been covered by many artists, but Louis Armstrong’s 1929 recording of the song remains one of the most beloved and enduring versions. The song’s upbeat melody and Armstrong’s soulful vocals create a sense of joy and optimism that is both infectious and heartwarming. The lyrics, which describe the power of a smile to lift one’s spirits, convey a sense of positivity and hope that is both timeless and universal.
