Louis Armstrong 1952 at the Paramount Theater Silver Gelatin Original TYPE I Photo by Popsie PSA/DNA

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) was a trailblazing American jazz musician, singer, and cultural icon whose career spanned five decades. Born into poverty in New Orleans, Armstrong began playing the cornet as a teenager and developed his skills in the city's vibrant jazz scene. After stints with local bands, he gained national recognition in the 1920s as a member of King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band and later as a solo artist with his groundbreaking "Hot Five" and "Hot Seven" recordings. These sessions revolutionized jazz with Armstrong's virtuosic trumpet playing, creative improvisation, and scat singing, establishing him as one of the genre's first major stars.Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Armstrong expanded his audience beyond jazz enthusiasts, becoming a beloved entertainer with hits like "What a Wonderful World" and "Hello, Dolly!" His charismatic stage presence, gravelly voice, and infectious energy made him a fixture on radio, film, and television, helping to popularize jazz on a global scale. Armstrong collaborated with numerous artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, and toured extensively, earning nicknames like "Satchmo" and "Pops." He was also a pioneer in breaking racial barriers, performing in segregated venues and advocating for civil rights through his music and actions.Armstrong's legacy as a jazz innovator and cultural ambassador remains unmatched. His contributions to music include elevating the role of soloists in jazz, perfecting swing phrasing, and creating a timeless repertoire that continues to influence musicians across genres. Revered not only for his technical mastery but also for his warmth and humanity, Louis Armstrong remains a symbol of the transformative power of music.Offered is an original 8" x 10" Silver Gelatin photograph of Louis Armstrong playing at the Paramount Theater on July 3, 1952 that was taken by William "Popsie" Randolph (with his stamp on the back).Encapsulated as a TYPE I original photograph by PSA/DNAThis original print derived from Popsie's personal archive and stamped on back with his iconic stamp that he used in the 1940s/50s. ORIGINAL photos of Jazz musicians are rarely seen, as opposed to promotional photos put out by the record companies.About photographer, William "Popsie" Randolph -William "Popsie" Randolph was a legendary photographer who captured the heart of mid-20th-century jazz and entertainment. Born in New York City in 1920, Randolph started in the Benny Goodman Orchestra before finding his calling behind the camera. From the 1940s to the 1980s, his lens documented the icons of jazz, Broadway, and pop, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.Randolph's work stands out for its intimacy, capturing both the glamour and raw, unguarded moments of his subjects. Sought after by artists and labels like Columbia Records and RCA, his images graced album covers, newspapers, and magazines, making him a hidden yet influential force in music photography. Though he passed away in 1978, Randolph's photos remain a vital record of American music culture, inspiring generations of musicians and photographers.