Louis Armstrong with his mother, May Ann, and sister, Beatrice, c. 1920 Louis Armstrong grew up just outside Uptown Storyville, moving into the neighborhood with his mother at the age of six. Surrounded by the music and nightlife of New Orleans’ Black red-light district, he absorbed the sounds that shaped early jazz. As a teenager, Armstrong began playing cornet in nearby clubs and halls, entertaining prostitutes, hustlers, and neighborhood crowds while honing his craft. With mentorship from Joe “King” Oliver, his playing matured quickly, and he soon led his own band—echoing the hot, brassy sound of New Orleans pioneers. From these beginnings on the edge of Storyville, Armstrong rose to become one of the most influential musicians in history, transforming jazz into a global art form. On December 6, 2025, the Improvisations Gala presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation will honor the roots of Storyville and the legends it produced. 🎟 Tickets: ImprovGala2025.eventbrite.com 🔗 Learn...