Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life

Excellent book! Great read but my only criticism is that it did not mention recording the James Bond song for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service - We have all the time in the world, I highly recommend this book.

An Incredible Biography of an Incredible ManBy Debra LaComette November 2016I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Upon reading this book, which I really took my time, I felt completely immersed in the life of Louis.Louis from early on seem to live on the edge.He was fortunate in the aspect that he was able to discover at an early age, what his passion was and how it would develop into a lifelong career despite the many obstacles he faced.His attitude and his approach to life and its variables was so incredibly positive.That may have very well been 50% of his success.He also had the uncanny ability to ward off anger, hate and pure racism which seemed to consistently be one step in front of him.Louis also seemed to be unusually obsessed with his horn and his productivity with it. It makes one wonder, where did he get that drive? It appeared to be there day in and day out, he could not stop or rest till the 24 hour day was completed.I felt the author spent much time and effort researching his text and also had the ability to remain objective in his relaying of the information.I would highly recommend this book, not only if one is interested in the history of Jazz, but also to appreciate Louis Armstrong, not only as an incredible musical genius but as an extraordinary human being as well.

Like? LOVE this book because we love this great man. This author went over and above with all the best details and quotes from Louis himself. This is such a well-planned, detailed account of the details of Louis life from being raised in New Orleans, (on his own), to his sudden stardom in Chicago, and the awe that the young man inspired in so many jazz musicians at that of his life (23-years old). He was so humble, but more than that he LOVED playing and singing and expressing his love for his music -- he could not contain his happiness and joy at the sounds of great jazz and his joyful soul was expressed up until the day Louie pass over. A great book! Can't wait to finish it.

This book is a wonderful view of a life of a workaholic. Specific to a level of boredom sometimes, but complete.

I truly felt like Louis Armstrong was someone I knew the entire book. I loved the anecdotes and things about him personally. Really enjoyed the book.

Though Bergen’s writing style is rather bland/uninspired, he does an excellent job narrating Armstrong’s amazing life, with special emphasis, where it should be, on Armstrong’s formative New Orleans, Chicago, and New York experiences into the 1930s. Definitive? Probably not; one suspects there is far more worth telling ...

Really enjoyed this one. I particularly like the balance found by the author between Louis' personal and musical lives, not easy to do but essential in understanding and telling the story of an artist. The author neither flinches nor judges, neither adores nor idolizes. In the end, I had the feeling of knowing this great musician and remarkable man. He lived a rely original and authentic life, and we (particularly we musicians) are much the richer for it.

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What a great book about a great musician. I grew up around jazz music but only really began to fully appreciate it as an adult. In the past few years I've made it a point to read about the jazz greats as much as possible. (My all time favorites are Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk). Admittedly I've always misunderstood Louis Armstrong. I thought that he was a bit of a sell out with his wide eyed grin (which in my youth I labeled in a most unflattering way). But thanks to educating myself, this is not true at all. He was a man who deeply honored and respected who he was and where he came from. To this day no one can touch his artistry and innovation. I enjoy listening to his recordings especially with the history of them, which this book presents so well.

This book falls into the usual cliché's associated with Louis Armstrong. Up until the late 30's early 40's this is a very detailed book on Louis's life, and from that point should be highly recommended; however it loses interest around there, as if Louis's work (and life) beyond that appears deemed insignificant, or of lesser quality and therefore brushed over in a relatively short part of the book in comparison.So only read if you intend to read further about Louis (Ricky Riccardi's What a Wonderful World; The Magic of Louis Armstrong's Later Years makes a good companion) but disappointing as a stand alone book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Unlike many other biographies which are sometimes boring lists of events, this was written almost like a novel. It was lively, colourful and extremely interesting (that might be because I was once a professional musicial myself!) I recommend this book for anyone interested in the birth of jazz, racism in America at the beginning of the 20th century and what it was like for black musicians in those times.

It was a gift, so I haven't read it but, looking through it the book appeared to be in good cdition.

A very interesting read about an excellent musician. If you like reading about famous people you will like this book.