CORONA, Queens (PIX11) -- The trumpet was his instrument of choice, his gravelly voice his signature.
Louis Armstrong left a legacy as one of the most important figures in the history of jazz. Now the story of his life is coming to Broadway.
"A Wonderful World" is scheduled to open in November. But you don't have to wait until then to learn about the legendary entertainer. There's a museum that honors him in Corona, Queens.
Without question, Armstrong was among the most influential figures in jazz. He grew out of poverty in New Orleans to become a national musical icon.
Armstrong was a New Yorker who lived for nearly three decades in a working-class neighborhood of Corona, Queens. His home is now a city and national landmark.
Last year, the modern Louis Armstrong Center museum opened just across the street, inviting musicians, jazz enthusiasts and neighbors to explore Armstrong's story from a fresh perspective.
The personal collection includes recordings, photographs, 120 awards, and much more.
Adriana Carrillo, who directs tours at the museum and is an Armstrong historian, said the exhibit highlights the peak of his career in the 1950s. On display are personal items such as his passport, the suitcase he used in travel, recordings, photographs and more than 100 awards. Also on display is a trumpet presented to Armstrong by King George V.
"All of the archives he left shows us a very unique perspective of the 20th century, of the music, of life. Just having his archives is a window into a century of music. There’s nothing like it in the world," Carrillo said.
There are black and white images on screens of Armstrong's performances, and awards he received, including a coveted 1965 Grammy for best male vocal performance of "Hello, Dolly!" It was presented to him by Barbra Streisand.
Armstrong's rich, gravelly voice and his skillful improvisations won "Satchmo," as he was known, many awards and honors.
In 1967, Satchmo's favorite song wasn't wonderfully received in the United States. It was a flop. And he didn't live to see any honors for his all-time favorite which he performed with relish, "What a Wonderful World." He recorded it in 1967. When it was released, it was a hit in Europe but a flop in the U.S.
"He always believed in the song, the writers who recorded it," Carrillo said. "He never lived to see it become a popular song. Twenty years after song was released it was used in the movie 'Good Morning, Vietnam' with Robin Williams and that did it. It was a hit."
In 1988, Armstrong's recording earned a gold record status after selling half a million copies.
"The lyrics reminded him of life in his Corona neighborhood," Carrillo said. "He loved the kids and loved showing them the music. He would bring his trumpet out on the stoop and invite the kids to have ice cream and sign autographs."
Included in the museum tour is a visit to Armstrong's actual home where he lived with his fourth wife, Lucille. It's like being in a time warp, frozen in time. It includes furnishings of the 1950s and shelves filled with memorabilia from his worldwide travels.
Armstrong certainly has left his mark on American culture. As Carrillo puts it, "He put jazz music on the map."
Armstrong died more than half a century ago, but his timeless music lives on. And his rich legacy is preserved in the museum that shares his archives as an inspiration to modern-day musicians.
The museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations for a visit are required. You can reach out at [email protected] or 718-478-8274.
The Louis Armstrong House Museum is located at 34-56 107th Street in Corona, Queens.
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