Remember Pops smiling? This statue immortalizes the great Louis Armstrong. Here, in Louis Armstrong Park, his spirit lives on. The park itself is a tribute to his legacy. It sits in the Tremé neighborhood. This area is just across Rampart Street from the French Quarter.
In the 1960s, urban renewal dramatically changed Tremé. After much debate, the city created this park. It was named after New Orleans’ own Louis Armstrong. He was a jazz legend. Robin Riley designed the park.
The park includes the New Orleans Municipal Auditorium. The Mahalia Jackson Theater is also here. Several buildings belong to the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Congo Square is in front of the auditorium. It is historically significant for African American music and spiritual practices.
The 12-foot statue of Louis Armstrong was created by Elizabeth Catlett. It is a focal point here. You can also find a bust of Sidney Bechet and a depiction of Buddy Bolden. Armstrong Park was the site of the first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1970. The festival moved to the Fairgrounds later. Armstrong Park still hosts events like “Jazz in the Park” and the Treme Creole Gumbo Fest.
Armstrong was born in New Orleans on August 4, 1901. Some say it was July 4. He began playing his horn in the clubs of “Black Storyville”. He honed his skills with Joe “King” Oliver and Kid Ory. Armstrong soon became a worldwide star. He had recording and movie deals. He played for presidents and royalty. He even toured as a U.S. State Department envoy. Being King of Zulu during Mardi Gras meant the most to him.
New Orleans honors Louis Armstrong in many ways. His birthplace has a dedicated plaque. Two statues stand in his honor. One is here. The other is in Algiers, near the Canal Street Ferry landing. In 2001, the New Orleans International Airport was renamed after him. The Satchmo SummerFest began on his birthday weekend.
Armstrong had many hits. These include “Stardust” and “What a Wonderful World.” In 1964, at 62, he had the number one song on the Billboard charts. “Hello Dolly” knocked the Beatles out of the top spot. Bing Crosby called Armstrong “the beginning and the end of music in America.”
Armstrong died in New York City on July 6, 1971. He is buried in Queens, New York. But his heart remained here in New Orleans. He often signed letters “Red Beans and Ricely Yours.” His legacy will endure as long as American music is played.
The Armstrong statue was unveiled on July 4, 2000. It celebrated his centennial. The statue stands at the beginning of the Jazz Walk of Fame. The Canal Street landing is now the Louis Armstrong Wharf. The Algiers Landing is named for Henry “Red” Allen. He was a contemporary of Armstrong.
Armstrong left New Orleans in 1922 due to Jim Crow laws. He returned to perform after the Civil Rights Act of 1965. Armstrong said he would return when New Orleans accepted him. This park and statue are a testament to that acceptance. Take a moment to reflect on his journey. Feel the music in the air. Remember Louis Armstrong’s lasting gift to the world.