Louis Armstrong's finest album of the '50s was without a doubt Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy (1954). Its carefree, joyous vibe permeates a record that's filled with frivolous trumpet solos, romping rhythms and Armstrong's signature growl.
William Christopher Handy is dubbed the Father Of The Blues for his important role in the development of modern music by developing Blues as the popular format of music in the Roaring Twenties. Armstrong and his All-Stars (trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Arvell Shaw, drummer Barrett Deems and singer Velma Middleton) were clearly inspired by this fresh, bluesy repertoire. Absolute classic Jazz album!
