Early Years (1901 - 1924)

Louis Daniel Armstrong (8/4/1901 - 6/6/1971) was born into a poor family in New Orleans, LA and spent his youth in a rough uptown neighborhood. His father, William Armstrong (1881-1922), abandoned the family when Louis was an infant and only reentered his son's life at sporadic and brief intervals. Louis and his little sister, Beatrice Armstrong Collins (1903-1987), were cared for by his mother, Mary Albert Armstrong (1886-1942), and his grandmother, Josephine Armstrong.

The New Orleans of Armstrong's youth was alive with music and Armstrong grew up hearing the sounds of seminal jazz trumpeters Buddy Bolden, Bunk Johnson and Joe "King" Oliver. Armstrong's first instrument was purchased for him by a Lithuanian-Jewish family, the Karnofskys, for whom he worked collecting junk and selling coal. Armstrong received more structured training in the band of the New Orleans Home for Colored Waifs, where he spent 18 months after firing a pistol into the air on New Year's Eve, 1912. As a teenager, Armstrong played in brass bands in New Orleans, and toured on a Mississippi River steamboat with the band of Fate Marable.

When King Oliver left New Orleans in 1919, Armstrong took Oliver's place in Kid Ory's popular band. In 1922, Armstrong was invited to follow Oliver to Chicago and join Oliver's Creole Jazz Band. Oliver's band was the best and most influential hot jazz band in Chicago in the early 1920s, at a time when Chicago was the center of jazz.

Armstrong made his first recordings while playing second cornet in Oliver's band in 1923. He also began recording in small groups supporting a number of blues singers - a side activity he would continue in throughout the 1920s. Notable singers inclue Ma Rainey, Alberta Hunter and Bessie Smith. Most of these recordings survive, giving an excellent picture of Armstrong's developing talent (although the surviving pressings of these acoustically-recorded sides are often in poor condition). In June of 1924, Armstrong moved to New York to join the band of Fletcher Henderson and recorded frequently with the Henderson band.

King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
April 5, 1923, Richmond, Indiana

Just Gone (Oliver, Joe "King"; Johnson, Bill) [master 11383-B] -- Gennett 5133
Canal Street Blues (Oliver, Joe "King"; Armstrong, Louis) [master 11384-B] -- Gennett 5133
Mandy Lee Blues (Bloom; Melrose) [master 11385-C] -- Gennett 5134
I'm Going Away To Wear You Off My Mind (Smith; Johnson) [master 11386-C] -- Gennett 5134
Chime Blues (Oliver, Joe "King") [master 11387-A] -- Gennett 5135

Oliver, Joe "King" (Cornet, Leader)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Dutrey, Honore (Trombone)
Dodds, Johnny (Clarinet)
Hardin, Lil (Piano, Arranger)
Scott, Bud (Banjo)
Dodds, Baby (Drums)
Johnson, Bill (Vocals on Dipper Mouth Blues?)

Fresh from faraway New Orleans, long before he was known as Pops, Louie or Satchmo, young Louis found himself a nervous sideman in the band of his mentor, King Oliver, performing in Chicago and the surrounding area. Here, he makes his first recordings, surrounded by musicians with whom he would perform for years. Indeed, the pianist would soon become his second wife. From this session comes four records for the Gennett label. Better studios were in existance when King Oliver led his band in for their first recording sessions, but apparently not in Richmond, Indiana. This building was in such close proximity to nearby railroad tracks that the band had to time their performances not to coincide with trains passing through. (de Davrichewy, discographer for Media 7's Complete Edition series) As has often been related, Armstrong stood far from his bandmates huddled around the acoustic recording horn, so as not to overpower their sound with the enormous strength of his delivery.

King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
April 6, 1923, Richmond, Indiana

Weather Bird Rag (Armstrong, Louis) [master 11388] -- Gennett 5132
Dipper Mouth Blues (Oliver, Joe "King"; Armstrong, Louis) [master 11389-B] -- Gennett 5132
Froggie Moore (Spikes; Moore) [master 11390-B] -- Gennett 5135
Snake Rag (Oliver, Joe "King") [master 11391] -- Gennett 5184

Original release plans left "Snake Rag" the odd track out. It was, not coincidentally, the first number recorded at King Oliver's second set of recordings in Chicago two months later. "Snake Rag" did find eventual release on Gennett, though what number it was paired with is unclear.

King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
June 22 - 29, 1923, Chicago, IL

Snake Rag (Oliver, Joe "King") [master 8391-A] -- Okeh
Sweet Lovin' Man (Melrose; Hardin, Lil) [master 8392-B] -- Okeh
High Society Rag (Band, King Oliver's Jazz) [master 8393-B] -- Okeh
Sobbin' Blues (Kassell; Burton) [master 8394-B] -- Okeh
Where Did You Stay Last Night? (Armstrong, Louis; Hardin, Lil) [master 8401-A] -- Okeh
Dipper Mouth Blues (Armstrong, Louis; Oliver, Joe "King") [master 8402-A] -- Okeh
Jazzin' Babies Blues (Jones, R.M.) [master 8403-A] -- Okeh

Oliver, Joe "King" (Cornet, Leader)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet, Slide Whistle)
Dutrey, Honore (Trombone)
Dodds, Johnny (Clarinet)
Hardin, Lil (Piano, Arranger)
Scott, Bud (Banjo)
Dodds, Baby (Drums)

Louis' second recording session with Oliver's combo, this time producing three records for Columbia subsidiary, OKeh. Where Did You Stay Last Night?, Dipper Mouth Blues, and Jazzin' Babies Blues were recorded at a later session. Westerberg dates the two sessions on June 22 and 23, respectively.

King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
Early September, 1923?, Chicago, IL

Mabel's Dream (Smith, I.) [master 1622-1] -- Paramount 12088
Mabel's Dream (Smith, I.) [master 1622-2] -- Paramount 12088
The Southern Stomps (Jones, J.M) [master 1623-1] -- Paramount 12088
The Southern Stomps (Jones, J.M) [master 1623-2] -- Paramount 12088
Riverside Blues (Dorse; Jones, R.M) [master 1624-2] -- Paramount 20292

Oliver, Joe "King" (Cornet, Leader)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Dutrey, Honore (Trombone)
Dodds, Johnny (Clarinet)
Hardin, Lil (Piano, Arranger)
Jackson, Charlie (Bass Saxophone)
Dodds, Baby (Drums)

A session for Paramount. This recording date is uncertain. Westerberg gives 12/24/23 for this session. Irakli de Davrichewy, discographer for the Media 7 CD series, defends his dating of this session as early September; he makes a convincing case that the earlier attributed date of December 24 is an arbitrary and unlikely choice. Willems concurs with the September date.

King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
October 5, 1923, Richmond, IN

When You Leave Me Alone To Pine [master 11632-ABC] -- Gennett rejected
Alligator Hop (Oliver, Joe "King"; Picou) [master 11633-B] -- Gennett 5274
That Sweet Something, Dear [master 11634-C] -- Gennett 5276 unissued
Zulu's Ball (Oliver, Joe "King"; Robinson) [master 11635-A] -- Gennett 5275
Workingman Blues (Oliver, Joe "King"; Hardin, Lil) [master 11636-B] -- Gennett 5275
Someday Sweetheart [master 11637-ABC] -- Gennett rejected
Krooked Blues (Spikes; Johnson) [master 11638] -- Gennett 5274
If You Want My Heart (You've Got To 'low It, Babe) [master 11639-B] -- Gennett 5276 unissued

Oliver, Joe "King" (Cornet, Leader)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Dutrey, Honore (Trombone)
Dodds, Johnny (Clarinet)
Evans, Stump (C-Melody Saxophone)
St. Cyr, Johnny (Banjo)
Hardin, Lil (Piano)
Jackson, Charlie (Bass Saxophone)
Dodds, Baby (Drums)

Oliver and company made a 250-mile round trip to the Richmond studio to record these eight numbers and hustle back to Chicago for their regular gig at the Lincoln Gardens. The prolific session, however, bore little fruit. Only one disc ever made the stores -- ALLIGATOR HOP/KROOKED BLUES -- though ZULU'S BALL/WORKINGMAN BLUES survives in a single remaining pressing that was not released. THAT SWEET SOMETHING, DEAR/IF YOU WANT MY HEART was assigned a release number, but went unissued. Johnny St. Cyr has here joined the Oliver combo for an extremely brief three weeks, during which he partakes in three sets of recordings for three different labels! His later association with Louis Armstrong will be a notable one.

King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
October, 1923, Chicago, IL

Buddy's Habit (Nelson, A.; Straight, C.) [master 8475-B] -- Okeh 40000
Armstrong, Louis (Slide Whistle)
Tears (Armstrong, Louis; Hardin, Lil) [master 8476-A] -- Okeh 40000
I Ain't Gonna Tell Nobody (Jones, R.M.) [master 8477-B] -- Okeh 8148
Room Rent Blues (Newton, I.) [master 8478-A] -- Okeh 8148
Riverside Blues (Dorsey, T.; Jones, R.M.) [master 8484-A] -- Okeh 40034
Sweet Baby Doll (Thomas, G.W.; LeRoy, W.) [master 8485-A] -- Okeh 8235
Working Man Blues (Oliver, Joe) [master 8486-B] -- Okeh 40034
Mabel's Dream (Smith, Ike) [master 8487-A] -- Okeh 8235

Oliver, Joe "King" (Cornet, Leader)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Dutrey, Honore (Trombone)
Dodds, Johnny (Clarinet)
Hardin, Lil (Piano, Arranger)
Jackson, Charlie (Bass Saxophone)
Dodds, Baby (Drums)

Riverside Blues, Sweet Baby Doll, Working Man Blues and Mabel's Dream were recorded at a later session. Westerberg tentatively places this pair of sessions on October 25-26. deDavrichewy supports the earlier dates, which are now more widely accepted.

King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
October 15, 1923, Chicago, IL

Chattanooga Stomp (Oliver, Joe; Picou, A.) [master 81300-3] -- Columbia 13003-D
Junkman Blues [master 81301-1,2,3] -- Columbia rejected
London (Cafe) Blues (Morton, F.) [master 81302-1,2,3] -- Columbia rejected

Oliver, Joe "King" (Cornet, Leader)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Atkins, Ed (Trombone)
Noone, Jimmy (Clarinet)
St. Cyr, Johnny (Banjo)
Hardin, Lil (Piano)
Dodds, Baby (Drums)

King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
October 16, 1923, Chicago, IL

London (cafe) Blues (Morton, F.) [master 81302-5] -- Columbia 14003-D
Camp Meeting Blues (Oliver, Joe) [master 81303-2] -- Columbia 14003-D
New Orleans Stomp (Hardin, Lil; Armstrong, Louis) [master 81304-2] -- Columbia 13003-D

Oliver, Joe "King" (Cornet, Leader)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Atkins, Ed (Trombone)
Noone, Jimmy (Clarinet)
St. Cyr, Johnny (Banjo)
Hardin, Lil (Piano)
Dodds, Baby (Drums)

Armstrong's final recordings with King Oliver. In June the following year -- under pressure from Lil, whom he married in February -- he broke away from his mentor. By September, he was summoned to New York to join the seminal orchestra of Fletcher Henderson, a move that kicked Armstrong's career into full swing. These two singles conclude a very active six months for the King Oliver crew -- 16 records for four labels. Clearly, not only were recording techniques in their infancy, but so were recording contracts.

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
October 7, 1924, New York, NY

Manda (Blake, Eubie; Sissle, Noble) [master 140092-3] -- Columbia
Go 'long, Mule (Creamer, H.; King, R.) [master 140093-2] -- Columbia 228-D

Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Scott, Howard (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?])
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Redman, Don (Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Oboe)
Hawkins, Coleman (Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

Fresh from Chicago and ready to turn New York on its ear, Armstrong cuts his first tracks with the Henderson ensemble.

Ma Rainey accompanied by her Georgia Jazz Band
October 16, 1924 (?), New York, NY

Tell Me Dreamy Eyes (Kahn; Spitalny; Gordon) [master 105604] -- Pathe 036157
My Rose Marie (Henderson, R.; DeSylva, B.; King) [master 105605] -- Pathe 036156
Don't Forget You'll Regret Day By Day (Dowell) [master 105606-2] -- Pathe 036266
Shanghai Shuffle (Rodemich, G.; Conley, L.) [master 105607-A] -- Pathe 036157
See See Rider Blues (Rainer, Gertrude; Arant, L.) [master 1925-1] -- Paramount 12252
See See Rider Blues (Rainey, Gertrude; Arant, L.) [master 1925-2] -- Paramount 12252
Jelly Bean Blues (Rainey, Gertrude; Arant, L.) [master 1926-2] -- Paramount 12238
Countin' The Blues (Rainey, Gertrude) [master 1927-2] -- Paramount 12238
Countin' The Blues (Rainey, Gertrude) [master 1927-3] -- Paramount 12238

Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Scott, Howard (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?])
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Alto Saxophone, Clarinet)
Redman, Don (Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Oboe)
Hawkins, Coleman (Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)
Rainey, Gertrude "Ma" (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

This band assembled from players in Henderson's Orchestra. Louis already finds himself in demand as a session musician, both with Henderson and on his own.

Clarence Williams' Blue Five
October 17, 1924, New York, NY

Texas Moaner Blues (Williams, C.; Barnes, F.) [master S] -- Okeh 8171

Liston, Virginia (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bechet, Sidney (Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano, Director)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Louis sat in with Charlie Williams' recording combo many times over the coming months, often backing up New York's many blues singers.

Virginia Liston accompanied by Clarence Williams' Blue Five
October 17, 1924, New York, NY

Early In The Morning (Higgins; Overstreet) [master S-72-915-B] -- Okeh 8187
You've Got The Right Key But The Wrong Keyhole (Williams, Clarence) [master S-72-916-B] -- Okeh 8173

Liston, Virginia (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bechet, Sidney (Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano, Director)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
October 30, 1924, New York, NY

Words (Spencer, Otis; Dubin, Al; Tucker, Al) [master 13925] -- Vocalion 14926
Words (Spencer, Otis; Dubin, Al; Tucker, Al) [master 13926] -- Vocalion 14926
Copenhagen (Davis, C.; Melrose, W.) [master 13928] -- Vocalion 14926
Copenhagen (Davis, C.; Melrose, W.) [master 13929] -- Vocalion 14926

Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Scott, Howard (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?])
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Reeds)
Redman, Don (Reeds)
Hawkins, Coleman (Reeds)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

Clarence Williams' Blue Five
November 6, 1924, New York, NY

Of All The Wrong You've Done To Me (Patton; Smith) [master S-72-958-B] -- Okeh 8181
Everybody Loves My Baby (but My Baby Don't Love Nobody But Me) (Palmer, Jack; Williams, Spencer) [master S-72-959-B] -- Okeh 8181

Williams, Clarence (Piano, Director)
Taylor, Eva (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Thompson, Aaron (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Soprano Saxophone)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Josephine Beatty accompanied by the Red Onion Jazz Babies
November 6, 1924 (?), New York, NY

Everybody Loves My Baby (but My Baby Don't Love Nobody But Me) (Palmer, Jack; Williams, Spencer) [master 9167] -- Gennett 5594

Hunter, Alberta (as Josephine Beatty) (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Thompson, Aaron (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Soprano Saxophone)
Armstrong, Lil (Piano)

Probably recorded at the Clarence Williams session on November 6.

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
November 7, 1924, New York, NY

Shanghai Shuffle (Rodemich, G.; Conley, L.) [master 13950] -- Vocalion 14935
Naughty Man (Redmon, Don; Dixon, Charlie) [master 13953] -- Vocalion 14935

Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Scott, Howard (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?])
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Reeds)
Redman, Don (Reeds, Vocal)
Hawkins, Coleman (Reeds)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)

Josephine Beatty accompanied by the Red Onion Jazz Babies
November 8, 1924 (?), New York, NY

Texas Moaner Blues (Williams, Clarence; Barnes, F.) [master 9176-A] -- Gennett 5594

Beatty), Alberta Hunter (as Josephine (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Thompson, Aaron (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Soprano Saxophone)
Armstrong, Lil (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

The Red Onion Jazz Babies
November 8, 1924 (?), New York, NY

Of All The Wrongs You've Done To Me (Payton, L.; Smith, C.; Dowell, E.) [master 9177] -- Gennett 5627

Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Thompson, Aaron (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Soprano Saxophone)
Armstrong, Lil (Piano)

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
November 10 or 11, 1924, New York, NY

One Of These Days (Hoffman, D.A.) [master 5712-1] -- Regal 9753
My Dream Man (Dale, F.) [master 5713-1] -- Regal 9767
My Dream Man (Dale, F.) [master 5713-2] -- Regal 9767

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
November 14, 1924, New York, NY

The Meanest Kind Of Blues (Katzman, L.) [master 140138-4] -- Columbia 249-D
Naughty Man (Redmon, Don; Dixon, Charlie) [master 140139-3] -- Columbia 249-D

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
between November 17 - 22, 1924, New York, NY

How Come You Do Me Like You Do (Austin, G.; Bergere, R.) [master 5728-1] -- Regal 9739
How Come You Do Me Like You Do (Austin, G.; Bergere, R.) [master 5728-2] -- Regal 9739
How Come You Do Me Like You Do (Austin, G.; Bergere, R.) [master 5728-3] -- Regal 9739

There were also two masters of "Araby" recorded at this session (5731-1 and 5731-2) that Armstrong did not perform on (released on Regal 9775 and Oriole 303).

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
between November 22 - 25, 1924, New York, NY

Everybody Loves My Baby (but My Baby Don't Love Nobody But Me) (Williams, Spencer; Palmer, J.) [master 5748-1] -- Ajax 17109
Everybody Loves My Baby (but My Baby Don't Love Nobody But Me) (Williams, Spencer; Palmer, J.) [master 5748-3] -- Regal 9774
Naughty Man (Redmon, Don; Dixon, Charlie) [master 5749-3] -- Regal 9774

Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Scott, Howard (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?], Vocal)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Reeds)
Redman, Don (Reeds)
Hawkins, Coleman (Reeds)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

Margaret Johnson with Clarence Williams Blue Five
November 25, 1924, New York, NY

Papa, Mama's All Alone Blues (Williams, Clarence; Higgins, W.) [master 72996-A] -- OKeh 8185
Changeable Daddy Of Mine (Wooding, S.; Schifer, B.) [master 72997-A] -- OKeh 8185

Johnson, Margaret (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Thompson, Aaron (Trombone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

The Red Onion Jazz Babies
November 26, 1924, New York, NY

Terrible Blues (William, Clarence) [master 9206] -- Gennett 5607
Santa Claus Blues (Straight; Kahn) [master 9207] -- Gennett 5607

Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Thompson, Aaron (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet)
Armstrong, Lil (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Sippie Wallace accompanied by Clarence Williams' Blue Five
November 28, 1924, New York, NY

Baby, I Can't Use You No More (Wallace, M.; Wallace, S.) [master 73007-B] -- OKeh 8212
Trouble Everywhere I Roam (Thomas, H.; Wallace, S.) [master 73008-B] -- OKeh 8212

Wallace, Sippie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Thompson, Aaron (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Soprano Saxophone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
early December, 1924, New York, NY

Prince Of Wails (Schoebel) [master 1973-1] -- Puritan 11367
Prince Of Wails (Schoebel) [master 1973-2] -- Paramount 20367
Prince Of Wails (Schoebel) [master 1973-3] -- Puritan 11367
Mandy, Make Up Your Mind (Meyer, G.W.; Johnston, A.; Clarke, G.; Turk, R.) [master 1974-1] -- Puritan 11367
Mandy, Make Up Your Mind (Meyer, G.W.; Johnston, A.; Clarke, G.; Turk, R.) [master 1974-2] -- Puritan 11367

Armstrong's participation on "Prince of Wails" is very doubtful.

Maggie Jones
December 9, 1924, New York, NY

Poor House Blues (Williams, Spencer) [master 140171-2] -- Columbia 14050-D

Jones, Maggie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)

Maggie Jones
December 10, 1924, New York, NY

Anybody Here Want To Try My Cabbage? (Razaf, Andy; Waller, Thomas; Dowell, E.) [master 140174-2] -- Columbia 14063-D
Thunderstorm Blues (Williams, S.; Ray, A.) [master 140175-2] -- Columbia 14050-D

Jones, Maggie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)

Cabbage is full of the clever double-entendres for which Waller and Razaf were masters. Thunderstorm Blues includes some amusing sound effects that are fairly rare for recordings of this period.

Maggie Jones
December 17, 1924, New York, NY

If I Lose, Let Me Lose (Delaney, T.) [master 140187-1] -- Columbia 14059-D
Screamin' The Blues (Jones, M.; Henderson, F.) [master 140188-1] -- Columbia 14055-D
Good Time Flat Blues (Williams, S.) [master 140191-2] -- Columbia 14055-D

Jones, Maggie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)

Armstrong did not play on matrix numbers 140189 and 140190.

Eva Taylor with Clarence Williams' Blue Five
December 17, 1924, New York, NY

Mandy, Make Up Your Mind (Meyer, G.W.; Johnston, A.; Clarke, G.; Turk, R.) [master 730026-B] -- OKeh 40260
I'm A Little Blackbird Looking For A Bluebird (Meyer, G.W.; Johnston, A.; Clarke, G.; Turk, R.) [master 730027-B] -- OKeh 40260

Taylor, Eva (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bechet, Sidney (Soprano Saxophone, Sarrusophone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Josephine Beatty accompanied by The Red Onion Jazz Babies
December 22, 1924, New York, NY

Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning (Delaney, T.; Delaney, P.) [master 9246] -- Gennett 5626
Early Every Morn (Higgins, B.; Overstreet, W.B.) [master 9247-A] -- Gennett 5626

Hunter, Alberta (as Josephine Beatty) (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bechet, Sidney (Soprano Saxophone)
Armstrong, Lil (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

The Red Onion Jazz Babies
December 22, 1924, New York, NY

Cake Walking Babies From Home (Williams, C.; Smith, C.; Troy, H.) [master 9248-A] -- Gennett 5627

Hunter, Alberta (as Josephine Beatty) (Vocal)
Todd, Clarence (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bechet, Sidney (Soprano Saxophone)
Armstrong, Lil (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Clara Smith
January 7, 1925, New York, NY

Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning (Delaney, T.; Delaney, P.) [master 140226-1] -- Columbia 14058-D
Broken Busted Blues (Dowell, E.) [master 140227-2] -- Columbia 14062-D

Smith, Clara (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)

Eva Taylor with Clarence Williams' Blue Five
January 8, 1925, New York, NY

Cake Walking Babies From Home (Williams, C.; Smith, C.; Troy, H.) [master 73083-A] -- OKeh 40321
Pickin' On Your Baby (James, B.; Reynolds, P.V.) [master 73084-B] -- OKeh 40330

Taylor, Eva (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bechet, Sidney (Soprano Saxophone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Bessie Smith
January 14, 1925, New York, NY

St. Louis Blues (Handy, W.C.) [master 140241-1] -- Columbia 14064-D
Reckless Blues (Longshaw, F.; Gee, J.) [master 140242-1] -- Columbia 14056-D
Sobbin' Hearted Blues (Bradford, P.; Layer; Davis) [master 140249-2] -- Columbia 14056-D
Cold In Hand Blues (Longshaw, F.; Gee, J.) [master 140250-2] -- Columbia 14064-D
You've Been A Good Ole Wagon (Smith, Bessie; Balcom) [master 140251-1] -- Columbia 14079-D

Smith, Bessie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Longshaw, Fred (Piano, Harmonium)

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
mid January, 1925, New York, NY

Everybody Loves My Baby (but My Baby Don't Love Nobody But Me) (Williams, Spencer; Palmer, J.) [master 1995] -- Paramount rejected
How Come You Do Me Like You Do (Austin, G.; Bergere, R.) [master 1996] -- Paramount rejected
I'll See You In My Dreams (Jones, I.; Kahn, G.) [master 5810-1] -- Regal 9775
Why Couldn't It Be Poor Little Me? (Jones, I.; Kahn, G.) [master 5811-2] -- Regal 9770
I'll See You In My Dreams (Jones, I.; Kahn, G.) [master 5810-5] -- Regal 9775
I'll See You In My Dreams (Jones, I.; Kahn, G.) [master 5810-6] -- Regal 9775
Why Couldn't It Be Poor Little Me? (Jones, I.; Kahn, G.) [master 5811-4] -- Banner 1476
Why Couldn't It Be Poor Little Me? (Jones, I.; Kahn, G.) [master 5811-5] -- Regal 9770
Why Couldn't It Be Poor Little Me? (Jones, I.; Kahn, G.) [master 5811-6] -- Regal 9770

Masters 1995 and 1996 have never been released

Clara Smith
January 17, 1925, New York, NY

My John Blues (Dowell, E.) [master 140266-1-2] -- Columbia rejected
Shipwrecked Blues (Williams, Spencer) [master 140267-1-2] -- Columbia rejected

Smith, Clara (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)

These two tracks were rejected by Columbia and have never been heard since. This instrumental lineup is probably correct, and is the same group, along with trombonist Charlie Green, that worked on the remake session in April.

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
January 23, 1925, New York, NY

Bye And Bye (Pease; Nelson; Vincent) [master 140356-2] -- Columbia 292-D
Play Me Slow (Hagen; O'Flynn) [master 140357-2] -- Columbia 292-D
Play Me Slow (Hagen; O'Flynn) [master 140357-3] -- Columbia 292-D

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
February 2, 1925, New York, NY

Alabamy Bound (DeSylva, B.; Green, B.; Henderson, R.) [master 5835-2] -- Domino 3458
Alabamy Bound (DeSylva, B.; Green, B.; Henderson, R.) [master 5835-3] -- Regal 9789
Alabamy Bound (DeSylva, B.; Green, B.; Henderson, R.) [master 5835-4] -- Regal 9789
Swanee Butterfly (Donaldson; Rose) [master 5836-1] -- Apex 8317
Swanee Butterfly (Donaldson; Rose) [master 5836-2] -- Regal 9803
Swanee Butterfly (Donaldson; Rose) [master 5836-3] -- Regal 9803

There is little aural evidence to suggest that Armstrong plays on the three takes of SWANEE BUTTERFLY. It is left out of most discographies. Discographer Hans Westerberg places the date of this session between February 2 and 6.

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
February 4, 1925, New York, NY

Poplar Street Blues (Short; Mont) [master 105829] -- Pathe 036214
12th Street Blues (Heagney, B.) [master 105829] -- Pathe 036214
Me Neenyah (my Little One) (Spencer; Brown) [master 105831] -- Pathe 06213

Armstrong likely does not play on master 105831

Trixie Smith and Her Down Home Syncopators
mid February, 1925, New York, NY

You've Got To Beat Me To Keep Me (Grainger, P.) [master 2015-2] -- Paramount 12256
Mining Camp Blues (Smith, Trixie) [master 2016-1] -- Paramount 12256
Mining Camp Blues (Smith, Trixie) [master 2016-2] -- Paramount 12256

Smith, Trixie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)

Hans Westerberg dates this between 2/9-14/25.

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
February 20, 1925, New York, NY

King Porter Stomp (Morton; Henderson) [master 399] -- Vocalion unissued
King Porter Stomp (Morton; Henderson) [master 400] -- Vocalion unissued
King Porter Stomp (Morton; Henderson) [master 401] -- Vocalion unissued
She's My Sheba, I'm Her Sheik [master 402] -- Vocalion unissued
She's My Sheba, I'm Her Sheik [master 403] -- Vocalion unissued
She's My Sheba, I'm Her Sheik [master 404] -- Vocalion unissued

This session's efforts were unused and have been lost in the dust of time.

Eva Taylor with Clarence Williams' Blue Five
March 4, 1925, New York, NY

Cast Away (Brown, J.; Easton, S.; Stewart, J.) [master 73204-A] -- OKeh 40330
Papa-de-da-da (Williams, S.; Todd, C.; Williams, C.) [master 73205-A] -- OKeh 8215

Taylor, Eva (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet)
Redman, Don (Soprano Saxophone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Trixie Smith and Her Down Home Syncopators
Between March 16 & 22, 1925, New York, NY

The World's Jazz Crazy (and So Am I) (Huff, W.H.; Blythe, J.) [master 2063-1] -- Paramount 12262
The World's Jazz Crazy (and So Am I) (Huff, W.H.; Blythe, J.) [master 2063-2] -- Paramount 12262
The Railroad Blues (Smith, Trixie) [master 2064-1] -- Paramount 12262
The Railroad Blues (Smith, Trixie) [master 2064-2] -- Paramount 12262

Smith, Trixie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)

Hans Westerberg dates this 2/25/25.

Clara Smith
April 2, 1925, New York, NY

Shipwrecked Blues (Williams, Spencer) [master 140491-1] -- Columbia 14077-D
Court House Blues (Smith, Clara) [master 140492-1] -- Columbia 14073-D
Court House Blues (Smith, Clara) [master 140492-2] -- Columbia

Smith, Clara (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)

Clara Smith
April 2, 1925, New York, NY

My John Blues (Dowell, E.) [master 140493-1] -- Columbia 14077-D

Smith, Clara (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
April 18, 1925, New York, NY

Memphis Bound (Banta; DeRose) [master 729W] -- Vocalion 15030
When You Do What You Do (Parish, Mitchell; Johnsen, Georgy) [master 732W] -- Vocalion 15030

Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Smith, Joe (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?])
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Reeds)
Redman, Don (Reeds)
Hawkins, Coleman (Reeds)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
May 19, 1925, New York, NY

I'll Take Her Back If She Wants To Come Back (Monaco, J.V.; Leslie, E.) [master W 140616-1] -- Columbia 383-D
Money Blues (Leader; Coleman; Eller) [master W 140617-1] -- Columbia 383-D
Money Blues (Leader; Coleman; Eller) [master W 140617-2] -- Columbia 383-D

Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Smith, Joe (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?])
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Reeds)
Redman, Don (Reeds)
Hawkins, Coleman (Reeds)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

Bessie Smith
May 26, 1925, New York, NY

Nashville Woman's Blues (Longshaw, F.W.) [master W-140625-2] -- Columbia 14090-D
Nashville Woman's Blues (Longshaw, F.W.) [master W-140625-3] -- Columbia 14090-D
Careless Love Blues (Handy, W.C.) [master W-140626-1] -- Columbia 14083-D
Careless Love Blues (Handy, W.C.) [master W-140626-2] -- Columbia 14083-D

Smith, Bessie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Longshaw, Fred (Piano)

Bessie Smith
May 27, 1925, New York, NY

J.C. Holmes Blues (Horsley, G.) [master W-140629-2] -- Columbia 14095-D
I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle (if I Can't Play The Lead) (Bradford, P.) [master W-140630-1] -- Columbia 14083-D

Smith, Bessie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Longshaw, Fred (Piano)

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
May 29, 1925, New York, NY

Sugarfoot Stomp (Oliver, Joe; Armstrong, Louis) [master W-140639-2] -- Columbia 395-D
What-cha-call-'em Blues (Roberts, S.L.) [master W140640-2] -- Columbia 395-D

Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Smith, Joe (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?])
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Reeds)
Redman, Don (Reeds, Vocals (?))
Hawkins, Coleman (Reeds)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
August 6, 1925, New York, NY

Red Hot Henry Brown [master W-140812] -- Columbia rejected
Loud Speakin' Papa [master W-140813] -- Columbia rejected

Billy Jones with the Southern Serenaders
August 7, 1925, New York, NY

I Miss My Swiss (Baer, A.; Gilbert, L.W.) [master 140819-2] -- Harmony 4H
Alone At Last (Fio Rito, T.; Kahn, G.) [master 140820-2] -- Harmony 5H

Jones, Billy (Vocal (?))
Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Smith, Joe (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet [Trumpet?])
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Reeds)
Redman, Don (Reeds)
Hawkins, Coleman (Reeds)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano, Director)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

The label credit on I MISS MY SWISS is "The Southern Serenaders (Incidental Vocal by Billy Jones)". There is a lot of speculation about Billy Jones' backing on this record. Sam Lanin, whose orchestra has been merged with Henderson's in many reports, flatly denied participation, so it is unlikely that Henderson's combo was appended for this occasion.

Grant and Wilson with Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra
September - October, 1925, New York, NY

You Dirty Mistreater (Wilson, Wesley) [master 2279-1] -- Paramount 12324
Come On Coot Do That Thing (Grant, Coot) [master 2280-2] -- Paramount 12317
Have Your Chill, I'll Be Here When Your Fever Rises (Wilson, Wesley) [master 2281-2] -- Paramount 12317
Find Me At The Greasy Spoon (if You Miss Me Here) (Wilson, Wesley) [master 2282-1] -- Paramount 12337
Find Me At The Greasy Spoon (if You Miss Me Here) (Wilson, Wesley) [master 2282-2] -- Paramount 12337

Grant, Leola B. Coot (Vocal)
Wilson, Wesley "Kid" (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

Coot Grant
October, 1925, New York, NY

Speak Now Or Hereafter Hold Your Peace (Wilson, Wesley) [master 2283-1] -- Paramount
When Your Man Is Going To Put You Down, (You Never Can Tell) (Grant, Coot) [master 2284-1] -- Paramount

Grant, Leola B. "Coot" (Vocal)
Smith, Joe (Cornet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Henderson, Fletcher (Piano)

The jury is out as to whether to award Armstrong or Joe Smith cornet credit on these two sides. The fine "Louis Armstrong and the Blues Singers" omits the two numbers from their set entirely; deDavrichewy, in the "Complete Edition" liner notes, rallies unwaveringly to the side of Armstrong.

Eva Taylor with Clarence Williams' Blue Five
October 6, 1925, New York, NY

Just Wait 'til You See My Baby Do The Charleston (Todd, C.; Simmons, R.; Williams, C.) [master 73686-B] -- OKeh 8272
Livin' High (sometimes) (Pinkard, M.; Belledna, A.) [master 73687-B] -- OKeh 8272

Taylor, Eva (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet, Saxophone)
Redman, Don (Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet)
Williams, Clarence (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Perry Bradford's Jazz Phools
October 7, 1925, New York, NY

Lucy Long (Bradford, Perry) [master E-1434] -- Vocalion unissued
Lucy Long (Bradford, Perry) [master E-1435] -- Vocalion unissued
Lucy Long (Bradford, Perry) [master E-1436] -- Vocalion unissued
I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle (if I Can't Play The Lead) (Bradford, Perry) [master E-1437] -- Vocalion unissued
I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle (if I Can't Play The Lead) (Bradford, Perry) [master E-1438] -- Vocalion unissued
I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle (if I Can't Play The Lead) (Bradford, Perry) [master E-1439] -- Vocalion unissued

Bradford, Perry (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet)
Redman, Don (Alto Saxophone)
Johnson, James P. (Piano)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

What happened to this session and why the results were rejected by Vocalion are unknown. What is known, however, is that the band reassembled a month later to re-record the single. The session men listed above are speculative.

Eva Taylor with Clarence Williams' Blue Five
October 8, 1925, New York, NY

Coal Cart Blues (Armstrong, Louis; Hardin, Lil) [master 73694-B] -- OKeh 8245
Santa Claus Blues (Straight, C.; Kahn, G.) [master 73695-B] -- OKeh 8245

Taylor, Eva (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Irvis, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Soprano Saxophone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Eva Taylor with Clarence Williams' Blue Five
October 16, 1925, New York, NY

Santa Claus Blues (Straight, C.; Kahn, G.) [master 73721-A] -- OKeh 8254

Taylor, Eva (Vocal)
Todd, Clarence (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Williams, Clarence (Piano, Vocal)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

A very slow reworking of the song recorded a week earlier, also released for the Christmas market.

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
October 21, 1925, New York, NY

T.N.T. (Schoebel, E.) [master W-141170-1] -- Columbia 509-D
Carolina Stomp (Bloom; Costello) [master W-141171-4] -- Columbia 509-D

Armstrong's final recording session with Fletcher Henderson. During his year with one of the top bands in America's largest city, Armstrong built his own reputation as the most exciting horn player in the country. Within weeks, he will launch his own recording combo, and never again "play second fiddle" in anyone's band.

Eva Taylor with Clarence Williams' Blue Five
October 26, 1925, New York, NY

Squeeze Me (Williams, Clarence; Waller, Thomas) [master 73738-A] -- OKeh 8254
You Can't Shush Katie (the Gabbiest Girl In Town) (White, H.; Creamer, Harry; Warren, H.) [master 73739-A] -- OKeh 8342

Taylor, Eva (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Redman, Don (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)
Hawkins, Coleman (Tenor Saxophone)
Williams, Clarence (Piano)
Christian, Buddy (Banjo)

Of particular interest is the co-author of the first of these two songs, the man better known as "Fats" Waller, here with one of his first compositions. It was paired with the slow version of SANTA CLAUS BLUES for the OKeh release.

Perry Bradford's Jazz Phools
November 2, 1925, New York, NY

Lucy Long (Bradford, Perry) [master E1580W/2] -- Vocalion 15165
I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle (if I Can't Play The Lead) [master E1583W/5] -- Vocalion 15165

Bradford, Perry (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Clarinet)
Redman, Don (Alto Saxophone)
Johnson, James P. (Piano)
Speed, Sam(?) (Banjo)
Dixon, Charlie(?) (Banjo)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)

The second effort to record these songs pays off with a Vocalion release. This is Louis Armstrong's final recording session in New York City before heading west to Chicago and his wife Lil, who is already arranging a new combo to record what will become some of the definitive early jazz masters.

Bertha "Chippie" Hill
November 9, 1925, Chicago, Illinois

Low Land Blues (Jones, Richard M.) [master 9456-A] -- OKeh 8273
Kid Man Blues (Jones, Richard M.) [master 9457-A] -- OKeh 8273

Hill, Chippie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Jones, Richard M. (Piano)

Picking up where he left off in New York, Louis finds himself in hot demand as a session player in Chicago. Armstrong joins Richard Jones in backing up two different singers in this Okeh session, all four sides composed by Jones. Jones comping on these tracks is quite pedestrian and his sides with Hill and Calloway are almost indistinguishable from each other, although somewhat redeemed by Armstrong's tasty fills.

Blanche Calloway
November 9, 1925, Chicago, Illinois

Lazy Woman's Blues (Jones, Richard M.) [master 9458-A] -- Okeh 8279
Lonesome Lovesick Blues (Jones, Richard M.) [master 9459-A] -- Okeh 8279

Calloway, Blanche (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Jones, Richard M. (Piano)

Hociel Thomas Acc. By Louis Armstrong's Jazz Four
November 11, 1925,

Gambler's Dream (Thomas) [master 9471-A] -- OKeh 8289
Sunshine Baby (Thomas) [master 9472-A] -- Okeh 8326
Adam And Eve Had The Blues (Thomas) [master 9473-A] -- Okeh 8358
Put It Where I Can Get It (Thomas) [master 9474-A] -- Okeh 8358
Washwoman Blues (Thomas; Bollinger) [master 9475-A] -- Okeh 8389
I've Stopped My Man (Thomas) [master 9476-A] -- Okeh 8326

Thomas, Hociel (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Dodds, Johnny (Clarinet)
Thomas, Hersal (Piano)
St. Cyr, Johnny (Banjo)

Three more discs for OKeh.