LOUIS "SATCHMO" ARMSTRONG - PROGRAM SIGNED CIRCA 1956 CO-SIGNED BY: VELMA MIDDLETON - HFSID 143394

LOUIS Armstrong and VELMA MIDDLETON
Program from Louis Armstrong's British Tour in 1956
Program signed: "Louis Armstrong" and "Velma Middleton", 20p, 8½x10½. "Louis Armstrong and his All Stars, featuring Velma Middleton", signed on the inside front cover showing a full-page image of him. A Lee Gordon & Benn Reyes presentation in London as part of Armstrong's British Tour in 1956. LOUIS "SATCHMO" ARMSTRONG (1901-1971) signedthis program while on his first British tour (1956), for which Satchmo brought his band, the All-Stars, and blues singer Velma Middleton (1917-1961). Following World War II (1939-1945), Armstrong's international tours helped him become known as the Ambassador of Goodwill. Satchmo, short for "Satchelmouth", invented "Scat" singing, a jazz style that imitates instrument sounds. His raspy voice and white handkerchief became his trademarks. His talent spoke for itself, but Satchmo's warm and engaging personality was the coup de grace. In the mid- to late-1950s, he performed in several films, including The Glenn Miller Story (1954) - with the All-Stars - and High Society (1956), both of which are featured in this program. Armstrong started in New Orleans playing trumpet in marching bands, later joining King Oliver's Creole Jazz Bank in 1922. Armstrong and the All Stars' hits include his signature tune, "When Its Sleepy Time Down South", "Gut Bucket Blues" and "What a Wonderful World". "Hello, Dolly!", his million-seller recording was released with the 1969 film of the same name. VELMA MIDDLETON spent most of her career as Armstrong's singer. After freelancing, she joined his big band in 1942. After Armstrong broke up the orchestra in 1947, Middleton joined his All-Stars. She was often used for comedy relief (in duets with Satchmo such as "That's My Desire" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside") and occasional features. Middleton also recorded eight selections as a leader for the Dootone label in 1948 and 1951. Creased. Mid-vertical fold not at signatures. 3/8x½-inch hole at one staple, 3-inch paper separation below lower staple. Upper left corner missing. Framed in Gallery of History style: 24¾x26½