Today in Black History: February 22nd
1950 – Julius Winfield Erving II Born
Hailed as the “King of Jazz,” Louis Armstrong’s gravelly voice and charismatic stage presence set him apart as a compelling vocalist with classics like “What a Wonderful World,” “La Vie En Rose,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In”. Born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, his talent quickly garnered attention, leading him to join influential groups like King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band in Chicago.
On December 3, 1963 in a New York studio Louis Armstrong and the All Stars, at the request of Joe Glaser, recorded “Hello Dolly,” from a yet-to-premiere Broadway show. Despite initial skepticism, the song climbed the Billboard charts and dethroned The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” after fourteen consecutive weeks at No.1.
1989– Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff Win First Rap Grammy
In 1989, the first hip-hop song to win a Grammy Award was DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand” for Best Rap Performance. This moment marked a significant milestone for hip-hop. However, the decision not to televise the rap awards sparked criticism. Despite the controversy, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s win opened doors for hip-hop artists.
