Today in Black History: February 15th
1964 – Louis Armstrong’s “Hello, Dolly!” Makes Billboard Chart
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.
1965– Nat “King” Cole Passes
Renowned for his velvety silk vocal style, Nat “King” Cole became a legendary jazz pianist and singer. Born into a musical family in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1919, he began playing the piano at an early age. From The Musical Dukes, to The King Trio’s notable 1943 hit “Straighten Up and Fly Right”, his hits include “Stardust” and “Ain’t Misbehavin” in the 50s.
Despite being labeld an “Uncle Tom,” Cole was active in civil rights and joined fellow entertainers in rejecting segregated audiences. In 1956, he was the first African American to host a nationally broadcast television talk show, The Nat King Cole Show, and later appeared in popular films like China Gate (1957) and Cat Ballou (1965). At 45, Cole passed away in Santa Monica on February 15, 1965 from to lung cancer.
