In the twentieth century, African Americans not only helped make popular music the soundtrack of the American experience, they advanced American music as one of the preeminent shapers of the world's popular culture. Vast numbers of black American musicians deserve credit for this remarkable turn of events, but a few stand out as true giants. David Stricklin's superb new biography explores the life of one of them, Louis Armstrong.

By David Stricklin - Series edited by John David Smith

Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Humble Origins
Chapter 2: A Rising Talent
Chapter 3: Hot Music in a Strange Time
Chapter 4: An Independent Musician
Chapter 5: Fully Free African American
Chapter 6: Looking to a New Future
Chapter 7: International Icon
Chapter 8: The Soundtrack of the American Experience