Louis Armstrong - steel guitarist?

[Doug Beaumier]

...not really, but here are some interesting and historical pictures from the Louis Armstrong House Museum.

Satchmo recorded a "Country and Western" album in New York in 1970, using Nashville musicians. Stu Basore on pedal steel. It looks like Armstrong had some fun on this session. Photos by Jack Bradley.

LISTEN ---> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJBw65H ... 4Q8fn9rEyR

[Jack Hanson]

Great photos! Thanks for sharing.

[Doug Beaumier]

The amp looks like a 1968 Deluxe Reverb.

[Daniel Flanigan]

Thanks for the neat pictures, Doug. Louis has always been one of my favorites, and it's nice to see him messin' around on steel.

[Bill McCloskey]

The Louis Armstrong House is a treasure and worth the trip for any jazz fan. It left me in tears when I visited.

[Duane Becker]

Pretty funny! Thanks for posting, I had no idea Armstrong did a country album!

[Doug Beaumier]

Reminds me a little bit of Ray Charles’ country albums. Ray had great success with country covers, some big hits. I think he even got a CMA award.

[Dave Mudgett]

Great, great shots - thanks Doug. Yeah, definitely a '68 drip-panel Deluxe Reverb Amp.

Ray Charles' Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music (two volumes) are timeless masterpieces. I imagine their success was a significant part of what led many soul/jazz/R&B people to record country music. But I'm sure a big part of the reason was how great, in fact, so many of the classic country songs actually are. In terms of the songs themselves, I see a lot of commonality between classic country and classic soul/R&B repertoire. Personally, I view them as different sides of the same coin.

[Daniel Flanigan]

Ray Charles' Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music (two volumes) are timeless masterpieces. I imagine their success was a significant part of what led many soul/jazz/R&B people to record country music. But I'm sure a big part of the reason was how great, in fact, so many of the classic country songs actually are. In terms of the songs themselves, I see a lot of commonality between classic country and classic soul/R&B repertoire. Personally, I view them as different sides of the same coin.

You're right, Dave. A humorous quote from the back of an album comes to mind regarding the melding of Soul and Country & Western. This is from the LP "Sounds of Doug Jernigan and Gary Adams";

"Country and Western has for a long time shared an affinity with 'Soul' or 'Black' music and an ever increasing number of black artists are being attracted to 'C' and 'W' as attested by one; Charlie Pride. It is my opinion that the reason for this attraction is the feeling which is the basis of Country Music or any music that generates emotion. The feeling is called 'Soul', and music without it is flavorless.
The production of this album combines these two vital musics and the fire of these seasoned musicians, three white and two black, into some highly enjoyable and interesting listening.
During the 'session' bassist Larry Randolph quipped with a remark which broke everyone up, including yours truly. 'If this is Country and Western, you can call me a SOULBILLY!!! As for Gary and Doug, call them hillbillies if you like. They don't mind, because they can play" - DON HALES.

[scott murray]

there's an entire box set of Ray's country recordings spanning from 1959 to 1986. he included country material on many albums over the years and it's a fantastic collection https://www.discogs.com/release/8692641 ... -1959-1986

my only gripe is they left off the great Jimmy Webb tune See You Then from Ray's Volcanic Action Of My Soul album with Buddy Emmons. the album has never been made available digitally in its entirety... it's way overdue.

[J Fletcher]

Hmmm...Emmons Guitar Co. could use these pics for promotion.

[Doug Beaumier]

That rosewood Emmons with the black necks has been discussed here in the past. Or maybe Emmons made a few like that...?

[Doug Beaumier]

There are more photos from Louis Armstrong's country session on the LAH Museum website. Also lots of backstory on how the album idea originated and how Satchmo selected the tunes, etc. ----> https://virtualexhibits.louisarmstrongh ... 024/06/11/ When you get to the page, click on "Continue reading".

The article says that Armstrong was paid $20,000 to record the album. That's $166,000 in 2024 dollars!

[Bob Shilling]

And, don't forget Satchmo's 1931 recording with Jimmie Rodgers "Blue Yodel #9." Louis was in on the birth of Country Music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It24N7o29Pk

[Doug Beaumier]

And, don't forget Satchmo's 1931 recording with Jimmie Rodgers "Blue Yodel #9." Louis was in on the birth of Country Music.

I did not know that! Add that to the long list of things I’ve learned on this forum.

[Chris Brooks]

Great photos and info, Doug!

[Jon Zimmerman]

Strange and compelling Doug, much like the photos you’d post back when b0b had a Humor section. Marvelous

[Jack Hanson]

Louis selected a fine instrument in that wood-necked push-pull, but it's a shame it wasn't black!

Fans of the immortal Louis are unlikely to be impressed by this album. It may possibly please fans of Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Mrs. Miller, Tiny Tim, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG0CJkTfDXs

[Ethan Shaw]

As a side note, I always thought it was cool that there was (acoustic) steel guitar on some of the early Louis Armstrong recordings. I did some research for my radio show and found out it was Ceele Burke.

[Terry Wood]

Cool Like Lemon Pie Baby!

[Matthew Walton]

I think I make this face at least once per song!

[Mike Sweeney]

That is Stu Basore and his wood neck Emmons.