One of Louisiana’s most celebrated musicians, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, was born Aug. 4, 1901, in New Orleans.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, Armstrong helped shape the sound of modern jazz with his innovative trumpet playing, unmistakable gravelly voice and charismatic stage presence.

During a career that spanned five decades, he became an international ambassador for American music, starring in films and recording timeless classics such as “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly!”

His influence on jazz and popular music continues to be felt around the world more than 50 years after his death in 1971.