Louis Armstrong

14 2.6

A famous American jazz musician who played the trumpet, wrote music, and led bands

proper noun
/ˈluːɪs ˈɑːrmstrɒŋ/

: Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong transformed jazz with his innovative trumpet playing and distinctive voice.

Examples

Louis Armstrong is celebrated for his powerful trumpet solos and unique vocal style that shaped the sound of jazz.
Did you know Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans?
Many regard Louis Armstrong as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
The influence of Louis Armstrong can still be heard in modern jazz bands.
I love listening to Louis Armstrong play the trumpet.
Countless artists cite Louis Armstrong as an inspiration for their own music and creativity in the jazz genre.
In 1964, Louis Armstrong won a Grammy Award, solidifying his status as a jazz music icon.

Synonyms

Satchmo

vsLouis Armstrong

4 9.5

The nickname of Louis Armstrong, a famous American jazz trumpet player

is the formal full name used in biographies and histories

Surface Forms

Louis Armstrong main

Morphology

Louis + Armstrong

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the literal meanings of 'Louis' and 'Armstrong' do not allow a B1 learner to infer that he was a famous American jazz trumpeter. Proper names are referential and arbitrary, so the meaning must be learned from exposure or world knowledge rather than composed from the constituents.

Etymology

Louis Armstrong is the name of a famous American jazz trumpet player and singer who helped make jazz popular. Think of him with a bright trumpet and a big smile leading a lively band — that image helps explain why his name now stands for great early jazz and a joyful, powerful sound.