Louis Armstrong's health began to deteriorate in the late 1950's. He developed heart problems and lip problems. The trumpet is a demanding instrument on the heart and lungs, and most trumpet players begin to lose strength as they near 60. This is not as true today as it used to be because proper techniques are better understood and taught. When Louis Armstrong learned to play the trumpet, however, he just blew as loud and as long as he could. Among other things, this led to calluses forming on his lips. These were surgically removed and affected his playing for long stretches.
In spite of all that, Louis recorded many great albums in the late 1950's. Norman Granz, founder of Verve Records, is partly responsible for that. Granz signed Louis to a short-term contract and recorded him with Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson.
Louis also went back to his old label, Decca, for a couple of interesting collaborations with Sy Oliver, a swing arranger from the big band era.
To explore Louis Armstrong's late 1950's albums more thoroughly, click on the albums above.
