American Jazz History in Corona- The Louis Armstrong House

Ms. Selma, Louis and Lucille Armstrong's friend and neighbor.

Louis Armstrong—the world’s most famous jazz musician—was an international celebrity who could have lived anywhere. Yet in 1943, he and his wife, Lucille, settled in a modest house in Corona, Queens, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. No one has lived in the house since the Armstrongs, and the house and its furnishings remain very much as they were during Louis and Lucille’s lifetime. Starr and I went to 34-56 107th st in Corona to check out the Louis Armstrong House Museum. It is open to the public, offering guided tours of Louis’s longtime home. Admission is 8 dollars for adults and 6 dollars for students and seniors. Parking is convenient since the home is located on a residential street. On the tour, audio clips from Louis’s homemade recordings are played, and visitors hear Louis practicing his trumpet, enjoying a meal, or talking with his friends.  One of my favorite parts of the tour is when the guide spoke of Armstrongs' friendship with entertainer Tony Bennett, describing back yard summer parties where they would sing and encourage neighborhood kids to take part.

Tour information and ticket center.

     This house is a real piece of American Musical History. If you are looking for a quiet kinda day, where you will learn some cool stuff and perhaps meet a few people that could tell you a thing or two about Jazz music first hand, Check out the Louis Armstrong House.     Ms. Selma was Lucille and Louis' close friend and neighbor, she lived on the block before Louis Armstrong moved there. Starr and I were lucky enough to have a chat with her. She told us that the Armstongs were the kindest, giving neighbors anyone could wish for. Louis would come home from being on tour, play his trumpet on the stoop, buy all the kids on the block ice cream, and laugh at just about everything, he always had a smile. 

Another affordable day of learning and fun in NYC!