A Soft Reminder of Where Jazz Came From - New Thinking
Slave songs, what came to be known as spirituals, are considered a vital element in the origins of jazz in conjunction with the aforementioned ...
stated that
Whilst some of the aforementioned jazz pioneers, like Ella Fitzgerald, stayed clean, several had a history of drug abuse, including heroin and cocaine, which often resulted in premature deaths. Louis Armstrong, who used the infinitely safer drug marijuana throughout his 69 years, <anchor>stated that</anchor> it “makes you forget all the bad things that happen to a Negro.” Drugs are often used as a form of escaping the thoughts in one’s head and the anxieties of one’s existence. Whilst drug use was not uncommon among musicians in general, this pattern that many of the greats of jazz died young due to addictions speaks of a consistent level of turmoil, and alludes to their common experience of racism as a depressive factor in 20th Century America.
A Short History of … Louis Armstrong and the Vipers - JAZZIZ Magazine
A Short History of … Louis Armstrong and the Vipers - JAZZIZ Magazine

× [![JAZZIZ Magazine](https://assets.jazziz.com/imgs/Jazziz-Logo.svg)](https://jazziz.com "JAZZIZ Magazine") [Log In](/login) [Subscribe](/subscription-options)

- Read
  - [Features](https://jazziz.com/category/feature/)
  - [News](https://jazziz.com/category/news/)
  - [Reviews](https://jazziz.com/category/review/)
- Listen
  - [Playlists](https://jazziz.com/category/playlists/)
  - [Podcasts](https://jazziz.com/category/podcast/)
  - [Song of the Day](https://jazziz.com/category/song-of-the-day/)
  - [How to Listen](https://jazziz.com/category/how-to-listen/)
- [Watch](https://jazziz.com/category/video/)
  - [Daily Live Streams](https://jazziz.com/category/daily-live-streams/)
  - [Video](https://jazziz.com/category/video/ "Videos")
- [Editions](https://jazziz.com/issues/)
- Join Vinyl Club
  - [Join Vinyl Club U.S.](https://jazziz.com/product/jazziz-vinyl-subscription-service/)
  - [Join Vinyl Club Canada](https://vinylpursuit.com/en-us/products/jazziz-vinyl-club-subscription)
- [JAZZIZ Discovery](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-discovery/)
- Inside Track
  - [Browse Inside Track Albums](https://jazziz.com/inside-track/)
  - [Browse Inside Track Events](/events/list/)
  - Submit Your Album or Event
    - [Submit Your Album](https://jazziz.com/inside-track/submit/)
    - [Submit Your Event](/events/community/add)
- [Store](https://store.jazziz.com)
  - [Editions](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/editions)
  - [Albums](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/albums)
  - [Gifts](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/gifts)
  - [JAZZIZ Merch](https://www.redbubble.com/people/jazziz/shop)
  - [JAZZIZ Vinyl Club Subscription Login](https://store.jazziz.com/a/subscriptions/login)
- Customer Service
  - [Subscriber Customer Service](https://jazziz.com/subscriber-customer-service/)
  - [Gift Subscription](https://jazziz.com/gift-subscription/)
  - [Subscribe](https://jazziz.com/subscribe/)
- [My Account](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/)
  - [Your Profile](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/your-profile/)
  - [Membership Billing](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/membership-billing/)
  - [Membership Orders](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/membership-orders/)

- [#60976 (no title)](https://jazziz.com/gift-subscription/)
- [#60769 (no title)](https://jazziz.com/subscription-options/)
- [Membership Account](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/)
- [Membership Checkout](https://jazziz.com/membership-checkout/)
- [Subscriber Customer Service](https://jazziz.com/subscriber-customer-service/)
- [Summer 2024 Subscriber Update & Special Offer](https://jazziz.com/summer-2024-subscriber-update-special-offer/)
- [DMCA Policy](https://jazziz.com/dmca-policy/)
- [JAZZIZ Content Studio Forms](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-content-studio-forms/)
- [JAZZIZ Discovery](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-discovery/)
- [Discovery](https://jazziz.com/discovery/)
- [Games](https://jazziz.com/games/)
- [Home 2021](https://jazziz.com/)
- [Subscribe to JAZZIZ Magazine](https://jazziz.com/subscribe/)
- [Subscribers Only](https://jazziz.com/subscribers-only/)
- [FAQ](https://jazziz.com/faq/)
- [Contact Us](https://jazziz.com/contact-us/)
- [Free Student Musician-Only Subscriptions](https://jazziz.com/musician-subscriptions/)
- [Blog](https://jazziz.com/blog/)
- [Terms & Conditions](https://jazziz.com/terms-conditions/)
- [About JAZZIZ Magazine](https://jazziz.com/about/)
- [Song of the Day](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day/)
- [Welcome to JAZZIZ Inside Track](https://jazziz.com/inside-track/)
- [Login](https://jazziz.com/login/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://jazziz.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Editions](https://jazziz.com/issues/)

Search for:

- [Log In](/login)

Copyright © 2022 JAZZIZ Magazine, All Rights Reserved.

- [Subscribe](https://jazziz.com/subscribe/)

###### A Short History of … Louis Armstrong and the Vipers

[Log In](/login)

Search for:

- [Subscribe](https://jazziz.com/subscribe/)

- Read






- [Features](https://jazziz.com/category/feature/)
- [News](https://jazziz.com/category/news/)
- [Reviews](https://jazziz.com/category/review/)

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-Elling_c_Dave-Stapleton_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/kurt-elling-roy-hargrove-charlie-parker-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/kurt-elling-roy-hargrove-charlie-parker-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciSeptember 9, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Philip-Weberndoerfer_c_coa_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-philip-weberndoerfer-simple-task/ "Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”")

###### [Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-philip-weberndoerfer-simple-task/ "Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”")

Matt MicucciSeptember 8, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/John-Beasley_c_Raj-Naik_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-john-beasley-delia-fischer-shelly-berg-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-john-beasley-delia-fischer-shelly-berg-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More")

Matt MicucciSeptember 6, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nubya-Garcia_c_Danika-Lawrence_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/10-albums-you-need-to-know-september-2024/ "10 Albums You Need to Know: September 2024")

###### [10 Albums You Need to Know: September 2024](https://jazziz.com/10-albums-you-need-to-know-september-2024/ "10 Albums You Need to Know: September 2024")

Matt MicucciSeptember 4, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-Elling_c_Dave-Stapleton_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/kurt-elling-roy-hargrove-charlie-parker-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/kurt-elling-roy-hargrove-charlie-parker-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciSeptember 9, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/R-14597390-1577888947-9206-599x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/sergio-mendes-the-brazilian-maestro-who-transformed-global-music-1941-2024/ "Sergio Mendes: The Brazilian Maestro Who Transformed Global Music (1941-2024)")

###### [Sergio Mendes: The Brazilian Maestro Who Transformed Global Music (1941-2024)](https://jazziz.com/sergio-mendes-the-brazilian-maestro-who-transformed-global-music-1941-2024/ "Sergio Mendes: The Brazilian Maestro Who Transformed Global Music (1941-2024)")

gfagienSeptember 6, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Bad-Plus_Evelyn-Freja_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/the-bad-plus-dave-brubeck-wayne-shorter-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "The Bad Plus, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [The Bad Plus, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/the-bad-plus-dave-brubeck-wayne-shorter-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "The Bad Plus, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciSeptember 2, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Joni-MItchell_c_Rhino_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/miles-davis-emmet-cohen-joni-mitchell-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Miles Davis, Emmet Cohen, Joni Mitchell & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [Miles Davis, Emmet Cohen, Joni Mitchell & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/miles-davis-emmet-cohen-joni-mitchell-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Miles Davis, Emmet Cohen, Joni Mitchell & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciAugust 26, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Sky-Will-Still-Be-There-Tomorrow-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/review-charles-lloyd-the-sky-will-still-be-there-tomorrow-blue-note/ "Review: Charles Lloyd, ‘The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow’ (Blue Note)")

###### [Review: Charles Lloyd, ‘The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow’ (Blue Note)](https://jazziz.com/review-charles-lloyd-the-sky-will-still-be-there-tomorrow-blue-note/ "Review: Charles Lloyd, ‘The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow’ (Blue Note)")

EditorJune 27, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Perpetual-Void-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/review-marta-sanchez-trio-perpetual-void-intakt/ "Review: Marta Sánchez Trio, ‘Perpetual Void’ (Intakt)")

###### [Review: Marta Sánchez Trio, ‘Perpetual Void’ (Intakt)](https://jazziz.com/review-marta-sanchez-trio-perpetual-void-intakt/ "Review: Marta Sánchez Trio, ‘Perpetual Void’ (Intakt)")

Hrayr AttarianJune 27, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Perceive-Its-Beauty-Acknowledge-Its-Grace-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/review-shabaka-perceive-its-beauty-acknowledge-its-grace-impulse/ "Review: Shabaka, ‘Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’ (Impulse!)")

###### [Review: Shabaka, ‘Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’ (Impulse!)](https://jazziz.com/review-shabaka-perceive-its-beauty-acknowledge-its-grace-impulse/ "Review: Shabaka, ‘Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’ (Impulse!)")

EditorJune 27, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Moving-On-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/review-jacky-terrasson-moving-on-earth-sounds-naive/ "Review: Jacky Terrasson, ‘Moving On’ (Earth Sounds/Naïve)")

###### [Review: Jacky Terrasson, ‘Moving On’ (Earth Sounds/Naïve)](https://jazziz.com/review-jacky-terrasson-moving-on-earth-sounds-naive/ "Review: Jacky Terrasson, ‘Moving On’ (Earth Sounds/Naïve)")

EditorJune 27, 2024

- Listen






- [Playlists](https://jazziz.com/category/playlists/)
- [Podcasts](https://jazziz.com/category/podcast/)
- [Song of the Day](https://jazziz.com/category/song-of-the-day/)
- [How to Listen](https://jazziz.com/category/how-to-listen/)

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/John-Beasley_c_Raj-Naik_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-john-beasley-delia-fischer-shelly-berg-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-john-beasley-delia-fischer-shelly-berg-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More")

Matt MicucciSeptember 6, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Meshell-Ndegeocello_c_Andre-Wagner_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-meshell-ndegeocello-emmet-cohen-hyeseon-hong-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Meshell Ndegeocello, Emmet Cohen, Hyeseon Hong & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Meshell Ndegeocello, Emmet Cohen, Hyeseon Hong & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-meshell-ndegeocello-emmet-cohen-hyeseon-hong-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Meshell Ndegeocello, Emmet Cohen, Hyeseon Hong & More")

Matt MicucciAugust 30, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chucho-Valdes-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-chucho-valdes-nubya-garcia-aaron-parks-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Chucho Valdés, Nubya Garcia, Aaron Parks & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Chucho Valdés, Nubya Garcia, Aaron Parks & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-chucho-valdes-nubya-garcia-aaron-parks-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Chucho Valdés, Nubya Garcia, Aaron Parks & More")

Matt MicucciAugust 23, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Marcos-Valle_co_Far-Out-Recordings_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-marcos-valle-george-benson-wayne-shorter-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Marcos Valle, George Benson, Wayne Shorter & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Marcos Valle, George Benson, Wayne Shorter & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-marcos-valle-george-benson-wayne-shorter-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Marcos Valle, George Benson, Wayne Shorter & More")

Matt MicucciAugust 16, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Jumaane-Smith_c_Sandrine-Lee_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/jumaane-smith-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Jumaane Smith | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

###### [Jumaane Smith \| The JAZZIZ Podcast](https://jazziz.com/jumaane-smith-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Jumaane Smith | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

Matt MicucciAugust 14, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vincent-Intala_c_Bobby-Quillard_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/vincent-ingala-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Vincent Ingala | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

###### [Vincent Ingala \| The JAZZIZ Podcast](https://jazziz.com/vincent-ingala-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Vincent Ingala | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

Matt MicucciAugust 6, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jon-De-Lucia_c_Jacob-Blickenstaff-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/jon-de-lucia-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Jon De Lucia | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

###### [Jon De Lucia \| The JAZZIZ Podcast](https://jazziz.com/jon-de-lucia-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Jon De Lucia | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

Matt MicucciJuly 24, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Norfolk-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/norfolk-waterfront-jazz-festival-jazziz-travel-podcast/ "Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival | JAZZIZ Travel Podcast")

###### [Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival \| JAZZIZ Travel Podcast](https://jazziz.com/norfolk-waterfront-jazz-festival-jazziz-travel-podcast/ "Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival | JAZZIZ Travel Podcast")

Matt MicucciJuly 11, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Philip-Weberndoerfer_c_coa_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-philip-weberndoerfer-simple-task/ "Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”")

###### [Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-philip-weberndoerfer-simple-task/ "Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”")

Matt MicucciSeptember 8, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/April-and-Joanie-Sing-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-april-aloisio-and-joanie-pallatto-i-feel-free/ "Song of the Day: April Aloisio and Joanie Pallatto, “I Feel Free”")

###### [Song of the Day: April Aloisio and Joanie Pallatto, “I Feel Free”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-april-aloisio-and-joanie-pallatto-i-feel-free/ "Song of the Day: April Aloisio and Joanie Pallatto, “I Feel Free”")

Matt MicucciSeptember 1, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Melody-AM-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-royksopp-eple/ "Song of the Day: Röyksopp, “Eple”")

###### [Song of the Day: Röyksopp, “Eple”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-royksopp-eple/ "Song of the Day: Röyksopp, “Eple”")

Matt MicucciAugust 21, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Olivia-Foschi_coa_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-olivia-foschi-pieces-of-central-park/ "Song of the Day: Olivia Foschi, “Pieces of Central Park”")

###### [Song of the Day: Olivia Foschi, “Pieces of Central Park”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-olivia-foschi-pieces-of-central-park/ "Song of the Day: Olivia Foschi, “Pieces of Central Park”")

Matt MicucciAugust 4, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cambridge_Alva_TT_aufm_grau-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-soundbites-cambridge-audio-alva-tt-turntable/ "JAZZIZ Sound Bites: Cambridge Audio Alva TT Turntable")

###### [JAZZIZ Sound Bites: Cambridge Audio Alva TT Turntable](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-soundbites-cambridge-audio-alva-tt-turntable/ "JAZZIZ Sound Bites: Cambridge Audio Alva TT Turntable")

EditorJanuary 22, 2021

[Tools of the Trade: McIntosh MA352 Amplifier Combines Unparalleled Audio Quality with Stunning Design](https://jazziz.com/tools-of-the-trade-mcintosh-ma352-amplifier-combines-unparalleled-audio-quality-with-stunning-design/ "Tools of the Trade: McIntosh MA352 Amplifier Combines Unparalleled Audio Quality with Stunning Design")

###### [Tools of the Trade: McIntosh MA352 Amplifier Combines Unparalleled Audio Quality with Stunning Design](https://jazziz.com/tools-of-the-trade-mcintosh-ma352-amplifier-combines-unparalleled-audio-quality-with-stunning-design/ "Tools of the Trade: McIntosh MA352 Amplifier Combines Unparalleled Audio Quality with Stunning Design")

Brian ZimmermanSeptember 4, 2019

[JAZZIZ Launches Hi-Res Audio Initiative](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-launches-hi-res-audio-initiative/ "JAZZIZ Launches Hi-Res Audio Initiative")

###### [JAZZIZ Launches Hi-Res Audio Initiative](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-launches-hi-res-audio-initiative/ "JAZZIZ Launches Hi-Res Audio Initiative")

Michael FagienMay 6, 2019

[JAZZIZ How to Listen: Coming Soon](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-how-to-listen-coming-soon/ "JAZZIZ How to Listen: Coming Soon")

###### [JAZZIZ How to Listen: Coming Soon](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-how-to-listen-coming-soon/ "JAZZIZ How to Listen: Coming Soon")

Brian ZimmermanApril 16, 2019

- [Watch](https://jazziz.com/category/video/)
  - [Daily Live Streams](https://jazziz.com/category/daily-live-streams/)
  - [Video](https://jazziz.com/category/video/ "Videos")
- [Editions](https://jazziz.com/issues/)
- Join Vinyl Club
  - [Join Vinyl Club U.S.](https://jazziz.com/product/jazziz-vinyl-subscription-service/)
  - [Join Vinyl Club Canada](https://vinylpursuit.com/en-us/products/jazziz-vinyl-club-subscription)
- [JAZZIZ Discovery](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-discovery/)
- Inside Track
  - [Browse Inside Track Albums](https://jazziz.com/inside-track/)
  - [Browse Inside Track Events](/events/list/)
  - Submit Your Album or Event
    - [Submit Your Album](https://jazziz.com/inside-track/submit/)
    - [Submit Your Event](/events/community/add)
- [Store](https://store.jazziz.com)
  - [Editions](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/editions)
  - [Albums](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/albums)
  - [Gifts](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/gifts)
  - [JAZZIZ Merch](https://www.redbubble.com/people/jazziz/shop)
  - [JAZZIZ Vinyl Club Subscription Login](https://store.jazziz.com/a/subscriptions/login)
- Customer Service
  - [Subscriber Customer Service](https://jazziz.com/subscriber-customer-service/)
  - [Gift Subscription](https://jazziz.com/gift-subscription/)
  - [Subscribe](https://jazziz.com/subscribe/)
- [My Account](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/)
  - [Your Profile](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/your-profile/)
  - [Membership Billing](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/membership-billing/)
  - [Membership Orders](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/membership-orders/)

- [Subscribe](https://jazziz.com/subscribe/)

[![JAZZIZ Magazine](https://assets.jazziz.com/imgs/Jazziz-Logo.svg)](https://jazziz.com "JAZZIZ Magazine")

[Log In](/login)

Search for:

- [Subscribe](https://jazziz.com/subscribe/)

- Read






- [Features](https://jazziz.com/category/feature/)
- [News](https://jazziz.com/category/news/)
- [Reviews](https://jazziz.com/category/review/)

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-Elling_c_Dave-Stapleton_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/kurt-elling-roy-hargrove-charlie-parker-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/kurt-elling-roy-hargrove-charlie-parker-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciSeptember 9, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Philip-Weberndoerfer_c_coa_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-philip-weberndoerfer-simple-task/ "Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”")

###### [Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-philip-weberndoerfer-simple-task/ "Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”")

Matt MicucciSeptember 8, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/John-Beasley_c_Raj-Naik_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-john-beasley-delia-fischer-shelly-berg-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-john-beasley-delia-fischer-shelly-berg-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More")

Matt MicucciSeptember 6, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nubya-Garcia_c_Danika-Lawrence_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/10-albums-you-need-to-know-september-2024/ "10 Albums You Need to Know: September 2024")

###### [10 Albums You Need to Know: September 2024](https://jazziz.com/10-albums-you-need-to-know-september-2024/ "10 Albums You Need to Know: September 2024")

Matt MicucciSeptember 4, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-Elling_c_Dave-Stapleton_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/kurt-elling-roy-hargrove-charlie-parker-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/kurt-elling-roy-hargrove-charlie-parker-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Parker & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciSeptember 9, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/R-14597390-1577888947-9206-599x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/sergio-mendes-the-brazilian-maestro-who-transformed-global-music-1941-2024/ "Sergio Mendes: The Brazilian Maestro Who Transformed Global Music (1941-2024)")

###### [Sergio Mendes: The Brazilian Maestro Who Transformed Global Music (1941-2024)](https://jazziz.com/sergio-mendes-the-brazilian-maestro-who-transformed-global-music-1941-2024/ "Sergio Mendes: The Brazilian Maestro Who Transformed Global Music (1941-2024)")

gfagienSeptember 6, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Bad-Plus_Evelyn-Freja_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/the-bad-plus-dave-brubeck-wayne-shorter-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "The Bad Plus, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [The Bad Plus, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/the-bad-plus-dave-brubeck-wayne-shorter-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "The Bad Plus, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciSeptember 2, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Joni-MItchell_c_Rhino_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/miles-davis-emmet-cohen-joni-mitchell-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Miles Davis, Emmet Cohen, Joni Mitchell & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [Miles Davis, Emmet Cohen, Joni Mitchell & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/miles-davis-emmet-cohen-joni-mitchell-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Miles Davis, Emmet Cohen, Joni Mitchell & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciAugust 26, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Sky-Will-Still-Be-There-Tomorrow-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/review-charles-lloyd-the-sky-will-still-be-there-tomorrow-blue-note/ "Review: Charles Lloyd, ‘The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow’ (Blue Note)")

###### [Review: Charles Lloyd, ‘The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow’ (Blue Note)](https://jazziz.com/review-charles-lloyd-the-sky-will-still-be-there-tomorrow-blue-note/ "Review: Charles Lloyd, ‘The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow’ (Blue Note)")

EditorJune 27, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Perpetual-Void-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/review-marta-sanchez-trio-perpetual-void-intakt/ "Review: Marta Sánchez Trio, ‘Perpetual Void’ (Intakt)")

###### [Review: Marta Sánchez Trio, ‘Perpetual Void’ (Intakt)](https://jazziz.com/review-marta-sanchez-trio-perpetual-void-intakt/ "Review: Marta Sánchez Trio, ‘Perpetual Void’ (Intakt)")

Hrayr AttarianJune 27, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Perceive-Its-Beauty-Acknowledge-Its-Grace-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/review-shabaka-perceive-its-beauty-acknowledge-its-grace-impulse/ "Review: Shabaka, ‘Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’ (Impulse!)")

###### [Review: Shabaka, ‘Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’ (Impulse!)](https://jazziz.com/review-shabaka-perceive-its-beauty-acknowledge-its-grace-impulse/ "Review: Shabaka, ‘Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’ (Impulse!)")

EditorJune 27, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Moving-On-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/review-jacky-terrasson-moving-on-earth-sounds-naive/ "Review: Jacky Terrasson, ‘Moving On’ (Earth Sounds/Naïve)")

###### [Review: Jacky Terrasson, ‘Moving On’ (Earth Sounds/Naïve)](https://jazziz.com/review-jacky-terrasson-moving-on-earth-sounds-naive/ "Review: Jacky Terrasson, ‘Moving On’ (Earth Sounds/Naïve)")

EditorJune 27, 2024

- Listen






- [Playlists](https://jazziz.com/category/playlists/)
- [Podcasts](https://jazziz.com/category/podcast/)
- [Song of the Day](https://jazziz.com/category/song-of-the-day/)
- [How to Listen](https://jazziz.com/category/how-to-listen/)

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/John-Beasley_c_Raj-Naik_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-john-beasley-delia-fischer-shelly-berg-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-john-beasley-delia-fischer-shelly-berg-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: John Beasley, Delia Fischer, Shelly Berg & More")

Matt MicucciSeptember 6, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Meshell-Ndegeocello_c_Andre-Wagner_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-meshell-ndegeocello-emmet-cohen-hyeseon-hong-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Meshell Ndegeocello, Emmet Cohen, Hyeseon Hong & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Meshell Ndegeocello, Emmet Cohen, Hyeseon Hong & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-meshell-ndegeocello-emmet-cohen-hyeseon-hong-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Meshell Ndegeocello, Emmet Cohen, Hyeseon Hong & More")

Matt MicucciAugust 30, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chucho-Valdes-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-chucho-valdes-nubya-garcia-aaron-parks-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Chucho Valdés, Nubya Garcia, Aaron Parks & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Chucho Valdés, Nubya Garcia, Aaron Parks & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-chucho-valdes-nubya-garcia-aaron-parks-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Chucho Valdés, Nubya Garcia, Aaron Parks & More")

Matt MicucciAugust 23, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Marcos-Valle_co_Far-Out-Recordings_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-marcos-valle-george-benson-wayne-shorter-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Marcos Valle, George Benson, Wayne Shorter & More")

###### [JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Marcos Valle, George Benson, Wayne Shorter & More](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-editors-choice-marcos-valle-george-benson-wayne-shorter-more/ "JAZZIZ Editors’ Choice: Marcos Valle, George Benson, Wayne Shorter & More")

Matt MicucciAugust 16, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Jumaane-Smith_c_Sandrine-Lee_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/jumaane-smith-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Jumaane Smith | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

###### [Jumaane Smith \| The JAZZIZ Podcast](https://jazziz.com/jumaane-smith-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Jumaane Smith | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

Matt MicucciAugust 14, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vincent-Intala_c_Bobby-Quillard_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/vincent-ingala-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Vincent Ingala | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

###### [Vincent Ingala \| The JAZZIZ Podcast](https://jazziz.com/vincent-ingala-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Vincent Ingala | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

Matt MicucciAugust 6, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jon-De-Lucia_c_Jacob-Blickenstaff-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/jon-de-lucia-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Jon De Lucia | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

###### [Jon De Lucia \| The JAZZIZ Podcast](https://jazziz.com/jon-de-lucia-the-jazziz-podcast/ "Jon De Lucia | The JAZZIZ Podcast")

Matt MicucciJuly 24, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Norfolk-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/norfolk-waterfront-jazz-festival-jazziz-travel-podcast/ "Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival | JAZZIZ Travel Podcast")

###### [Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival \| JAZZIZ Travel Podcast](https://jazziz.com/norfolk-waterfront-jazz-festival-jazziz-travel-podcast/ "Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival | JAZZIZ Travel Podcast")

Matt MicucciJuly 11, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Philip-Weberndoerfer_c_coa_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-philip-weberndoerfer-simple-task/ "Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”")

###### [Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-philip-weberndoerfer-simple-task/ "Song of the Day: Philip Weberndoerfer, “Simple Task”")

Matt MicucciSeptember 8, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/April-and-Joanie-Sing-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-april-aloisio-and-joanie-pallatto-i-feel-free/ "Song of the Day: April Aloisio and Joanie Pallatto, “I Feel Free”")

###### [Song of the Day: April Aloisio and Joanie Pallatto, “I Feel Free”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-april-aloisio-and-joanie-pallatto-i-feel-free/ "Song of the Day: April Aloisio and Joanie Pallatto, “I Feel Free”")

Matt MicucciSeptember 1, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Melody-AM-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-royksopp-eple/ "Song of the Day: Röyksopp, “Eple”")

###### [Song of the Day: Röyksopp, “Eple”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-royksopp-eple/ "Song of the Day: Röyksopp, “Eple”")

Matt MicucciAugust 21, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Olivia-Foschi_coa_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-olivia-foschi-pieces-of-central-park/ "Song of the Day: Olivia Foschi, “Pieces of Central Park”")

###### [Song of the Day: Olivia Foschi, “Pieces of Central Park”](https://jazziz.com/song-of-the-day-olivia-foschi-pieces-of-central-park/ "Song of the Day: Olivia Foschi, “Pieces of Central Park”")

Matt MicucciAugust 4, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cambridge_Alva_TT_aufm_grau-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-soundbites-cambridge-audio-alva-tt-turntable/ "JAZZIZ Sound Bites: Cambridge Audio Alva TT Turntable")

###### [JAZZIZ Sound Bites: Cambridge Audio Alva TT Turntable](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-soundbites-cambridge-audio-alva-tt-turntable/ "JAZZIZ Sound Bites: Cambridge Audio Alva TT Turntable")

EditorJanuary 22, 2021

[Tools of the Trade: McIntosh MA352 Amplifier Combines Unparalleled Audio Quality with Stunning Design](https://jazziz.com/tools-of-the-trade-mcintosh-ma352-amplifier-combines-unparalleled-audio-quality-with-stunning-design/ "Tools of the Trade: McIntosh MA352 Amplifier Combines Unparalleled Audio Quality with Stunning Design")

###### [Tools of the Trade: McIntosh MA352 Amplifier Combines Unparalleled Audio Quality with Stunning Design](https://jazziz.com/tools-of-the-trade-mcintosh-ma352-amplifier-combines-unparalleled-audio-quality-with-stunning-design/ "Tools of the Trade: McIntosh MA352 Amplifier Combines Unparalleled Audio Quality with Stunning Design")

Brian ZimmermanSeptember 4, 2019

[JAZZIZ Launches Hi-Res Audio Initiative](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-launches-hi-res-audio-initiative/ "JAZZIZ Launches Hi-Res Audio Initiative")

###### [JAZZIZ Launches Hi-Res Audio Initiative](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-launches-hi-res-audio-initiative/ "JAZZIZ Launches Hi-Res Audio Initiative")

Michael FagienMay 6, 2019

[JAZZIZ How to Listen: Coming Soon](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-how-to-listen-coming-soon/ "JAZZIZ How to Listen: Coming Soon")

###### [JAZZIZ How to Listen: Coming Soon](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-how-to-listen-coming-soon/ "JAZZIZ How to Listen: Coming Soon")

Brian ZimmermanApril 16, 2019

- [Watch](https://jazziz.com/category/video/)
  - [Daily Live Streams](https://jazziz.com/category/daily-live-streams/)
  - [Video](https://jazziz.com/category/video/ "Videos")
- [Editions](https://jazziz.com/issues/)
- Join Vinyl Club
  - [Join Vinyl Club U.S.](https://jazziz.com/product/jazziz-vinyl-subscription-service/)
  - [Join Vinyl Club Canada](https://vinylpursuit.com/en-us/products/jazziz-vinyl-club-subscription)
- [JAZZIZ Discovery](https://jazziz.com/jazziz-discovery/)
- Inside Track
  - [Browse Inside Track Albums](https://jazziz.com/inside-track/)
  - [Browse Inside Track Events](/events/list/)
  - Submit Your Album or Event
    - [Submit Your Album](https://jazziz.com/inside-track/submit/)
    - [Submit Your Event](/events/community/add)
- [Store](https://store.jazziz.com)
  - [Editions](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/editions)
  - [Albums](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/albums)
  - [Gifts](https://store.jazziz.com/collections/gifts)
  - [JAZZIZ Merch](https://www.redbubble.com/people/jazziz/shop)
  - [JAZZIZ Vinyl Club Subscription Login](https://store.jazziz.com/a/subscriptions/login)
- Customer Service
  - [Subscriber Customer Service](https://jazziz.com/subscriber-customer-service/)
  - [Gift Subscription](https://jazziz.com/gift-subscription/)
  - [Subscribe](https://jazziz.com/subscribe/)
- [My Account](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/)
  - [Your Profile](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/your-profile/)
  - [Membership Billing](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/membership-billing/)
  - [Membership Orders](https://jazziz.com/membership-account/membership-orders/)

[![Vinyl CLub Offer](https://assets.jazziz.com/2020/11/join-jazziz-vinylclub.png)](https://store.jazziz.com/products/jazziz-vinyl-club-subscription)

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McIntosh-Jazziz-728x90-ad-Sept-2024.png)](https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/?utm_source=display&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=jazziz-sessions)

[Features](https://jazziz.com/category/feature/)
February 27, 2019

# [A Short History of … Louis Armstrong and the Vipers](https://jazziz.com/a-short-history-of-louis-armstrong-and-the-vipers/ "A Short History of … Louis Armstrong and the Vipers")

_by_ [Matt Micucci](https://jazziz.com/author/mmicucci/ "Posts by Matt Micucci")

[0](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://jazziz.com/a-short-history-of-louis-armstrong-and-the-vipers/) [0](https://jazziz.com/a-short-history-of-louis-armstrong-and-the-vipers/)

In the ’20s and ’30s, marijuana was the jazz world’s drug of choice. Many musicians made use of it and accepted it as a gift from fans and well-wishers. An entire body of songs written during those years was created around it. Though most whites and non-musicians were unaware of it at the time, such terms as “vipers” and “kickin’ the gong around” referred to marijuana. They were part of a language that mostly originated from traveling jazz musicians who quickly went from one city to the next in those early and rudimentary tours, smoking joints to help them deal with the hardships of the road, poor travel conditions and the discrimination they found along the way.

The viper lingo found its way into the title of many instrumental and vocal recordings, such as Don Redman’s “Chant of the Weed” (1931), Cab Calloway’s “Reefer Man” (1932) and Louis Armstrong’s “Muggles” (1928). In the hilarious second part of Armstrong’s 1933 recording of “Sweet Sue, Just You,” the trumpeter translates saxophonist Budd Johnson’s “viper-language” jibberish into English for the benefit of non-vipers.

Marijuana-smoking musicians referred to themselves as vipers. Now, the term is also accosted to such flamboyant and eccentric showmanship of the time as that of Calloway and Stuff Smith, who openly and happily referred to their habits. Armstrong was the quintessential embodiment of a viper. He started smoking marijuana in the ’20s and never looked back. He strongly believed in its health benefits, as well as its ability to help him get into the music more and play better. Marijuana, he once said, “relaxes you, makes you forget all the bad things that happen to a Negro. It makes you feel wanted, and when you’re with another tea smoker, it makes you feel a special kinship.”

Marijuana’s influence on jazz was not restricted to the United States; it also fueled jam sessions on the French bandstands. On November 25, 1937, Django Reinhardt and the Quintette recorded a tune titled “Viper’s Dream,” a jazz stomp so moody that Michael Dregni defines it as “almost a caricature of jazz.” Paris had, by then, become a European jazz hotspot. Many American jazz artists, including Armstrong, made the trip there and were readily greeted by adoring fans who welcomed them with open arms.

Armstrong first visited Paris in 1932 and received a hero’s welcome. He returned in 1934 and lived there at the Hotel Alba Opéra in the 9th arrondissement until the following year. On October 1934, he waxed a total of seven sides in the French capital. Most of the songs he recorded at this session were tried and tested tunes, such as “St. Louis Blues” and “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” But the set ended with a new tune called “Song of the Vipers,” which was intended as Armstrong’s ode to his fellow marijuana smokers

Ricki Riccardi calls this song “ethereal,” praising Armstrong’s flights into the upper register, pulling superhuman feats of endurance just by holding demanding notes. Indeed, the song is impressive, underlined by a spirit of freedom and experimentation, lightly shifting moods and tones in exciting and surprising ways. The song remained a hidden gem of Satchmo’s discography for many years. Because of its theme, it was deemed too controversial for a wide release, particularly in the United States, where marijuana, along with other recreational drugs, started becoming illegal from the late ’20s onwards in most states.

In reference to the ’30s anti-marijuana drug laws, the trumpeter once said: “At first it was just a misdemeanor, but then you lost the ‘mis-de’ and you just got meaner and meaner.” But the laws did little to deter his love for “gage” and in 1930, he became the first celebrity to be arrested for smoking a joint. It happened during a break while playing at L.A.’s famed Cotton Club. He and his drummer Vic Berton were arrested there; both were sentenced to jail for six months and $1000 each in fines.”

Again, the incident did little to discourage his marijuana smoking habits. Even when marijuana stopped being the drug of choice for jazz musicians (replaced, with devastating consequences, by heroin) and before “vipers” became an old-fashioned term, Armstrong remained true to it. “It really puzzles me to see marijuana connected with narcotics … dope and all that crap,” he once said. “It’s a thousand times better than whiskey – it’s an assistant – a friend.”

_Like this article?  Get more when you [subscribe](https://subs.jazziz.com/pubs/JZ/JAZ/5995JAZZIZMagazineSpecialOffer.jsp?cds_page_id=220264&cds_mag_code=JAZ&id=1530815960350&lsid=81861339203026160&vid=1&cds_response_key=IWEB)._

##### Join Our Newsletter

##### Join thousands of other jazz enthusiasts and get new music, artists, album, events and more delivered to your inbox.

Email

Subscribe

**Tags:** [A Short History of](https://jazziz.com/tag/a-short-history-of/ ""), [Louis Armstrong](https://jazziz.com/tag/louis-armstrong/ "")

[0](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://jazziz.com/a-short-history-of-louis-armstrong-and-the-vipers/) [0](https://jazziz.com/a-short-history-of-louis-armstrong-and-the-vipers/)Matt MicucciFebruary 27, 2019

#### **You May Also Like**

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Wonderful-World_c_Verve_2024-680x400.jpeg)](https://jazziz.com/celia-cruz-charlie-parker-louis-armstrong-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Celia Cruz, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [Celia Cruz, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/celia-cruz-charlie-parker-louis-armstrong-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Celia Cruz, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciAugust 19, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Louis-Armstrong_co_Louis-Armstrong-House-Museum_2024-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/vinyl-watch-july-2024-louis-armstrong-vince-guaraldi-more/ "Vinyl Watch, July 2024: Louis Armstrong, Vince Guaraldi & More")

###### [Vinyl Watch, July 2024: Louis Armstrong, Vince Guaraldi & More](https://jazziz.com/vinyl-watch-july-2024-louis-armstrong-vince-guaraldi-more/ "Vinyl Watch, July 2024: Louis Armstrong, Vince Guaraldi & More")

Matt MicucciJuly 17, 2024

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kamasi-Washington_B-680x400.jpg)](https://jazziz.com/kamasi-washington-joey-alexander-louis-armstrong-house-museum-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kamasi Washington, Joey Alexander, Louis Armstrong House Museum & More: The Week in Jazz")

###### [Kamasi Washington, Joey Alexander, Louis Armstrong House Museum & More: The Week in Jazz](https://jazziz.com/kamasi-washington-joey-alexander-louis-armstrong-house-museum-more-the-week-in-jazz/ "Kamasi Washington, Joey Alexander, Louis Armstrong House Museum & More: The Week in Jazz")

Matt MicucciJuly 1, 2024

**Advertisement**

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/204.jpg)](https://www.orastream.com/)

**Subscribe to JAZZIZ Not What You Think Podcast**

[![Apple Podcasts](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Apple-Podcasts.svg)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazziz-not-what-you-think/id1021120359?uo=4 "Apple-Podcasts")[![Spotify](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Spotify.svg)](https://open.spotify.com/show/6wkqezdsj4jfd07OKnQ53H "Spotify")[![RSS](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/RSS.svg)](https://anchor.fm/s/f1d498/podcast/rss "RSS")

**Advertisement**

**Advertisement**

**Latest Inside Track Albums**

#### [Live At Galloway Studio](https://jazziz.com/new-releases/live-at-galloway-studio/ "Live At Galloway Studio")

#### Our Sponsors

![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/NAD_Outline_Black_300ppi.png)

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Bluesound-Logo.jpg)](https://www.bluesound.com/)

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/201.png)](https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/alva/alva-tt)

[![](https://jazziz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/OrtofonLogoRed.svg)](https://www.ortofon.com/)

![](https://assets-jazziz-com.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2018/06/Jazziz-Logo.svg)

The Authoritative Voice in Jazz

- [Editorial Consideration](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6d3d2dfc2d9c4dfd7daf6dcd7ccccdfcc98d5d9db)
- [Contact Us](https://jazziz.com/contact-us/)
- [Our Story](https://jazziz.com/about/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://jazziz.com/privacy-policy/)
- [FAQ](https://jazziz.com/faq/)
- [DMCA Policy](https://jazziz.com/dmca-policy/)

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies.

ACCEPT