Louis Armstrong (1901–1971) was an American trumpeter, vocalist, and actor who was a leading figure in jazz for over 50 years. Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and began his career as a street musician. He later played with various jazz bands and orchestras, including the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra and the Louis Armstrong Hot Five and Hot Seven. Armstrong was known for his distinctive gravelly voice and charismatic stage presence, and he helped to popularize jazz around the world.