Because of his willingness to play for segregated audiences, throughout much of his life, Louis Armstrong was called a sellout and an Uncle Tom by many Black Americans, But, in 1957, Satchmo blew up-—blasting Eisenhower to bits for not condemning treatment of Black American students in the South. His passionate words made world headlines, alienated many white fans, and divided Black America.
The "Little Rock Nine" saga began on September 4, 1957, when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus used the National Guard to stop 9 black students from entering Little Rock Central High School. The nation watched in shock as angry white crowds harassed these students.
Between September 4 and September 17, Louis Armstrong observed the events closely. Overwhelmed by the escalating violence, he finally spoke out. Louis conducted interviews from Spokane on September 8 and Edmonton on September 10. Though both interviews were meant for radio, neither grabbed headlines. In the Spokane interview:
Announcer: I’d like to discuss the integration issues, especially in Arkansas.
Your thoughts?
Louis: It's heartbreaking to witness such deceit. That Governor likely has a black caretaker for his child. To me, it seems like a publicity stunt. It's just a shame.
Louis: We play for our country, showing our loyalty.
In Edmonton, Armstrong's sentiments caught the interviewer by surprise, who then quickly changed topics. Armstrong stated, “You can't smile through all that.”
A week later, still frustrated with the situation in Little Rock, Armstrong denounced both Arkansas Governor Faubus and President Eisenhower. When asked about touring Russia, Armstrong questioned how he could represent a country failing its own citizens.
An interview Armstrong conducted on September 19 became a sensation.
People couldn’t believe it was Satchmo!
When he was questioned about the interview’s authenticity—whether it was something he really said---Armstrong reiterated: “don’t take nothing out of what I said.“
After that, the charges of “Uncle Tom” subsided a bit.
Louis’ words went global, with outlets emphasizing Armstrong's stand against discrimination. One editorial titled "Armstrong is Right" lauded his forthrightness, critiquing the government's passive stance.
Prominent figures, including Jackie Robinson, Eartha Kitt, and Lena Horne, expressed their support. Robinson stated, “Now the Negroes are beginning to stand up and be counted.” Nat King Cole, more circumspectly, emphasized that the issue concerned all Americans, not just Black Americans, but affirmed Armstrong's sentiments.
The day after, WBKJ radio in Hattiesburg, Mississippi announced they were removing all of Armstrong’s records, as well as those by Kitt and Horne. The backlash had started. An opinion piece in Indiana’s “The Muncie Star” on September 21 told Armstrong he ought to have remained silent.
The editorial said, “Louis Armstrong excels in trumpet playing rather than sociology. We have always held high regard for him, known fondly as Satchmo. Regardless, we wish he had solely focused on his music.”
The piece argued that Armstrong, despite his experiences as being Black oers in America, couldn't fully comprehend racial injustice since he wasn’t politically saavy.
The editorial condescendingly mentioned that Armstrong’s mindset wasn't equipped for diplomacy. “Like most, he speaks his mind without considering potential global ramifications.”
Seeing the backlash potentially harming Armstrong’s career, his road manager Pierre “Frenchy” Tallerie reached out to the media. The United Press shared a story where Tallerie was quoted saying, “Louie isn’t holding any grudges. He genuinely appreciates Eisenhower.”
However, by the evening of September 21, Armstrong responded via the United Press. The headline read, “‘Satchmo’ Confronts His Manager.” Armstrong emphasized he could represent himself—-didn’t need anybody to talk for him—-and was determined to fight for his rights.
The Pittsburgh Courier featured an article where Armstrong stated, “I wouldn’t retract my words,” reaffirming his commitment to racial justice. Louis also shed light on racial injustice he and his ancestors faced, stressing the importance of equality.
Negative responses to his remarks poured in. Some newspapers carried derogatory letters targeting Armstrong's ancestry and accomplishments. One criticized Armstrong for his statements against President Eisenhower, while another suggested his comments were causing division.
On September 24, President Eisenhower dispatched the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock Central High, ensuring nine African-American students could attend. Louis supported this move, sending a telegram to the President expressing his appreciation, saying:
“If you decide to walk into the schools with the little colored kids, take me along Daddy. God bless you.”
Many believed Armstrong's boldness influenced Eisenhower's actions. Max Kaminsky, a fellow trumpeter, credited Armstrong's words for motivating the President.
Some southern papers, however, criticized the move, insinuating Armstrong's influence on the President's decision was minimal.
Columnist Dorothy Kilgallen critiqued Armstrong's audacity, believing his criticisms were inappropriate and misinformed.
Other letters, like those to The Times of Richmond, Indiana and the Minnesota Star-Tribune, either criticized Armstrong's timing or supported his right to speak out. Another linked Armstrong's comments to past Republican support for Black-Americans.
On September 26, The Tampa Tribune featured a letter condemning Armstrong, labelling him a "seditionist and fool" for criticizing the President.
An editor from Muncie Evening Press was more direct, reminding Armstrong of his successful rise and suggesting he appreciate America's opportunities. Many believed ann untrue story that Louis had declined an official trip to Russia.
This caused an uproar, leading some citizens to write letters objecting to his representing the U.S. on good-will tours. The State Department clarified they hadn't arranged any tours for Armstrong.
Concerning his TV appearances, sponsors of CBS shows hesitated to feature Armstrong after his comments. However, CBS stood its ground, and Armstrong remained scheduled for the shows.
Louis had alway been very fond of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” and recorded it more than one occasion .
The song was deeply symbolic to the jazz man.
It reflected hardship and sorrow, much like Louis’ life. In the 1930s, as a rising star, he experienced discrimination, racism, police brutality, danger, and other adversities.
A particularly sharp critique of Armstrong appeared in the New York Post on September 30, 1957, and its origin might astonish many: Thurgood Marshall.
The Post published an interview between Marshall and Mike Wallace titled "Is a Civil War Brewing in the South?" Marshall started by criticizing Eisenhower for not enforcing the Supreme Court decision of Brown v. Board of Education, saying:
"Well, I've always maintained that the time of the Supreme Court decision in 1955, it was the duty of the President to tell the entire country that the decision was the law of the land . . . would have to be obeyed . . and that he would use the full force of the executive power to support it. It was his obligation to do this--but he didn't."
Wallace then inquired about "the prevailing mindset of the American Negro at the moment."
Marshall said:
"Right now, the Negroes feel, for the first time since the Supreme Court decision came down, that they have the full support of the Federal Government. As for the Negro in the South, where the local police are against him, the state is against him, his only hope is the Federal Government.”
Marshall: "Well, there's a percentage of Negroes that believes that government action came too late. I do know the Negroes in NY all still say what Satchmo says.
They were so happy about Satchmo's outburst--because he's the No. 1 Uncle Tom!
The worst in the U. S.!
When Satchmo came out & said Eisenhower had no guts, & that the government could go to hell--that just made them all say, 'Well...Well!'"
Suddenly, on October 12, another prominent Black critique emerged. Congressman Adam Clayton Powell informed a "Youth Wants to Know" TV show audience that “Satch… "didn’t know what he was talking about. He is not too conversant with what is happening in the world and current events.”
Armstrong appeared taken aback, confiding in Ebony in 1961:
“When I made that statement, Congressman Adam Clayton Powell was interviewed over TV. He was asked about what I had said. He told the TV reporter he didn’t agree: ‘Louis Armstrong isn’t up on current events.’ Well, I may not be up on current events, but I’m up on head-whipping.”
Then, Sammy Davis Jr. piled on, telling Canadian reporters:
“You cannot voice an opinion about a situation which is basically discrimination, integration, etc., & then go out & appear before segregated audiences...which Louis Armstrong had done for many years.” Davis also complained about Louis singing the word “darkies” on “Mississippi Mud,” [confusing it with his 1951 recording of “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South].”
“For years Louis Armstrong has been important in the newspapers. They have always been ready to give space if he had anything to say that really was important, and he never has. Now this happens. I don’t think it’s honest. If it is, why didn’t he say it ten years ago? He doesn’t need a segregated audience.”
“Now who told Sammy Davis, Jr., he was a politician. His blast at Louis Armstrong was uncalled for and out of place. Louis made more friends with his statement than he has in a decade.”
The New York Post reached out to Louis' manager, Joe Glaser, who stated:
“[Louis] doesn’t want to talk about Sammy Davis Jr. If Sammy Davis Jr. wants to talk about Louis Armstrong and get some publicity, let him. But Louis is not interested in getting into any argument with him. Who cares about Sammy Davis Jr.?”
In 1972, a year after Armstrong's death, Louis’ wife, Lucille Armstrong, continued to be deeply angered by these attacks, sharing with an interviewer:
“But the press, you know, they interviewed Adam Clayton Powell, they interviewed Sammy Davis--and I don’t mind calling names because it’s on record--they put Pops down because they said he was a musician, he didn’t know what he was talking about...He felt it deeply, he really did.”
“It had to stop. Somebody’s shootin’ your brother and it has to stop sometime. I don’t know--there was somethin’ about that morning. Suddenly I was just another Negro, scared to walk the street. I can’t do nothing but blow my horn, and that’s what I did.”
The interviewer reported, “He isn’t sorry that he blew off at Washington--because now they know where he stands.”
“Only the colored Congressmen, and somebody like Sammy Davis--I don’t dig those guys. When they say I shouldn’t said what I did, I know they’re not up on those current events. I’ve toured through all them South states and I’ve seen it … you can’t say nothing to nobody--it’s that bad and that common.”
“When you say your prayers every night, and within our heart you know you’re goin’ to treat everybody right, and you bless everything worth blessing, that finally gets you. But I guess those cats would rather I just keep blowin’.”
Many black Americans felt that Louis Armstrong played into white stereotypes of Black people, particularly with his broad smile, joyful stage demeanor, and the often jovial nature of his performances. However, many of those mannerisms were genuine reflections of his personality, and he believed in the power of his music to bridge racial divides.
The label of “Uncle Tom” deeply pained Louis, as he was proud of his heritage and his contributions to the world of music. He felt that his approach to civil rights, though quieter than others, was just as valid and that his global influence helped change perceptions of Black Americans worldwide.
Most of the direct quotes from interviews and newspaper articles come from a synopsis of Ricky Riccardi’s work on Louis Armstrong, particularly his 2012 book,“What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong’s Later Years.”
Tomorrow, in a final thread, I will wrap up with Louis having the final say on his legacy as a civil rights and musical pioneer.
Thanks for reading and commenting. That’s what it’s all about.
@Deglassco This is a great thread. Louis Armstrong is way before my time but it's cool to learn more about his life. What's really telling is the reaction from the white press towards him calling out Eisenhower's lack of action. It's like the minute you disagree with some whites, then the insults, invalidation, deflection, and projection begins. It's stunning how much hasn't changed.
@Deglassco
Bravo! Compelling. A worthy tribute to a giant of American culture. Part of a book that needs to be written or maybe a book you are already writing. A great read. Thank you.
@Deglassco louis is a god of music and jazz, and was a good man. And EVERY black musician played to segregated audiences, so why did they pick on him. Because he said what many were afraid to say and showed them up.
@Thebratdragon well, I think it is because Louis Armstrong was the main draw at the time. No black entertainer was more popular than he was at the time. So, he would have been a magnet for criticism in that regard.
@ccdudley85@Deglassco yes Ella did, and she had also spent 20 years singing in whites only venues, before heading out to black/mixed clubs like birdland.
And look around you now at all the people not speaking out, and think, why did a man in 1949, who had lived 48 years knowing the wrong words would get him strung up, take so long to speak up.
@Thebratdragon I agree. It’s important to look at historical figures in the context of their time, rather than judge them by our contemporary situation.
@Deglassco Thank you for this fantastic, informative thread. Fats Waller (also considered a Tom) didn’t live long enough to set people straight in the manner you just described. Still, he railed in his own way, refusing to play demeaning movie roles and writing “Black and Blue,” here being covered by Pops’ All Stars like a New Orleans second line: https://youtu.be/2LDPUfbXRLM
@Deglassco absolutely top-shelf writing on a bit of history I didn't know about someone who I've always admired. Thank you for taking the time to share this.
@ChemicalEyeGuy yes, he was very much hurt by those accusations. He went through a lot in his early years and he did not deserve to be called.Uncle Tom.
@Deglassco
Thank you for this. As always, your threads are pure gold, telling the facts without embellishing nor diminishing, as history should be presented. We are lucky to have you informing and educating us.
I was 8 yrs old when b
BvB came down. My high school was integrated my jr year. 2 Black kids. Next year there were 7. I saw gas stations that still had 3 restrooms, dual water fountains in department stores. Folks shouldn't criticize anyone who did what they had to do to pave the way.
@Deglassco
My lived experience is that no one is ever 'talking politics at work' until someone disagrees with the group's (racist, classist, homophobic) consensus 😒🙄
Solidarity from Tacoma 🖖🏼 :solidarity: :af: :iww: :better_pride:
The ‘stay in your lane’ version of ‘shut up’ is especially dumb as speaking about politics makes you a political speaker.
And, as you say, being Black, makes you way more qualified about being Black than a lifetime White politician, especially given segregation and the White privilege.
I’m glad we have the language to describe all this these days.
@Deglassco@blackmastodon@BlackMastodon Excellent, well-researched thread. Thank you. I read somewhere that #Armstrong smoked #cannabis daily, partly as a way of dealing with racism. Not sure how much truth there is in that notion, but I'm pretty sure cannabis contributed to his divine sense of swing.
Interestingly, Louis Armstrong wasn't really kept out of politics (in a global sense) and was used by the American government around this time as a tool to promote American values overseas... which further complicates all the things mentioned in this thread, no doubt, with the Uncle Tom accusations.
Granted, he got a chance to tour the world and share his music, but it was all a marketing campaign to show other countries how great and cool and Not Racist America is.
@Sinegrave agreed. The US government certainly did use him as a sort of cultural ambassador in different countries (particularly in Africa). But once he made his remarks, the state department didn’t want to use him for that purpose.
@grb090423 according to his biographers, Louis was headstrong, and didn’t listen to his management, even if they had suggested that he stay out of politics. I’m sure they probably would have felt better if he had kept his feelings to himself.m thought. He lost a lot of gigs because of remarks.
@Deglassco@blackmastodon@BlackMastodon fascinating read. The recent Apple TV show Black and Blues really opened my eyes. Thanks for this thread, it’s awesome.
All of 20th century american pop depends on this one man and his extraordinary gift. Draw out the tree, innit, one degree, two degree, occasionally three degree. But that's it. every fourth degree is Armstrong.
Here's Louis Armstrong, 1929, ruling New York, but not yet ruling America, as he would a year later, or ruling the world, as he would three years later.
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