Satchmo in the Congo
Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong (1901–1971) toured Africa for the State Department in 1960–1961, performing in twenty-seven cities. In Leopoldville, Congo, an official called Armstrong “Ambassador Extraordinary of the United States” and spoke with pride of “this son of our African race.” During a secession crisis in the newly independent Congo’s Katenga Province, a day-long truce was called so that both sides could attend Armstrong’s performance. Armstrong later commented that he had stopped a civil war.
Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong (1901–1971) toured Africa for the State Department in 1960–1961, performing in twenty-seven cities. In Leopoldville, Congo, an official called Armstrong “Ambassador Extraordinary of the United States” and spoke with pride of “this son of our African race.” During a secession crisis in the newly independent Congo’s Katenga Province, a day-long truce was called so that both sides could attend Armstrong’s performance. Armstrong later commented that he had stopped a civil war.