When conversation focuses on crossover artists, the definition varies in wording but primarily means the same. The crossover could be a song or album from one style of music finding popularity in another genre of music sales. The music of a distinct genre might become broadly popular, thereby deliberately mixing genres. Or, an artist has a hit in a genre other than that which he or she achieved initial success. This day's crossover artist maintains influence extending well beyond jazz music, and by the end of his career in the '60s, he was widely regarded as a profound influence on popular music in general.
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Louis Armstrong was one of the first truly popular African-American entertainers to "cross over", whose skin color was secondary to his music in an America that was severely racially divided. He rarely publicly politicized his race, often to the dismay of fellow African-Americans, but took a well-publicized stand for desegregation during the Little Rock Crisis. His artistry and personality allowed him socially acceptable access to the upper echelons of American society that were highly restricted for men of color. [Source: en.wikipedia.org]
Louis Armstrong: trumpeter, bandleader, singer, soloist, film star and comedian considered one of the most influential artists in jazz historyLouis Armstrong is thought of as the most important and influential musician in jazz history. Armstrong is remembered as a lovable, clowning personality, and a gravel-voiced singer who played simple but dramatic trumpet in a New Orleans-styled Dixieland setting. [Louis Armstrong - "Wild Man Blues"]
On this day in music history...
Louis Armstrong and his orchestra recorded "Jeepers Creepers" on January 18, 1939 in New York, NY. Some declare this to be the best masterpiece ever recorded in music history.
The date on the video indicates 1938. There was a radio performance of "Jeepers Creepers" on December 14, 1938, New York, NY.
Anyone loving old movies knows 'Jeepers Creepers' was the name of the horse in the '38 film Going Places. Louis Armstrong introduced the Academy Award nominated song.
Going Places (film)
September, 1938, Los Angeles, CA
Armstrong's largest role was as a racehorse trainer named Gabriel who tends a horse named Jeepers Creepers that can only be calmed down and ridden when Gabriel sings the song of the same name. The film's conclusion features Armstrong and his band driving in a buggy down the racetrack as Jeepers Creepers competes for a title. Armstrong does the best he can do with the role of a shabby, childlike servant who is referred to as "Uncle Tom".
1986 'That's What Friends Are For' by Dionne Warwick had a four-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart, all company and artists profits were given to aids charities. (January 12 –
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