Group · 1925–1928 · Chicago [41.88, -87.63]

Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five

Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five was the studio band, active from 1925, that produced the recordings on which Armstrong reinvented jazz as a soloist's art. Built around his cornet and trumpet with Lil Hardin's piano and Johnny Dodds's clarinet, the group balanced New Orleans ensemble playing against ever-bolder improvised breaks. Its records, including 'Heebie Jeebies' and 'Potato Head Blues', are among the most studied documents of early jazz.

Evidence2

Connections2

  • collaborates with Louis Armstrong

  • collaborates with Heebie Jeebies

    Armstrong's Hot Five recorded 'Heebie Jeebies' in 1926, the side whose wordless vocal chorus did much to popularize scat singing. It marked the moment the band's leader carried his instrumental daring into the human voice.