Louis Armstrong was an influential American jazz trumpeter and vocalist born in 1901 in New Orleans. He was one of the most innovative figures in jazz history and considered one of the most popular musicians. Armstrong learned to play trumpet in a reformatory and began playing in Joe King Oliver's band in 1914. Between 1925-1928, Armstrong started his Hot Five and Hot Seven groups, whose recordings were hugely influential on the development of jazz. Known for making scatting famous, Armstrong continued performing up until his death in 1971 at age 69.