Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Louis Armstrong and Johnny Cash?

Yes, Louis Armstrong and Johnny Cash! They're performing "Blue Yodel No. 9," which Armstrong recorded with The Singing Brakeman, Jimmie Rodgers, and pianist Lil Hardin Armstrong, on July 16, 1930, in Los Angeles.

This recreation is from The Johnny Cash Show, first broadcast on October 28, 1970. According to Michael Minn's Louis Armstrong Discography, Armstrong's appearance on this show marked his return to the trumpet after a two-year health-related hiatus. Listen for the gently bouncing trumpet phrases from 4:43 to 4:47: that's the sound of a genius at work.

Blue Yodel No. 9 (YouTube)

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