TT 316: Cover Story! LOUIS ARMSTRONG'S LAST WORD in The Nation

"For decades, Americans have argued over the icon's legacy. But his archives show that he had his own plans."

I’ve been writing about music for almost 20 years. It began with a blog where I slowly figured out how to put sentences together. After my prose improved, I produced several sets of liner notes, a few essays at The New Yorker Culture Desk, and two dozen Chronology columns at JazzTimes. In time, Don Guttenplan came to a gig and suggested that I occasionally contribute to The Nation.

The current issue of The Nation has my long look at Louis Armstrong and his archives housed at the Armstrong center in Queens. It is the cover story! I’m delighted. Absolutely Louis Armstrong should be on the cover of our major magazines.

The stars of the story are Ricky Riccardi and Hyland Harris. (Below, Ricky is showing Hyland a photo in the archives.)

Hyland is my long-time friend, he’s the one that pulled me into the world of the Armstrong house. Our countless hours discussing the nitty gritty of jazz has brought forth this unexpected result: a cover story in The Nation.

I don’t know Ricky so well, but I bow to him as one of the greatest jazz writers and historians. Not all icons have such thoughtful and talented biographers.

Often when I file for a serious publication I include the general note, “Fix this.” My wife Sarah Deming has offered invaluable editorial insight over the years; so has Mark Stryker, Hyland Harris, and others.

At The Nation, Don Guttenplan has helped a lot, but more recently I’ve been in close contact with Shuja Haider. Shuja visited the Center and House with me — that’s us in the famous bright blue kitchen below…

…and Shuja also helped get the final essay into shape. I sent Shuja a first draft a bit in despair. I knew it was lacking, maybe it was even boring, but had no idea how to move it along. Shuja sent back a detailed edit with parts rearranged and notes on what to add and what to cut. The piece was now in focus and I knew it was good. Sincere thanks to Shuja Haider!

I’ll have more to say about Pops this week. But for now, head on over to the Nation site and read, “Louis Armstrong Gets the Last Word on Louis Armstrong.”