Terry Teachout

Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong

The impression that reading this book leaves is in complete agreement with Ellington's words on Armstrong: "He went from poverty to richness without hurting anyone on the way", which to me means a faithful description of the man and his work.

He was a man who appied his skills wisely to making a carrer in life, in the midst of terrible odds. He played his cards wisely (his God-given talent), mided his own business, and became an American icon. He is the 20th century epitome of hard work plus genius makes it. A true disciple of Frederick Douglass. He was also a man who couln't hate or hold a grudge, and was despised for that by those pharisees in the business.

The admirtation felt by the author does not mire the story: it is easy to read and fast paced, to the point, and no digressions are present.

A good book and an awesome character.