August 4, 1901 Legendary jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong is born on this day in New Orleans. Although Armstrong himself often cited his birthday as July 4, 1900, his baptismal records show that he was born August 4, 1901, to teenage parents who separated after his birth. Armstrong's innovative music established the instrumental solo as the backbone of jazz. Among his many hits were "Blueberry Hill" and "What a Wonderful World." Armstrong died in his sleep in 1971 after suffering heart problems and other health complaints for many years.