Commentary: Little-known facts about well-knowns

Thursday, Feb. 29, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

REMINISCENCES 1. ... During these next few weeks, we want to share some personal memories, encounters with stars who have played Las Vegas through the years, some still active, others no longer with us. ... We start with Louis Daniel "Satchmo" Armstrong, born in New Orleans, July 4, 1900, America's musical ambassador to the world.

Purists may question Louie's natal date, but July 4 is an appropriate date and 1900 a proper starting point for the man who was the most profound influence on popular music and jazz, instrumentally and vocally, during this century. ... He was an original source.

"Satchmo" was short for his original nickname, "Satchel Mouth" a tag put on Louis as a teenager. ... Later, he was to become Ambassador Satch, admired by millions throughout the world, a title he treasured and honored until his death in 1971.

Our first meeting

The late Duke Ellington, who was to orchestral composition and performance what Armstrong was to the soloist and singer, once remarked, "Louis' influence was so great, God knows how many young people took up the trumpet because that was the instrument he played." ... We were one of those young people. ... It was his RCA recording of "Dusky Stevedore" that did it. ... Our first meeting was in Philadelphia in 1937.

It was backstage at the Earle Theatre, the start of a friendship that continued until his passing, 34 years later. ... In 1952, while studying law at Tulane, we were chosen to introduce Armstrong at a homecoming concert in New Orleans' Municipal Auditorium.

After the concert, he promised an eager group of players, the Assunto brothers, Frnak and Freddie, and their Dukes of Dixieland, that he would someday record with them. ... This came to pass in the summer of 1960.

That 1960 date

"Louie and the Dukes" was a very successful album release on the Audio Fidelity label, riding the charts for months. ... The sessions were held in an RCA studio on Manhattan's lower east side. ... Each selection was impromptu with arrangements created on the spot as we agreed on a song title. ... Louie, Frank, Freddie, and Papa Jac are long gone, but Mo Mahoney, owner of the local Drum Shop, was our drummer on the date.

Mo can verify the sight of Satch with his Bermuda shorts, Hawaiian shirt, white socks neatly rolled down to his ankles, bedroom slippers, handkerchief atop his head with the ends knotted, and white Elephant Salve on his lips, telling Mahoney to watch "his buns" to pick up the tempo for "South."

This was nearly 36 years ago, but every detail of that day remains vivid in my mind. ... Nat Hentoff, now an authority on the First Amendment, wrote the album's liner notes.

A night in 1971

Our fondest Armstrong memory was also our birthday, Jan. 9, 1971. ... It was Louie's last appearance anywhere, in the Tropicana Blue Room. ... Duke Ellington was at Caesars Palace and Ella Fitzgerald, another original source, at the Flamingo. ... We had arranged a "Tribute To Louie" and both good friends came over between shows to join Pops and the All-Stars onstage.

Jazz greats Red Norvo and Monk Montgomery were also on hand. ... Ella shyly walked over to Louis and requested he play "Blueberry Hill." ... Armstrong and the All-Stars obliged, whereupon Ellington gallantly asked Ella if she would dance with him.

That was it, a magic moment, three giants, tremendous contributors, Duke and Ella gracefully dancing and Louis playing and singing. ... So simple and yet so eloquent, it would have been wonderful if we could have captured it on tape or film for the world to share. ... More on this Friday.

Thursday addenda

Good jazz: We recommend the action at Paddy's Pub on Saturday nights; The Melrose, Sunday afternoons; the Santa Fe Pavilion, Saturdays and Sundays at noon; and the Four Queens, Riviera and Showboat on Monday evenings. ... There are others; be sure to check the SUN's Show Guide on Fridays for complete listings on all entertainment activities. ... See you Friday.

JOE DELANEY has been active in the entertainment industry for more than 50 years. His column appears Thursdays and Fridays in the SUN.