AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Louis Armstrong

Artist:Louis Arnstrong

Song:On the Sunny Side of the Street

Album:The Ultimate Collection

Louis Armstrong first recorded the jazz standard On the Sunny Side of the Street in 1938. It became a regular part of his repertoire over the years. The late 30s was a fertile period for Armstrong before changing musical tastes led to a down period until after WWII. In 1935, Armstrong hired Joe Glaser as his new manager. Glaser was a tough guy with mob connections who untangled Armstrong's legal mess, his mob problems and his debt. Armstrong signed with Decca Records. Because of his unorthodox playing style, Armstrong began experiencing problems with his fingers and lips. So he concentrated more on singing and theatrical appearances. Armstrong appeared in the 1936 Bing Crosby film Pennies from Heaven. And he substituted for Rudy Valle on CBS and became the first black to host a nationally sponsored radio program. He toured with a big band led by Luis Russell at the time. Hit singles included Public Melody Number One and When the Saints Go Marching In. He recorded with The Mills Brothers and with what was called the Decca Mixed Choir. After Armstrong performed Jeepers Creepers in the 1938 film Going Places, he recorded On the Sunny Side of the Street and a few other songs on Dec. 14, 1938. A couple of notable things about this session. It was the first time Armstrong performed with trombonist Jack Teagarden who would later be a key member of Armstrong's All Stars in 1947. But the big surprise is that Fats Waller played piano on this session. Armstrong and Waller sing a couple of songs together. This was the only time the two worked together. Supposedly Waller wrote On the Sunny Side of the Street. But he sold the song and it is credited to Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields. Armstrong first recorded the song on this session. But he recorded it frequently over the years. Other musicians are Bud Freeman on tenor sax, Bob Spergel on guitar, Pete Peterson on bass and George Wettling on drums. You can get it on this 2CD budget comp covering Armstrong's Decca, Verve and ABC recordings. Those interested only in Armstrong's 30s recordings on Decca should check out Jasmine's 1998 CD Louis Sings, Armstrong Plays 1935-1942. Here's what appears to be Louis Armstrong and his All Stars performing On the Sunny Side of the Street on a 50s TV show.