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Louis Armstrong

Band leader Chris Barber chooses the legendary jazz trumpeter, Louis Armstrong. With Humphrey Carpenter. From 2002.

Chris Barber has been a jazz band leader since 1949.

He didn't have to think too hard when Humphrey Carpenter invited him to nominate a 'great life' for discussion.

His chosen subject is the founding father of jazz, Louis Armstrong (1901-1971).

Joining them to discuss the immortal Satchmo is his biographer Laurence Bergreen.

Producer: Peter Everett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Fri 31 Jul 2026 00:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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  • Thu 21 Aug 2014 18:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 22 Aug 2014 01:30
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  • Thu 8 Jul 2021 18:30
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  • Fri 9 Jul 2021 00:30
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  • Sat 10 Jul 2021 07:30
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  • Sat 10 Jul 2021 17:30
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  • Sun 11 Jul 2021 05:30
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  • Thu 30 Jul 2026 10:00
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  • Thu 30 Jul 2026 16:00
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  • Fri 31 Jul 2026 00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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  • Great Lives

    Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.