Louis Daniel Armstrong, often known as “Satchmo,” “Satch,” and “Pops,” was an American trumpeter and singer born on August 4, 1901. He was a pivotal figure in the history of jazz. His career spans five decades and many jazz epochs.
He received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance for Hello, Dolly! in 1965, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972, and induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
His parents were Mary Estelle “Mayann” Albert and William Armstrong. Mary Albert was born at home in Boutte, Louisiana when she was about sixteen years old.
Beatrice “Mama Lucy” Armstrong, born less than a year and a half later, was raised by Albert. William Armstrong soon abandoned the family.
Who inherited Louis Armstrong money and estate?
When Louis died in 1971, he left $5,000 to each of his sisters and cousins, and everything else to his widow, Lucille.
Lucille passed away in 1983. She gave $10,000 bequests to each of her four grandnieces and nephews, as well as a $1,000 insurance policy to her niece, Elizabeth Rolle.
Not satisfied, Elizabeth and another niece, Barbara Swift, filed a will challenge, claiming undue influence and improper execution because one of the witnesses was not present when Lucille signed the will.
As a result, the nieces settled for $5,000 apiece. Lucille left her home to New York City as a museum and everything else to the Armstrong Foundation.
