Biography
Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson is not a musical artist or band, but rather a collaborative studio album released in late 1959 by two legendary jazz musicians: Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson. The album was recorded across two sessions in 1957 at Capitol Studios in Hollywood—on July 31 and October 14—but was not released until shortly before Christmas 1959, two years after the initial recordings. This project brought together two titans of jazz: Armstrong, one of the most innovative, singular, and beloved artists of the 20th century known for his revolutionary vocal style and trumpet playing, and Peterson, Verve Records' legendary "house pianist" renowned for his exceptional skills as both a pianist and leader. The collaboration resulted in a dozen tracks featuring Armstrong performing standards that were not part of his usual repertoire, presented in an unadorned setting that allowed his artistry to shine without excessive production elements. The album was produced by impresario Norman Granz under the Verve Records label and has since become recognized as a significant work in jazz history, demonstrating the musical kinship between two generational talents.
Fun Facts
- The album was recorded in 1957 but not released until late 1959, a two-year gap between recording and commercial release.
- The 1997 CD reissue included four bonus tracks from the same recording sessions, including two songs that were previously only available on compilations: 'Indiana' and an alternate take of 'Let's Fall in Love.'
- Jazz critic Leonard Feather praised the album's stripped-down approach, noting that 'Hearing Louis in the unfrilled, ungimmicked setting of the Oscar Peterson rhythm section' would be a treat for those who appreciated Armstrong's artistry without excessive production.
- The album features Armstrong performing primarily as a vocalist with occasional trumpet solos limited to single choruses in most cases, showcasing his 'totally personal and thoroughly captivating vocal style' rather than his typical instrumental prominence.
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- Oscar Peterson - Pianist and bandleader who led the rhythm section and provided accompaniment throughout the album, serving as both an exceptional accompanist and equal collaborator (Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)) [1957-1959]
- Herb Ellis - Guitarist who was part of the Oscar Peterson Trio and provided guitar accompaniment on the sessions (Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)) [1957-1959]
- Ray Brown - Double bassist and member of the Oscar Peterson Trio who provided bass support throughout the recording sessions (Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)) [1957-1959]
- Louis Bellson - Drummer who served as the frequent fourth member of the Oscar Peterson Trio, providing percussion on the sessions (Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)) [1957-1959]
- Norman Granz - Producer and impresario who sponsored and encouraged the collaboration, overseeing the project for Verve Records (Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)) [1957-1959]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 愛はすべてを越えて：ルイ・アームストロング | 2023-12-01 | Album |
| Big Band- The World's Greatest Jazz Collection, Vol. 56 | 2008-01-09 | Album |
| Big Band- The World's Greatest Jazz Collection, Vol. 53 | 2008-01-09 | Album |
| Big Band- The World's Greatest Jazz Collection, Vol. 57 | 2008-01-09 | Album |
| Big Band- The World's Greatest Jazz Collection, Vol. 54 | 2008-01-09 | Album |
Top Tracks
- La vie en rose - Single Version (La Vie En Rose (Deluxe Edition))
- C'est si bon (La Vie En Rose (Deluxe Edition))
- Because Of You (La Vie En Rose (Deluxe Edition))
- La vie en rose - Single Version (La Vie En Rose)
- Ramona (La Vie En Rose (Deluxe Edition))
- When The Saints Go Marching In - Single Version (When the Saints Go Marching In)
- If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight) - 1983 Satchmo Version (La Vie En Rose (Deluxe Edition))
- I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) - Single Version (La Vie En Rose (Deluxe Edition))
- I'm In The Mood For Love - Single Version (La Vie En Rose (Deluxe Edition))
- I Never Knew - Single Version (La Vie En Rose (Deluxe Edition))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Louis Armstrong & Oscar Peterson has been played 173 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 2026 | 11:02 | skid dat de dat | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Jan 9, 2026 | 09:55 | Got No Bluesfrom The Complete Hot Five And Hot Se | Traditional Jazzw/ the Jazz Police | |
| Jan 8, 2026 | 20:02 | tonight., | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Jan 8, 2026 | 11:52 | if i could be with you one hour tonight | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Jan 8, 2026 | 10:45 | Body And Soul | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young | |
| Jan 7, 2026 | 16:50 | blues for big scotiafrom something warm | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | 10:36 | King Of The Zulus | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | 10:22 | save it pretty mama | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:45 | Sweet Sue, Just Youfrom History, Vol. 08 of 15 (Swing, You Cats) | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:41 | Got a Bran' New Suitfrom History, Vol. 08 of 15 (Swing, You Cats) | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |