This is some serious business. He makes the record in '31, some 3 or 4 years after the lyric is penned. He barely sings the melody as written, not to mention his trumpet playing.
A true improviser at the dawn of improvising. Maybe I'm crazy, but these days I'm thinking he just might be the most influential musician that has ever lived.
This isn't the best version, there's a very similar version from around the same time with better syncopation...........in my humble opinion. Still great though.
@Alcitoman Agreed! 100%! The one you're talking about is the main one that appears on most all of the compilations and "Best Of" albums of Louis' that you can buy, the one where he says "Oh, memory, oh, memory..." at the end of his vocal part! Even though this version here is really good too! They're both from the same recording session, in 1931!
To me, stardust is one of the great songs of the last century, so many great artists have had a crack at it, but to me, this version will live in my heart, the stardust melody, the memory of love's refrain...just brilliant!
@vontrapped You are right this is a brilliant early version. Hoagy wanted louie to record this tune because he was unsure of it and knew if louie recorded it, he would have a hit SOOOOO true. This is armstrong at his peak physically and creatively. I actually cried when I first heard this rendition just incredible.
I agree this is a great version and it's probably my favorite vocal version of Stardust. To hear an almost as good version, check out Jon Hendricks' "vocalese" tribute to this version by Satchmo. My favorite instrumental version of Stardust would have to be the one by the Lionel Hampton Allstars recorded at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1947, it's about 15 minutes long and features one of the greatest vibes solos ever recorded
@waddsbadds I CAN DIG IT! These are my favorite versions of Stardust, either one by Louis at this session, and Hamp's, the greatest vibe man ever and hell on piano & drums! . Slam Stewart did a job on Hamp's cut, too...
There's a second take, referred to as the "Oh Memory" version, as he repeats that phrase beautifully at the end of the vocal chorus. I'm not saying that one's better, but ...
"Pops" plays this to perfection. Nobody else ever even came close....before or since!
wasittoyou 1 week ago
This is some serious business. He makes the record in '31, some 3 or 4 years after the lyric is penned. He barely sings the melody as written, not to mention his trumpet playing.
A true improviser at the dawn of improvising. Maybe I'm crazy, but these days I'm thinking he just might be the most influential musician that has ever lived.
ccorrao 1 month ago
Sorry, but it's just too fast. It loses all the essences of sadness and melancholy that surrounds this fantastic song.
PINCHUNO 1 month ago
Nat Cole singing Stardust has to be my favorite. I feel both versions are great, like fine whiskey; do ya like it peppery or smooth?
paberk1966 2 months ago 2
Hoagey Carmichael composed, first sang. Perhaps not the best, even though it was his own rendition, but Armstrong certainly was the "original".
gck1953 2 months ago
I could listen to that man play the trumpet all day.
mattthecat77 3 months ago
This isn't the best version, there's a very similar version from around the same time with better syncopation...........in my humble opinion. Still great though.
Alcitoman 3 months ago
@Alcitoman Agreed! 100%! The one you're talking about is the main one that appears on most all of the compilations and "Best Of" albums of Louis' that you can buy, the one where he says "Oh, memory, oh, memory..." at the end of his vocal part! Even though this version here is really good too! They're both from the same recording session, in 1931!
ToddCMorgan2 3 months ago
To me, stardust is one of the great songs of the last century, so many great artists have had a crack at it, but to me, this version will live in my heart, the stardust melody, the memory of love's refrain...just brilliant!
vontrapped 3 months ago
@vontrapped You are right this is a brilliant early version. Hoagy wanted louie to record this tune because he was unsure of it and knew if louie recorded it, he would have a hit SOOOOO true. This is armstrong at his peak physically and creatively. I actually cried when I first heard this rendition just incredible.
jknutbens 3 months ago
Beautiful music, beautiful singing. Have listened to Satchmo for over forty years and never yet heard a bad one! Thank you.
soldier24023 3 months ago
I agree this is a great version and it's probably my favorite vocal version of Stardust. To hear an almost as good version, check out Jon Hendricks' "vocalese" tribute to this version by Satchmo. My favorite instrumental version of Stardust would have to be the one by the Lionel Hampton Allstars recorded at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1947, it's about 15 minutes long and features one of the greatest vibes solos ever recorded
waddsbadds 4 months ago
@waddsbadds I CAN DIG IT! These are my favorite versions of Stardust, either one by Louis at this session, and Hamp's, the greatest vibe man ever and hell on piano & drums! . Slam Stewart did a job on Hamp's cut, too...
neilx49 1 month ago
Great to discover things like this.
CelebGhost 4 months ago
I really respect the fact that you called him "Pops" Thank you, from one who is proud to share his home town. :)
ProfArkham 4 months ago
Each time that Satchmo plays a tune it's always the best version : Just a Gigolo,
Tight like this etc... even What a wonderful world.
The world must know that this man was a real genius.
Satchmo for ever and the name of my villa.
PM290455 4 months ago
There's a second take, referred to as the "Oh Memory" version, as he repeats that phrase beautifully at the end of the vocal chorus. I'm not saying that one's better, but ...
leaveittoprez 4 months ago
Best instrumental I've ever heard of this beautiful melody!!!
jennie12ish 6 months ago 7
Even Django went, "le mofo! Vive le groove!"
bamboosa 6 months ago
Louis Armstrong was amazing, he had such a beautiful and sweet quality in that husky voice of his. Flawless song <3
dani9714 7 months ago
Magnífica grabación, muchas gracias por compartirla.
sirjuandabicho 7 months ago 2
I enjoyed your video!
---------Ellen
Shabannie 11 months ago 5