Louis Armstrong (4 August 1901 July 6; 1971); nicknamed Satchmo or Sachimo and Pops; was an American jazz trumpeter and singer.Coming to prominence in the 20s as an innovative cornet and trumpet virtuoso; Armstrong was a foundational influence on jazz; shifting the music-s focus from collective improvisation to solo performers. With his distinctive gravelly voice; Armstrong was an influential singer; demonstrating great dexterity as an improviser; bending the lyrics and melody of a song for expressive purposes. He was also greatly skilled at scat singing; or wordless vocalizing.