[Dixielandjazz] Louis Armstrong in Later Years

[Bill Haesler]

Stephen G Barbone wrote [in part] regarding "Blue Yodel No. 9" as performed by Louis in 1930 and again in 1970:

> Now, Bill,Haesler may tell us that this does not compare with the Louis Armstrong recording of the same tune in 1930 with Jimmie Rodgers, but then he is a bit one eyed and if he doesn't like this 1970 version has no soul. <grin>

Dear Steve,
Of course the Johnny Cash version doesn't compare with the original Jimmie Rodgers version.
How could it? It is an attempt at a recreation.
I've had the original in my collection for about 60 years and we, then kids, wore it out.
I saw the Cash tribute YouTube video when it was uploaded a few years back and the first thing I did was to send the link to Bob Barnard and Tony Standish, the kids who helped me play it to death.
Louis, on this later version raised the hairs on my neck and brought tears to my eyes.
Because he was still magnificent but, sadly, obviously ill.
It also proved to me that he still hadn't lost 'it'.
But then, I'm extremely one-eyed about Louis.
He can do no wrong.
*>)
Unfortunately, the well-meaning and talented entertainer, Mr Cash, is certainly no jazz/blues singer.
Kind regards,
Bill, with a patch over both eyes.

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OB9iRTfrfQ&feature=related
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7rfq25JDJg