Louis Armstrong was jazz's greatest ambassador-one of the pivotal figures in the music development. Whether it was his trumpet playing, his gruff singing voice, or his infectious charm, Armstrong's fusion of blues, Tin Pan Alley, and New Orleans chronicled the evolution of jazz from its humble beginnings to worldwide acclaim. His influence grows in stature since his death in 1971, and this year marks the centennial anniversary of his birth. In conjunction with that celebration, Legacy has reissued some important recordings by the man we call Satchmo.

The crown jewel of the Columbia reissue projects is The Complete Hot Five and Seven Recordings, which contains all of the sides Armstrong and his band had recorded for the Okeh and Columbia labels between 1925 and 1928. Members of his legendary band included pianist Lillian Hardin, banjoist Johnny St. Cyr, clarinetist Johnny Dodds, and trombonist Kid Ory. This 4-CD set contains Armstrong's memorable songs: "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "Potatohead Blues," "West End Blues," "Hotter Than That," and "Muggles." The set is abetted with a generous portion of previously unreleased tracks and fittingly makes a comprehensive overview of the great music that came out of what is called The Jazz Age.

The three other albums recorded much later aren't shabby either. Satch Plays Fats (1955) pays tribute to the great pianist Fats Waller. Armstrong lovingly renders some of Waller's best known works including "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Honeysuckle Rose," and "I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby." (This CD reissue contains ten additional bonus tracks). Ambassador Satch (1956) was a live recording of Armstrong's tour of Western Europe (including songs recorded in Hollywood and New York). Upon his performance on the horn, you can understand the adulation he was received by the foreign crowd. Featured on this CD version are renditions of popular tracks "West End Blues" and "Tiger Rag," as well as standards "All of Me" and "Undecided." Satchmo the Great (1957) was the soundtrack to a documentary film by newsman Edward R. Murrow, which captured Armstrong still at his zenith. With excerpts of interviews with Murrow, Armstrong also recorded tracks such as WC Handy's popular "St. Louis Blues" (which also features orchestral accompaniment by Leonard Bernstein) and "On The Sunny Side of the Street."

 It is amazing in hindsight at how Armstrong was still popular even when jazz music and tastes have changed. Though younger people may only remember him for singing songs like "Hello Dolly" and "What a Wonderful World," his contributions as a trumpeter, vocalist, bandleader, and composer are immeasurable. As critic Stanley Crouch said in The New York Times, "Armstrongwas the embodiment of democracy, evoking its uplifting possibilities with fearless feat of the imagination."