"There are lots of prejudices in this country. That's why people are ashamed to tell their age. They're afraid they're going to be cast aside or left out of activities. But that never bothered me. 'Cause I can saw on that fiddle just as loud as I ever sawed on it, as far as I'm concerned. We didn't come here to stay forever. But you can make use of what time you do have."
Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong was recognized as a national treasure by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1990 and is revered by jazz and blues aficionados for his exuberant instrumental style and his graceful vocals.
Today he is the last surviving musician of the black string band genre that flourished before World War II. His repertoire is an eclectic blend of the swing, blues, country and spiritual tunes that these traveling bands played in America's streets, work fields, barber shops and bars. Howard made his first recordings in the 1930's with Carl Martin and Ted Bogan.
A revival of interest in their music in the 1970s led
to new recordings and a documentary titled Louie Bluie
(1985). Howard's recollections are rich with the
history of the 20th century, and this is vividly reflected
in his paintings,
music and written stories.
Note: We are sad to report that Howard Armstrong passed away on July 30, 2003 in Boston. He was 94. Find out more...
