Louis Armstrong made his first studio records in Richmond, Indiana 101 years ago, recording acoustically because microphones hadnt yet been invented. Microphones eventually allowed Armstrong to begin recording electrically to disc and, later, to tape in the mono and hi-fi eras. Beginning in the late 1950s, Armstrong began making records in revolutionary stereophonic sound. He had seen and conquered every trend in recording technology between 1923 and his death in 1971and he continues to conquer them into the 21st century, over 50 years since he passed away.

Louis Armstrong made a greater impact on American popular music than any other single artist before or since. Celebrating Louis influence on popular music, Verve Records proudly presents an all-new collection featuring Louis Armstrongs biggest hits and most enduring recordings. This collection sits wonderfully alongside Louis In London, which focuses more on Louis influence on jazz. Louis famously told one writer that he was here in the cause of happiness, and this release underscores his mission.