Amidst a period of ongoing performances marred by excruciating illness, Louis Armstrong's final years supplied the foundation for his lasting influence on popular music. Indeed, Satchmo faced significant health challenges in his later life, with the many decades of constant touring eventually wearing him down. Following a heart attack in 1959, he returned to intensive care for major heart and kidney trouble in late 1968 — the first proper hiatus of the jazz innovator’s career.

Working backwards from this period, we can see how (as his hospitalisations became more frequent) Satch remained determined to stay active in music. Despite his growing ailments, Pops continued to perform and record in steadfast fashion. His resilience and dedication to the art form were evident as he kept a busy schedule of international engagements.

On doctor’s orders, a much-needed respite put a hold on what had been a prolific stretch for the musician, with Armstrong recently having given a pair of performances that would prove to outlive him: a scene-stealing cameo appearance in the musical film adaptation of Hello, Dolly! with Barbra Streisand, not to mention his perennial recording of ‘What a Wonderful World’, cut during the wee small hours of Friday 1st September, 1967, in Las Vegas only months before. 

 Armstrong’s visits to London were often part of his international tours, which helped contribute to his global popularity. First arriving on our shores in 1932, this was a significant moment in Louis’ career as it introduced his music to European audiences and sowed the seeds of his international fame. Returning to the city several times throughout his career, his performances there were always highly anticipated, and he played in various prominent venues, always receiving enthusiastic receptions from British audiences. His ongoing popularity ensured that these performances were not only well-attended and celebrated but were covered extensively by the media as well, further cementing Satchmo’s status as a global icon; a universal jazz ambassador.

Recorded in early July 1968, this previously unheard performance was part of a television special entitled ‘Louis Armstrong in Concert’. The programme was produced by the BBC and featured Armstrong performing with his All Stars band who delivered a mix of classic hits, such as ‘Blueberry Hill’ and ‘Mack the Knife’, plus newer material like ‘Wonderful World’. Upon receiving his own tape copy of the broadcast, Louis simply affixed it with the label, “TO THE FANS”.

This appearance was significant as it highlighted Armstrong's ability to captivate audiences even in his later years, showcasing his continued relevance in the music sphere. ‘Wonderful World’ had recently surpassed Cliff Richard to the top of the charts, just as Satch's recording of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ had done so to The Beatles back in 1964. This broadcast remains a cherished part of Pops' legacy, capturing the essence of his live performances and his impact on international audiences. What greater proof of the man’s innate ability for bringing people together than when he commands the crowd in correctly clapping on the offbeat — how many times can you be sure that’s happened since? What a wonderful world it really must have been.