25 Louis Armstrong Quotes To Help Push You Past Your Fears

These Louis Armstrong quotes show how he left a mark on the music industry that no true music fan will ever be able to forget.

Share your favorite quote with us in the comments below.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Armstrong came to prominence in the 1920s as an innovative trumpet and cornet player.

Some of his most popular songs include “Star Dust,” “La Vie En Rose” and “What a Wonderful World.”

As an actor, he appeared in more than a dozen Hollywood films and was the first African-American to get featured in a major Hollywood movie.

Armstrong’s music transcended his skin color, and he impacted millions of people.

In recognition of his work, he was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

Besides, his home in Corona, Queens was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

Louis Armstrong died on July 6, 1971, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential artists in jazz history.

His innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist continue to be recognized.

As someone who rose from a difficult childhood to have a profound impact on the jazz scene, Armstrong clearly managed to tap into his Everyday Power.

In that respect, below is our collection of inspirational, wise, and thought-provoking Louis Armstrong quotes and sayings, collected from a variety of sources over the years.

And after reading these awesome quotes, be sure to also check out our compilation of the best Ella Fitzgerald quotes.

If you like this article, we suggest you explore our most popular quotes article, a list of short inspirational quotes for daily encouragement. 

Read more related content on our inspirational quotes category page.

Louis Armstrong Quotes To Help Push You Past Your Fears

1. “I was determined to play my horn against all odds, and I had to sacrifice a whole lot of pleasure to do so.” – Louis Armstrong

2. “Don’t do nothing halfway, else you find yourself dropping more than can be picked up.”- Louis Armstrong

3. “I’ve gone on with bad colds, high temperatures and bruised chops. Sometimes you have to play when your lips are so tender, you feel there’s pins in them.”- Louis Armstrong

4. “Music is life itself. What would this world be without good music? No matter what kind it is.” –  Louis Armstrong

5. “I’ve Got the World on a String.” – Louis Armstrong

6. “I do believe that my whole success goes back to that time I was arrested as a wayward boy at the age of thirteen. Because then I had to quit running around and began to learn something. Most of all, I began to learn music.” – Louis Armstrong

7. “Jazz is what I play for a living.” – Louis Armstrong

8. “There is no such thing as ‘on the way out’ as long as you are still doing something interesting and good; you’re in the business because you’re breathing.”  – Louis Armstrong

9. “Musicians don’t retire; they stop when there’s no more music in them.” – Louis Armstrong

10. “I had a chance to play with the best musicians that were coming through because I was pretty good myself or else they wouldn’t have tolerated with me.” – Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong quotes that will inspire you to pursue your passions

11. “I warm up at home. I hit the stage, I’m ready, whether it’s rehearsal or anything.” – Louis Armstrong

12. “Even If I have two three days off, you still have to blow that horn. You have to keep up those chops… I have to warm up everyday for at least an hour.” – Louis Armstrong

13. “My whole life, my whole soul, my whole spirit is to blow that horn.”- Louis Armstrong

14. “There’s a thing I’ve dreamed of all my life, and I’ll be damned if it don’t look like it’s about to come true-to be King of the Zulu’s parade. After that, I’ll be ready to die.” – Louis Armstrong

15. “‎We all go Do, Re, Mi, but you’ve gotta find all the other notes yourself.” ― Louis Armstrong

16. “When I pick up that horn. . .the world’s behind me, and I don’t concentrate.”- Louis Armstrong

17. “There’s only two ways to sum up music; either it’s good or it’s bad. If it’s good you don’t mess about it, you just enjoy it.”- Louis Armstrong

18. “Never play anything the same way twice.”- Louis Armstrong

19. “Seems to me it ain’t the world that’s so bad but what we’re doing to it, and all I’m saying is: see what a wonderful world it would be if only we’d give it a chance. Love, baby – love. That’s the secret.” ― Louis Armstrong

20. “You’ve got to be good or as bad as the devil.”- Louis Armstrong

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Louis Armstrong quotes that will inspire you to become fearless

21. “You know, some times I sit around the house and think about all the places me and Lucille have been. You name the country and we’ve just about been there.”- Louis Armstrong

22. “I never want to be anything more than I am; what I don’t have, I don’t need.” –  Louis Armstrong

23. “As a youngster in the little orphanage home in New Orleans, I was the bugler of the institution. When I got to be around 13 or 14 years old, they took me off the bugle and put me in the little brass band.” – Louis Armstrong

24. “Give me a kiss to build a dream on, and my imagination will thrive upon that kiss.” ― Louis Armstrong

25. “I got a simple rule about everybody. If you don’t treat me right – shame on you.”- Louis Armstrong

Did you enjoy these Louis Armstrong quotes?

Louis Armstrong was one of the most important figures in 20th century music.

He impacted millions of people both as a musician and a human being.

Armstrong is remembered not only for his popular tunes, but as a lovable character with the kindest of hearts.

Hopefully, his words have made your day better.

Let us know in the comment section which of these Louis Armstrong quotes resonated with you best.

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