Scholars believe Louis Armstrong was born on Aug. 4, 1901. Just before his birthday this year, a mural of Armstrong was completed on a CBD building on the wall facing OโKeefe Avenue at Gravier Street, blocks from where Satchmo was born.
Brazilian muralist created the close-up image of Armstrongโs face, covered with a kaleidoscopic rainbow effect. Known as Kobra, the artist has used similar rainbow themes on murals across the globe.
The image was commissioned by the owners of the building at 300 S. Rampart St., ERG Enterprises and the Kupperman Companies, and the space is being developed as a hotel. ERG Enterprises also is an owner of the Windsor Court Hotel, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Orpheum Theater and Pythian Building, which has a mural by New Orleans artist Brandan โBMikeโ Odums.
The blocks around South Rampart and Perdido streets was home to several music clubs associated with early jazz, including the Union Sons Hall.
โItโs a long, hot summer,โ Deacon John Moore says. Iโve called to ask him how New Orleans musicians make it through the slow months. He laughs…