A story you’ve probably never heard before.
A Grandson of slaves, a boy was born in a poor neighborhood of New Orleans
known as the "Back of Town."
His father abandoned the family when the child was an infant, His mother became
a prostitute and the boy and his sister had to live with their grandmother.
Early in life he proved to be gifted for music and with three other kids he sang
in the streets of New Orleans.
His first gains were the coins that were thrown to them.
A Jewish family, Karnofsky, who had emigrated from Lithuania to the USA
had pity for the 7-year-old boy and brought him into their home.
Initially giving'work' in the house, to feed this hungry child. There he
remained and slept in this Jewish family's home where, for the first time in his life he
was treated with kindness and tenderness.
When he went to bed, Mrs. Karnovsky sang him a Russian Lullaby that he would
sing with her. Later, he learned to sing and play several Russian and Jewish songs.
Over time, this boy became the adopted son of this family.
The Karnovskys gave him money to buy his first musical instrument; as was the custom
in the Jewish families. They sincerely admired his musical talent.
Later,when he became a professional musician and composer, he used these
Jewish melodies in compositions, such as St. James Infirmary and Go Down Moses.
was treated with kindness and tenderness.
When he went to bed, Mrs. Karnovsky sang him a Russian Lullaby that he would
sing with her. Later, he learned to sing and play several Russian and Jewish songs.
Over time, this boy became the adopted son of this family.
The Karnovskys gave him money to buy his first musical instrument; as was the custom
in the Jewish families. They sincerely admired his musical talent.
Later,when he became a professional musician and composer, he used these
Jewish melodies in compositions, such as St. James Infirmary and Go Down Moses.
The little black boy grew up and wrote a book about this Jewish family who had adopted
him in 1907. In memory of this family and until the end of his life, he wore a star of David and said
that in this family he had learned" how to live real life and determination."
You might recognize his name. This little boy was called Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong.
Louis Armstrong proudly spoke fluent Yiddish!
You might recognize his name. This little boy was called Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong.
Louis Armstrong proudly spoke fluent Yiddish!
And I bet you did not know this.........And "Satchmo" is Yiddish for "Big Cheeks" !!!!!
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