There were many greats in the genre of jazz music. Two of the most iconic artists in the jazz world were Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke. Although they were very different in their musical style and career, both were able to contribute to the different jazz genre. Louis Armstrong was more popular, had a longer musical career, and played a more up-tempo type of jazz. Beiderbecke flew under the radar of popularity and played a calm and quirky form of jazz. However, it is undeniable that both artists made a huge contribution to the jazz genre and the direction in which it went. In this article I will discuss the background and musical influences of both artists. Next, I will discuss the differences in the musical styles and philosophies of the artists. Then, I will discuss the differences in political and social conditions that influenced their careers. Finally, I will conclude by explaining how all these components have influenced the popularity they have managed to achieve. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Louis Armstrong was born and raised in New Orleans. He was raised by his mother in a very dangerous neighborhood, which landed him in trouble early in his life. On New Year's Eve 1912, he was arrested and sent to the Colored Waif's Home for Boys. This would be the place that would allow him to discover his musical talent and continually develop his musicianship. While Louis Armstrong was at home, Peter Davis took it upon himself to teach Armstrong how to play the cornet correctly. After much practice, Louis Armstrong became the leader of the Waif's home brass band. His time in this band opened his eyes to the possibility of becoming a professional musician. Eventually, Louis Armstrong found his mentor Joe "King" Oliver, and Armstrong became one of the most sought-after cornet players in the city. He often played on boats on the Mississippi River. In 1922 Armstrong began playing in King Oliver's band, which allowed him to gain exposure due to his double cornet breaks. However, in 1925, Armstrong began making records under his own name. These records are among the most influential in jazz today. Eventually, Armstrong became very popular on radio, in films, and with his recordings, which allowed him to tour the country. Eventually, Armstrong began fronting a small group, Louis Armstrong and his All Stars. They have grown in popularity globally. Being the intelligent person that he was, Armstrong not only used the stage for his musical talent, but also became a passionate supporter of civil rights. Unfortunately, Armstrong suffered a heart attack in 1959 which forced him to take a break from music. When he attempted to return, his body could no longer take it and he eventually died in his sleep in 1971. Bix Beiderbecke was born in 1903. His father was a manager and his mother was a musician who played the piano and was organist for their church. His mother was the first person to spark his interest in music. Beiderbecke gave his first concert in 1921 at the Haynes ballet school. He eventually left his hometown of Lake Forest and began playing with several bands around Chicago and Davenport. Eventually, he joined the Wolverine Orchestra in 1924, but it was short-lived as he left the orchestra the same year and joined the Jean Goldkette Orchestra. Beiderbecke continued to jump from one orchestra to another, for in 1927 Bix joined the Whiteman Orchestra led by Paul Whiteman. Being part of this particular Orchestra allowed him to gain immense popularity because the orchestra had its own train, was broadcast on national radio andhe played in every major concert hall in the United States. Beiderbecke also wrote the compositions In a Mist, Candlelight, In the Dark and Flashes, and Davenport Blues. Unfortunately, Beiderbecke's popularity has led many people to buy him drinks. Because of his charm, he could not refuse any gifts, which led him to become addicted to alcohol. His addiction to alcohol caused an illness called Lobar's pneumonia, which led to his death in 1931. There were many differences between the musical styles and philosophies of the two artists. Armstrong played truly unique, fast and exciting tempos with fiery improvisations. This exciting musical style is called hot jazz. Hot jazz is a blend of ragtime, blues and brass band marches. Through Louis Armstrong's music you could hear "his intelligence, imagination and bold sense of form." Listening to Louis Armstrong's music will never let anyone get bored. His music constantly keeps you alert and excited. Louis Armstrong focused heavily on rhythm, mastery of tempo, and innovation in his intricate and surprising improvisations. Beiderbecke, on the other hand, had influences from both jazz and classical music. Beiderbeck's music reflected a fresher, sweeter and more thoughtful form of jazz than the warm, up-tempo jazz played by Armstrong. Beiderbecke played quieter, more relaxed tempos that consisted of a lighter tone. Much of his music contained arrangements earlier than Armstrong's improvisations. Beiderbecke was a very melodic musician who played "chime-like" notes, played as if every note mattered, and was able to depict immense emotions. There was a marked difference in the political and social conditions that shaped the musical careers of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke. The most obvious difference between the two artists is that Louis Armstrong was black and Bix Beiderbecke was white. This caused Armstrong to have more oppressions against him. However, because Beiderbecke was white, he was never able to fully express the true emotion of jazz music's roots. Beiderbecke also failed to advocate for civil rights based on first-hand experiences, which, in my opinion, gave his music less meaning. Politically, both artists seemed to come from very different socioeconomic backgrounds. Armstrong grew up in a very poor and dangerous neighborhood, which often landed him in trouble. With this lack of financial stability, Armstrong has little to rely on in terms of resources to help him gain exposure and help him develop his skills. Armstrong had to search for his own resources and prove his ability. On the other hand, Beiderbecke grew up being able to attend many different schools, including a performing arts school. Beiderbecke certainly had an advantage, because his family's financial stability allowed him to have more easily accessible resources. Finally, one of the last major differences between the two is their education level. With Armstrong's history of trouble with the law and lack of money, he was only able to get a fifth-grade education. Beiderbecke was able to graduate from high school and attend the University of Iowa for a period of time. This difference in education levels also affected each artist's access to resources. All in all, both artists had very different components that influenced their musical careers. While Beiderbecke had more access to resources, Armstrong appears to have more determination because his musical career was connected to much deeper emotional meaning. Please note: this is just an example. Get a document now.