Louis Armstrong SATCHMO™ Award

This award honors great, living jazz artists, who have a history of sharing their love of music through a lifetime of performance and jazz education. It was created by The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Inc. and represents a tribute to the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong’s passion for jazz and excellence matched only by his joyous love of life and children. The recipients of The SATCHMO™ Award are selected for their important and lasting contributions in the world of jazz education and reflect the spirit of Louis Armstrong and his inspiring belief in the power of the language of Jazz music, essential in making a Wonderful World™.

The first SATCHMO™ Award was presented to Herb Alpert at the WBGO Champions of Jazz Benefit held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on November 10, 2010.  The same evening, the late Phoebe Jacobs and the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Inc. were honored with a Champions of Jazz Award by WBGO. Ms. Jacobs had acquired a special trumpet from Conn-Selmer that was presented to Mr. Alpert. Subsequently, the LAEF, INC. decided to continue giving an award. Now in its ninth year, The Foundation presents the award at a special swing dance party in Harlem at the Alhambra Ballroom. The awardee is given a monetary gift along with the honoree’s photograph framed alongside a picture of Louis Armstrong, making each award unique and one-of a kind!