Dream a Little Dream

Louis Armstrong

The single most important jazz artist ever, Armstrong had a career that spanned 50 years. His gravelly voice was as unique as his masterful trumpet playing. The man known as Satchmo popularized singing scat, or improvising with made-up words.

By recording ... more"Porgy and Bess" with Ella Fitzgerald, Armstrong gained a huge following. His massive grin and upbeat attitude didn't hurt, either.

Armstrong's hits include "What a Wonderful World," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and "Hello, Dolly." He died in 1971 and received a Lifetime Grammy award the following year. (Redferns/Retna Ltd.)