HIGH HAT AND DOWN LOW

Year Published: 1954

Description: This extraordinary raw footage was recently unearthed by film historian Jeff Joseph. The footage, which was clearly intended to be part of a production of some sort, was originally shot with sound — but unfortunately that element has now been lost. The film provides an extraordinary look at Louis Armstrong making what might be his first appearance in Las Vegas circa 1954. Armstrong was the headliner for a show that partnered him with Metropolitan Opera star Robert Merrill. It was called "High Hat and Low Down" and initially ran at the Sands Hotel for two weeks -- but then was so popular that it became a seasonal act that ran for at least three years. Appearing with Armstrong was his "all star" Satchmo All Star Band and singer Velma Middleton, and (at least in 1956 or 57) Natalie & The Beachcombers, the Copa Girls and the Antonio Morelli Orchestra. The show was produced by Jack Entratter, who initially raised eyebrows by bringing together Merrill and Armstrong to share the top billing, but according to a review, "...this unique combination of opera and jazz was a hit with even the most jaded audiences on its opening night." The lively show was full of good humor and interspersed with comedic segments. Some of the songs that were part of the set list included "Granada" (typically the opening song) and the spirituals "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen", "Joshua Fit' the Battle of Jericho", "Return to Sorrento" and "On the Street Where You Live". He also performed opera standards such as the Toreador Song from "Carmen" and Figaro’s aria from "Barber of Seville". Armstrong was said by a reviewer to be in "top form" performing "Sleepy Time Down South". The Satchmo & His All Stars band in 1957 included Billy Kyle, piano; Trummy Young, trombone; Edmond Hall, clarinet; Barrett Deems, drums; and Dale "Deacon" Jones, bass. Some of the jazz setlist included "Back Home In Indiana," "Faithful Huzzar," "Stompin’ at the Savoy", "Mop Mop," "Perdido" (performed by the rhythm section). The show wrapped up with Velma Middleton belting out "Mama's Back In Town," followed by some hilarious gyrations and a duo with Armstrong on "Kokomo."

Complete Record: This extraordinary raw footage was recently unearthed by film historian Jeff Joseph. The footage, which was clearly intended to be part of a production of some sort, was originally shot with sound — but unfortunately that element has now been lost. The film provides an extraordinary look at Louis Armstrong making what might be his first appearance in Las Vegas circa 1954. Armstrong was the headliner for a show that partnered him with Metropolitan Opera star Robert Merrill. It was called "High Hat and Low Down" and initially ran at the Sands Hotel for two weeks -- but then was so popular that it became a seasonal act that ran for at least three years. Appearing with Armstrong was his "all star" Satchmo All Star Band and singer Velma Middleton, and (at least in 1956 or 57) Natalie & The Beachcombers, the Copa Girls and the Antonio Morelli Orchestra. The show was produced by Jack Entratter, who initially raised eyebrows by bringing together Merrill and Armstrong to share the top billing, but according to a review, "...this unique combination of opera and jazz was a hit with even the most jaded audiences on its opening night." The lively show was full of good humor and interspersed with comedic segments. Some of the songs that were part of the set list included "Granada" (typically the opening song) and the spirituals "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen", "Joshua Fit' the Battle of Jericho", "Return to Sorrento" and "On the Street Where You Live". He also performed opera standards such as the Toreador Song from "Carmen" and Figaro’s aria from "Barber of Seville". Armstrong was said by a reviewer to be in "top form" performing "Sleepy Time Down South". The Satchmo & His All Stars band in 1957 included Billy Kyle, piano; Trummy Young, trombone; Edmond Hall, clarinet; Barrett Deems, drums; and Dale "Deacon" Jones, bass. Some of the jazz setlist included "Back Home In Indiana," "Faithful Huzzar," "Stompin’ at the Savoy", "Mop Mop," "Perdido" (performed by the rhythm section). The show wrapped up with Velma Middleton belting out "Mama's Back In Town," followed by some hilarious gyrations and a duo with Armstrong on "Kokomo."