Jazz Pioneers Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday Perform 'Blues Are Brewin' In Rediscovered Vintage Video

Feb 07, 2020

Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday are two of the best true blues legends who brought collaboration to a whole new level. In one of their most famous performances, they serenade audiences to the song "Blues are Brewin'." This vintage video recalls their ravishing performance. 

Eleanora Fagan, better known as Billie Holiday, was a legendary jazz singer. Frank Sinatra credits her with shaping the style of every pop vocalist during her generation. Although she died at just 44 years old, Holiday left an impressive array of jazz recordings featuring her profoundly beautiful voice.

Louis Armstrong was a pioneer in the jazz world. This phenomenal composer, singer, and trumpeter was one of the first musicians who played music for white and black audiences. His masterful playing was responsible for turning the trumpet into a solo jazz instrument.

“The Blues Are Brewin’” is a jazz piece with lyrics that portray the longing for love. In a video recorded performance of this piece, Holiday and Armstrong converse musically and through gestures such as facial expressions. Armstrong’s beaming smile lights up the room as Holiday begins to sing. The last stanza of Brewin’ describes how,“…the blues are something you lose,” when true love comes along.

How do you feel now that Holiday and Armstrong have sang your blues away? Perhaps another performer boosts your spirit, or you’ve had the privilege of brightening someone else’s day through song. Let us know your favorite jazz song and pass this along to others so they can tell us theirs too!