Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues is a documentary about the Grammy Award-winning African American jazz trumpeter. References and images include alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, laxatives, marijuana, a dead body in a casket, gangsters, guns, lynchings, male nudity from the waist up, race riots, scantily-clad women, and prostitution. Slur phrases include the "N" word, "ofay," "Uncle Tom," and "whores." Language includes "bitch," "bulls--t," "c--ksucker," "f--king," "goddamn it," "hell," "motherf--ker," and "s--t." Positive messages include breaking barriers and sharing stories and wisdom from one's life to possibly help others.
What's the Story?
LOUIS ARMSTRONG'S BLACK & BLUES is a documentary that chronicles the career and life of the world-renowned jazz musician. Through archival footage, photos, and colleague and industry expert interviews, as well as Armstrong's own recorded and written words, the film explores the trumpeter's childhood, breakthrough as an artist, and everlasting legacy.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary easily scores high notes with its look into the life of the jazz icon. In Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues, the New Orleans, Louisiana native reveals that as a kid he would shoot craps, sell newspapers, and hustle to play with other musicians. Armstrong says that back in 1915 he "always had a pocket full of money" and considered himself "always a kid who had some get up about him."
A stint as a juvenile delinquent, however, led Armstrong to an orphanage where the teen learned to play the coronet. "I became so good," he says and when asked by a teacher to become a band leader, the aspiring musician "jumped straight up into the air." With Armstrong's soaring sound and story of survival, Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues is sure to resonate with film viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance of Louis Armstrong. How does he also demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis says that the whole world embraced Armstrong. What do you think about Armstrong's innovative music style?
Armstrong writes down and records aspects about his life for historians. Why does he do this? What do you think about this format of communication?
The jazz musician takes part in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. Why is it important to Armstrong to support ending racial segregation in schools?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 28, 2022
- Cast: Louis Armstrong, Wynton Marsalis, Dan Morgenstern
- Director: Sacha Jenkins
- Studio: Apple TV+
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models, History, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language
- Last updated: January 3, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Miles Ahead
Cheadle shines in dark, labor-of-love biopic of Miles Davis.
-
Bird
Jazz biopic has drugs, drink, smoking, and language.
-
Ray
Excellent portrayal of extraordinary musician.
For kids who love music
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate