Question

How did his experience with the Fletcher Henderson band help Armstrong musically?

Answer 1

In 1924 Louis Armstrong moved to New York to play with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, the leading African-American band of the moment. Because of this, Armstrong changed to the trumpet to harmonize better with the other musicians of his orchestral section. During this time, he also made many recordings independently with the arrangements of an old friend from New Orleans, the pianist Clarence Williams, such as a pair with his musical rival Sidney Bechet and a series of accompaniments with the Blues singers. His virtuosity in improvisation exerted a great influence on New York jazz musicians.