Saturday, November 8, 2008

List of Bessie Smith tracks played on by Louis Armstrong

As far as I know there are eleven Bessie Smith tracks that have been released which have Louis Armstrong as a backing musician.

Here is the list along with personnel and recording dates:


January 14, 1925, New York, NY

  • St. Louis Blues
  • Reckless Blues
  • Sobbin' Hearted Blues
  • Cold In Hand Blues
  • You've Been A Good Ole Wagon

Smith, Bessie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Longshaw, Fred (Piano, Harmonium)



mid January, 1925, New York, NY

  • I'll See You In My Dreams
  • Why Couldn't It Be Poor Little Me?


Henderson, Fletcher (Piano / Director)
Chambers, Elmer (Trumpet)
Scott, Howard (Trumpet)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Bailey, Buster (Reeds)
Redman, Don (Reeds)
Hawkins, Coleman (Reeds)
Dixon, Charlie (Banjo)
Escudero, Ralph (Tuba)
Marshall, Kaiser (Drums)



May 26, 1925, New York, NY

  • Nashville Woman's Blues
  • Careless Love Blues

Smith, Bessie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Longshaw, Fred (Piano)



May 27, 1925, New York, NY

  • J.C. Holmes Blues
  • I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle (if I Can't Play The Lead)

Smith, Bessie (Vocal)
Armstrong, Louis (Cornet)
Green, Charlie (Trombone)
Longshaw, Fred (Piano)