Armstrong and Oliver parted ways and Armstrong went to New York City to play in the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra in 1924. In 1925 he returned to Chicago, prompted by his wifes urging, to further his career. He began recording with his hot five and hot seven groups and did the songs "Hot Potato Head" , "Muggles" and "West End Blues" under the Okeh label.

Armstrong was the first to record scat sing when he released Heebie Jeebies in 1926. Upon returning to New York in 1929 he played in the pit orchestra for the popular musical Hot Chocolate where he made a cameo appearance singing his rendition of "Ain't Misbehavin" Armstrong's version of the song reached top sales.

Through the 1930s and 40s Armstrong continued to tour, playing with many large popular orchestras. He soon realized that his style worked better with smaller bands and formed Louis Armstrong and his All Stars.

During the 1950s his singing career really took off and in 1956 he recorded "Porgy and Bess" with Ella Fitzgerald which became one of the most popular duets of the 1950s.

Louis Armstrong spent the rest of his life doing what he loved, entertaining audiences throughout the world. To this day his legacy lives on in the world of jazz.

• 1954: Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy
• 1956: Ella and Louis
• 1957: Porgy and Bess

• 1931: "When It's Sleepytime Down South"
• 1964: "Hello Dolly"
• 1967: "What a Wonderful World"