Louis Armstrong Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong1rank/position

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (At The BBC)

An inspiring ballad with the warm, gravelly voice of jazz giant Louis Armstrong! It gently reminds us how beautiful everyday scenes like green trees and blue skies truly are.

Released in 1967, a time of social turmoil, the song carries a strong wish for peace.

It topped the charts in the UK, and later became beloved worldwide after being featured in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam.” In Japan, it’s also well known from commercials such as for the Honda Civic.

When your heart feels a little tired, listening to it is like a dose of emotional vitamins—his voice softly tells you, “What a wonderful world.”

SummertimeElla Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong2rank/position

Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald – Summertime (Audio)

Known as a song from the opera “Porgy and Bess,” this is a famous duet featuring the King and Queen of Jazz.

It’s characterized by a gentle, soothing melody like a lullaby drifting through a languid summer afternoon.

Ella’s crystalline voice, Louis’s warm, gravelly tone, and the wistful trumpet weave a harmony that feels like a pleasant conversation.

Their seamless ensemble singing also highlights the richness of everyday life.

Recorded in August 1957, this piece is included on the classic album “Porgy and Bess.” Frequently used as evening background music in films and commercials, it’s a tune almost everyone has heard at least once.

It’s also perfect for relaxing on a sultry summer night.

Christmas in New OrleansLouis Armstrong3rank/position

Christmas in New Orleans

Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as Satchmo and respected around the world, was one of the defining artists of the 20th century, and his work is still used across various media today.

Surely everyone knows “What a Wonderful World,” right? One of his classic Christmas songs is “Christmas in New Orleans.” It’s a track distinguished by Armstrong’s unique voice, and listening to it will warm your heart.

On the Sunny Side of the StreetLouis Armstrong4rank/position

On The Sunny Side Of The Street

First performed in the Broadway musical Lou Leslie’s International Revue, this song remains beloved as a jazz standard.

In Japan, it is perhaps best known through Louis Armstrong’s vocals and performance.

It was also featured consistently in the 2022 NHK morning drama Come Come Everybody, serving as a central motif in the story.

The bright tone of the trumpet feels like it could bring light to a dark world.

West End BluesLouis Armstrong5rank/position

West End Blues

West End Blues, a jazz masterpiece whose mellow trumpet tone makes you want to surrender yourself to it.

The version performed by the trumpet virtuoso Louis Armstrong is well known and is one of his signature pieces.

The composer of this tune was Joe “King” Oliver, Louis Armstrong’s mentor.

The ensemble’s cheerful timbre evokes, somehow, an afternoon moment spent in a foreign land.

This Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong6rank/position

“What a Wonderful World” (Play with Me n.79) – Andrea Giuffredi trumpet

Many people want to be able to play Louis Armstrong’s classic on the trumpet, don’t they? This piece was composed under the name George Douglas by American music producer Bob Thiele, who is said to have written it while lamenting the Vietnam War and dreaming of a peaceful world.

In Japan, the song has been used repeatedly in various commercials, including for Honda, so many people know it and many want to try playing it.

It’s a relaxed tune that doesn’t go too high, making it ideal for a trumpet repertoire.

Once you can produce a sound and play through it, start adding expression.

Since there are many long phrases where the notes change, practice long tones thoroughly—if you can support the tone all the way to the end of each long note, you’ll be all set!

April in ParisElla Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong7rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – April in Paris.

April in Paris, performed by jazz-vocal legends Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

It’s romantic without feeling suggestive—calm and gentle.

The song is also featured in the musical Walk A Little Faster.

Reading the lyrics conjures up stylish Parisian streets.

It’s a love song that gives you a little ticklish flutter.

The wonderful lyrics were written by lyricist Edgar “Yip” Harburg, who’s also known for penning the jazz standard Over the Rainbow.

It’s an easy listen even for jazz beginners!