What's My Line? - Louis Armstrong; Ross Hunter [panel] (Mar 22, 1964)

This is a big show, mainly for a well remembered moment in which we get the very rare treat of seeing one of the mystery guests actually perform. Louis was contractually forbidden from singing "Hello Dolly" before appearing on a variety show later in the week, but when Arlene asked him to sing it, for once John Daly didn't squash the request. Reportedly, Louis's manager, Joe Glaser, practically ruptured a blood vessel when he saw what was happening. One of the greatest moments of the entire series.
MYSTERY GUEST: Louis Armstrong
PANEL: Arlene Francis, Ross Hunter, Dorothy Kilgallen, Bennett Cerf
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[@jknuttel]

It's impossible to watch Louis Armstrong without smiling.

[@monjiaitaly]

God that is so true. What a great guy. :)

[@theminifigmaker4380]

Your right. I tried but I couldn’t help it.

[@bravehome4276]

What’s difficult for those who only know him through movies and television, is he was one of the seminal jazz solo players in jazz history.

[@Ody-up6kg]

Absolutely! What a charmer!

[@steventrosiek2623]

He was wonderful.

[@shadowg6563]

some people should live forever...Louis Armstrong was one of those people

[@lindashelley3635]

In a way, thanks to film, T.V. and modern technology, they do. We can enjoy watching and hearing them, which we could never have done with pre -20th century entertainers.

[@mchobbit2951]

I so wish that I could have seen Louis Armstrong perform live. If I could time travel, all I'd do is go to concerts of the legends I never got to see.

[@francoaragosta4285]

AMEN!

[@angelajoseph6709]

Yes? He is missed. RIP icon Louis Armstrong.

[@ULMDeskEnd]

you are correct along with nat king cole

[@MickTheQuickk]

It was a major accomplishment for Louis to disguise that iconic voice.

[@JimmyFoxhound]

Louis Armstrong.. What a beautiful human being! From the audience reaction to the look of the faces of the people on the panel, they just knew they were in the presence of a genuine legend.

[@actownsend7288]

Louis No answers were priceless!! Especially at the half way mark when the panel asked had Louis ever been on the panel and he hinted to John to flip that card!!

[@Concetta20]

Louis Armstrong never fails to make me smile!

[@elbruces]

...yep!

[@babyfir77]

Louie Armstrong's WML appearance inspired me to search for a playlist of his on KZbin!

[@Nougat2010]

Wow! What can one say to the impromptu acappella performance of Louis Armstrong. That was beyond amazing! You can't help but smile and feel joy watching this.

[@WhatsMyLine]

I couldn't agree more. :)

[@Nougat2010]

I don't know how or where you got all these episodes but thank you. A very happy subscriber.

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

NouCoo yes thank you so much for these shows

[@andrearichardson4374]

It seems like there is always an eight ball 🎱 and here we have five. Just saying Lois Armstrong is enough 👍

[@jmccracken1963]

+NouCoo Not only that, but he sang it in the same key as the recording - and on pitch and in tune all the way through.

[@manueladarazsdi9675]

Mr. Armstrong was so genuine and lovely.

[@scottmiller6495]

Amazing!!!!!

[@rogerlephoque3704]

The Louis Armstrong piece on WML remains one of the most iconic "happenings" in TV history.

[@aleinatolerance4598]

I love Louis Armstrong even more after this clip. Seem so humble and sweet!

[@nickdellow6073]

When Louis plays or sings, the world stops but no-one wants to get off.

[@RLC302]

Very well put.

[@jeanesingsjazz]

He was so gracious to accommodate them. What a kind soul and genuine talent.

[@racourdav]

It's impossible not to smile when one sees Louis Armstrong

[@edshed968]

No one could ever get bored of watching Louis Armstrong.

[@sanseifromkofu728]

I really respect Louis for singing here, most singers dodge when Arlene or someone else asks.

[@tejaswoman]

All the more impressive when you read the comments and discover he had been urged by his manager not to sing the song on this show because he was slated to sing it on the Perry Como show for a large fee. Evidently his manager had a conniption over this.

[@terencedove5047]

I was crying when watching this episode...the way in which Louis Armstrong was so warmly heralded by the audience, and the way in which he performed HELLO DOLLY so readily and effortlessly, both served to remind me of two of the many reasons why I love WML...

[@tejaswoman]

Just this week was talking with my mom about a Beto O'Rourke town hall venue in Longview, which I attended partly because I was wanting to help the campaign publicize in the area where my mother grew up. When I mentioned it had formerly been a venue famous for hosting folks like Buddy Holly and Ella Fitzgerald, Mother asked, "Oh, was it called the Reo Palm Isle?" I assented, at which point she astonished me by telling me, " I remember going there after our Junior-Senior Banquet [in 1954] to see *Louis Armstrong* " - I practically fainted dead away at learning my mother had seen this world-class talent back in the day, when she lived in a town of maybe 200, and _it had never come up_ in all these years. What a wonderful (and a small) world 🎶

[@Gamalielslay]

Rest in peace, Louis. Even 6 million years later, you'll never be forgotten.

[@scotnick59]

Louis was a National Treasure pure and simple.

[@CusterFlux]

@20:53 Satchmo sings "Hello Dolly" live, impromptu - and hits it out of the park! MASSIVE Talent.

[@DeltaDusk125]

Most amazing mystery guest ever. Especially impressive that he was willing to sing a whole song without music.

[@tejaswoman]

Who knows, he may have had experience singing _a cappella_ . For those of us used to doing it, it's always cute how hard everyone else seems to think it is.

[@Chris73388]

Louis Armstrong looks like he was a happy man and boy what a talent!!

[@francoaragosta4285]

WHO could NOT love Louie Armstrong? IMPOSSIBLE!

[@shirleychavez4870]

What a delight to see Louis and hear him sing. I’ve always loved listening to him and seeing him in movies. I’m convinced that he must have been born with a smile on his face, a truly joyful soul.💕

[@battlegirldeb]

It's hard to believe the Louis Amrstrong made that far without anyone guessing the it was him!!

[@SuperWinterborn]

Debra Battle This time he was *really* good at disguising his voice. It can't have been easy! But that man had music in every fibre of his body, so well... ;)

[@savethetpc6406]

Debra Battle SuperWinterborn I was amazed that he was able to disguise his voice so well! It took them a long time to even get on the right track for his line (makes records).

[@libertubey2199]

@@savethetpc6406 That's because when he was on 10 years earlier, he was correctly guessed almost immediately. This time, he was one away. That conference came in very handy with both Dorothy and Ross Hunter correctly guessing Louis in a successful last-ditch effort to prevent the stump.

[@bambi274]

They mostly think the perosn is white, thatswhy

[@atis9061]

Louis Armstrong has one of the nicest smiles I've ever seen.

[@kahalak8171]

Louis Armstrong is a true Legend - his happiness is contagious. Nobody these days can match his talent or personality.

[@ItzMeOB]

Oh boy....I miss entertainers like Louis...the minute I see him...I smile...such a wonderful personality.

[@mzapa]

Arguably the best mystery guest segment on the show. It never fails to make me weep tears of pure happiness and joy. Louis Armstrong was simply one the greatest, most brilliant artists of the XX century. Thank you to everyone responsible of preserving and ultimately sharing this wonderful clip (and all of WML?) with the world.

[@robj.p.4105]

When Louis passed in the summer of 1971 I was a 16 year old driving around in my mom's car when the announcement came over WLS radio, then they went straight into 'Hello Dolly', a sad and unforgettable moment.. As a trumpet player I along with many other players from my age group were more than big fans, his range and crunchy tone has never really been approached, Louis could make his instrument talk. P.S. HaHa "Good Night Dick are YOU behaving?"

[@angelajoseph6709]

Rob J.P. Yes, we lost so much when he passed:-/ Iconic trumpet player, with a special voice and persona. GOD-GIVEN TALENT!

[@drsauder1]

I was also a teenager in July 1971 when Satchmo died, and I was actually visiting New Orleans at the time.

[@NormDPlume-mc5dh]

Was 13 years old in July 1971 and had been playing trumpet at school for two years. Remember reading of his death in the newspaper. Only later came to realize how pivotal and revolutionary he was in the context of the 20th century. Like Charlie Parker or Jimi Hendrix (among others) his influence continues now and into the future.

[@kathrynoneill5862]

I had no idea he died in 71 that was the year I was born.

[@tashkenty]

7 weeks after Louis Armstrong performance here, hello dolly topped the billboard hot 100 chart 💕, and help end Beatles 14 week reign

[@patrickraynes6068]

I've only seen Arlene Francis on What's My Line, but she seems like such a delightful person.

[@inhibited44]

She was an actress in a horror movie in the 1930's

[@josephpalermo4538]

She was a phony....

[@michaelchristopherson123]

@@inhibited44 yep! "Murders in the Rue Morgue" starring BELA LUGOSI

[@madabouthollyoaks411]

@@josephpalermo4538 what do you mean

[@kentetalman9008]

@@josephpalermo4538 What on earth is your problem???

[@scottmiller6495]

The greatest jazz musician of all time no one could come close to his amazing charms and talents ever !!!!!

[@honoredutrey]

Definitely.

[@yesok2522]

I mean, this is definitely not true, but I'd agree that he is kind of underappreciated by jazz fans.

[@jillmjohnson4606]

How nice of him to sing and share his talent! Most famous people would not do that now

[@42.0fmthefever5]

Am I the only who's smiling while watching Louis Armstrong such beautiful person!

[@leannsherman6723]

Sweet how Louis Armstrong waved to the audience.❤

[@andyeaston8391]

I never saw the initial runs of What's My Line as I grew up in New Zealand and now, living in Colombia, I watch them on You Tube and absolutely love them. John Daly was an amazing host indeed.

[@louisgreen3915]

Why is it when Louis sings, the sun comes out. I was surprised how (with a happy song like Hallow Dolly) he is still able to bring a tear to my eyes. Genius.

[@Ta_nuz]

❤

[@protamine4]

Satchmo drew the biggest audience response I have ever seen on this show. I have never seen the panel and especially Bill Daly so delighted by a celebrity guest.

[@davebrittain9216]

I think I am supported when I say that Louis Armstrong has the most unique voice of any main stream singer ever!

[@alanstrange1171]

Can you imagine being in the WML audience on that night? You'd never forget it as long as you lived! My eyes well with tears whenever I see this remarkable performance of Satchmo.

[@flatcapgolfer]

Louis Armstrong, a man genuinely LOVED by everyone.

[@CaitCher]

One of the best performances I've ever seen in my life!

[@midnightchannel111]

I'm a Boomer and my parents had all his albums .. and I so wanted him to be my Grandpa. I figured he'd be the perfect grandpa...

[@mohammedashian8094]

I guess you could say it would’ve been a wonderful world 😉

[@OoKaiSeioO]

I never wanted to hug someone more than Mr. Louis Armstrong 🤗

[@jillibeens57]

Sachmo had the best most genuine smile I've ever seen in a celebrity. LOVED him!

[@manjulajayakody4741]

I've watched so many clips of this wonderful show, John Daly such lovely host, but the mystery guest with Louis Armstrong was pure magic, such an amazing man, the aura he had and the warmth of the panel...this was TV heaven.....brings a tear to the eye.

[@oldwestguy]

Mr. Armstrong... a RARE talent that comes along once a century. How fortunate those folks were to be in his presence. Unique, charming, grateful, and, too often lacking in today's "celebrities," modest. All of Heaven must be singing his praise... "It's so nice to have you back where you belong."

[@mtnman6557]

You hit the nail squarely on the head w/ your last sentence; I think everyone would concur (miss him here though).

[@stephaniezimbalist3757]

When he appeared on the show in the 50s he only got two words out before Bennet guessed him. He said he would speak in a higher pitch next time and he did and it worked beautifully

[@Senator107]

Probably one of the best Mystery Guests on WML. The way they were stumped almost till the very end.

[@elizabethmurphy9384]

He did decide to go through the world smiling. Being a black child in the Deep South and a musician working at mobbed up night clubs in Chicago I think he learned early about the futility of rebellion and anger.

[@dannydoc1969]

In the Ken Burns documentary "Jazz" all the musicians interviewed say that the music of the 20th century could be divided into Before Louis Armstrong, and after Louis Armstrong, he changed everything, and he always makes me smile.

[@williamlinington9166]

Arlene was a class act.

[@jojoscogsable]

Beautiful man

[@2dasimmons]

WOW! This was THRILLING. Louis Armstrong was THE performer and humanitarian. What a beautiful performance of HELLO DOLLY. That's the wonderful Mr. Armstrong's song. His voice is just like receiving a HUG. RIP dear Mr. Armstrong and WML panel. Thank-you for this upload What's My Line:)x0x0

[@WhatsMyLine]

2dasimmons You're very welcome! What makes this performance even more amazing is that Louis was contractually forbidden from singing "Hello Dolly" on any other TV program but the Perry Como show that he was set to debut it on later in the week. Not the sort of thing that would concern Louis, but reportedly, his manager Joe Glaser was having a small stroke off camera.

[@2dasimmons]

What's My Line? Isn't that something....contractually forbidden?! Wow. I'm so thankful to be an audience member PRIVILEGED to see jazz folk like Louis Armstrong and Count Basie WITHOUT having to consider all the legalities. Thank goodness that those of us who enjoy good music don't have to consider the business aspect of music industry. Thanks for your reply. Have a beautiful weekend:)

[@blueeyedsoulman]

Louis was a truly unique person with a deep soul. RIP Mr. Armstrong. You influenced many musicians including myself.

[@scottpardee6303]

Satchmo’s singing of “Hello Dolly!” has gone down in history. The producer of the show, Gil Fates, wrote a book, “What’s My Line: TV’s Most Famous Panel Show, “ and on pp. 84-85 he describes this event. Satchmo’s manager had insisted that he not sing “Hello Dolly!” lest it distract from a performance he was giving on Perry Como’s show, for a larger fee. When Satchmo did sing it, at Arlene’s insistence, the manager stormed out of the audience and never let him appear in this show again. If you are as addicted to these shows as much as I am, buy a copy of the book and read it. It helps you understand much more of what is happening every night,

[@uofa82]

Such a sweet, talented man! An iconic treasure to all humanity.

[@musclepunched]

Arlene Francis wow what a stunner

[@fonso1030]

El Bee and she was 56 here

[@Qboro66]

Arlene Francis was the very definition of a sexy mature woman. And with a witty sense of humor to boot.

[@jahbay]

Louis Armstrong is the man. He was a great musician a great human being and a great American. This coming from a middle-aged hardcore rocker. What a wonderful spirit he had. Godspeed Satchmo...

[@shamsam4]

What a round of applause when HE walked out!

[@scottmiller6495]

He and Jimmy Durante got the audience rocking!!!!!

[@georelbonai8244]

Whenever Mr. Armstrong says "Nope" i can never stop laughing😂🤣🤣🤣

[@bambi274]

🤣

[@tonymazz9912]

I have been watching these shows ,since I'm limited over the Pandemic. This is the first time I forgot about it. When Louis Armstrong came out with that smile--nothing else mattered and the world seemed normal. He sang at the end and I cried ( Me Mr. Tough guy) , with all the Love He got from the audience. I hope all of us return to happier times .GOD bless everybody...

[@bobhayett2376]

Louis Armstrong. The greatest and most beloved entertainer ever!!! Might be the greatest WML episode too!

[@gophersk]

Louis Armstrong.. my idol. Trumpet player/singer/entertainer of the greatest talent.

[@eldalopez663]

If you were to ask me, I think this one was the best WML presentation, because of Loui ❤

[@donpkra]

a remarkable man and one exceptional musician ~~

[@TheWriterWalker]

Wow. America was so formal that these celebrity panelists dress as if going out for a fancy dinner. I love it.

[@amandajstar]

Yes indeed. Most people dress rather slobbily these days, whatever the context.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Yeah but it's just while they're on air. Bennett has confirmed in an interview that soon afterwards he would change and walk out dressed 'just like anyone else'. No one should take this as an example of how people dressed as a rule in 1964. It's like looking at Daniel Craig playing poker in Casino Royale in 2006 and saying wow people dressed snappy in those days!! Reinventing history is a common thing these days. Especially in BBC documentaries eg. every kid was wearing a safety pin in 1977!

[@TheWriterWalker]

@@davidsanderson5918, you gave a nicely written response. However, I understand that the WML formality does not reflect the panelists' everyday attire. What it does reflect, however, is the fact that America once understood and respected the fact that there is a time to play dress-up and act like grown-ups, as well as a time to dress down and act like overgrown children. And for America to enthusiastically accept a high level of formality for a game show, of all things, says to me that the population's standards (or, at least, those of the cultural gatekeepers) were much better than ours are today.

[@lisahinton9682]

@@davidsanderson5918 Bennett dressing "just like everyone else" was still dressing a lot more nicely than how we dress today. You can see this clearly in news clips of the day where people in the street are visible. There were no skin-tight clothes showing every disgusting bulge, no ripped clothing, no obscene pictures or wording on T-shirts, and, well, no T-shirts except for as underclothing. I say this as I sit in a T-shirt. But it's a nice, respectable T-shirt, and my jeans fit. :-)

[@scottpardee6303]

Since I first watched this, I’ve uploaded it each evening, to see how many others are watching on a daily basis. It’s on the order of 30:to 60 new viewers each day, and this is 2022! A real hit show!

[@hunting69doehle62]

"I would say that very often some of her clients would like it to be creative", that's well put.

[@potzysk2]

It's impossible not to smile when looking at Louis Armstong's smile!

[@1mespud]

That Louis Armstrong reaction was like the long awaited appearance and solemn good bye of a long lost good old best friend..

[@asteverino8569]

Oh, Mr Armstrong! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

That was magic.

[@prayingmantis6777]

You can see Mr Armstrong's smile coming before the man.

[@carlstawicki1915]

Mr. Daly was a true wordsmith, and an impromptu one to boot.

[@BrooklynArch]

Louis will and always have been my most all-time favourite Jazz singer and trumpeter.

[@philc9514]

The world needs more Louis Armstrong's in this world!!!

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Wow, Gary thanks so much for that. Louis Armstrong was one of the all time greatest entertainers ever. And for all of his joking and mugging and singing, we cannot forget he was one of, if not the finest, Jazz trumpeters ever. A really great show, which I have not seen for a few years, but will watch again later today. I was sitting here all alone at my computer at 2 in the morning when I realized I was really smiling. Satchmo did that to us. He made us smile. And he died way too young at about the age of 70. Thanks, pal! Louis Armstrong - Hello Dolly Live

[@WhatsMyLine]

One of my favorites, to be sure. And I'm pretty sure this segment was included in the WML at 25 special, so we're pretty lucky they didn't destroy it in the process like they did so many other segments!

[@savethetpc6406]

I loved the sign language/charades-style conference Louis had with John, beginning around 18:00! His meaning was clear -- "No, I have been a mystery guest before, *not* a panelist."

[@bravehome4276]

Louis truly was one of the finest, because he was one of the first to play highly individual solo jazz renditions on any instrument.

[@Loleyke]

The fact that he didnt knew he was top 10 in the last 6 months show how humble that man was

[@loyeruckman120]

If you know much about Louis Armstrong, you know he appreciated that John Daly pronounced his name Louis instead of Louie. He didn't like to be called "Louie" Armstrong.

[@amandajstar]

Which is funny, since the young British royals have just called their newest baby Louis pronounced comme français, which is 'Louie'.

[@philippapay4352]

@@amandajstar Yes, the Brits have always used the French pronunciation for Louis, just as they never do for Maurice, which they pronounce as Morris. I think with Mr. Armstrong people associated him with NOLA and French creole culture and the Napoleanic Law down there and they were not being informal or too familiar by saying Louie, but actually thought they were using the proper French pronunciation. This is one of the few times in the entire 17 years that John Daly called the guest what the guest preferred rather than what Daly thought made him look more intimate with the guest.

[@wvanderwahl]

Mr. Armstrong was incredible musical legend the likes of which we rarely see and with that touch of humanity and kindness.

[@dvinedzine]

In tears, love this guy.

[@adamcoates2890]

His honor, Mr Louis Armstrong, the king. Best what's My line episode hands down.

[@henridelagardere264]

In your darkest hour, when all hope seems to have gone, there are still your loved ones if only in memory, and there is always Louis Armstrong.

[@kasperjoonatan6014]

what a wonderful world 🧡

[@ianroberts9195]

Such an infectious smile. One of the greats of all time.

[@cbstringham13]

Love this episode! A true treasure. Thank you for posting it!

[@WhatsMyLine]

You're very welcome! This one is very special.

[@stopanimalabuse4741]

What a wonderful... person. Louis Armstrong

[@nandofigueira2005]

it is impossible not to smile with satchmo

[@theonlygator]

In 1954 Louis Armstrong said he would try and go higher if he ever came back. Almost exactly 10 years after the airing of that episode, Louis is back and his voice is higher than ever.

[@andie361]

Can’t see him without smiling! He just exudes light and hope💜

[@chrisshenzo2594]

A complex and incredibly talented and influential legend who casually makes his way deep into every person's heart every time! Don't miss a visit to his home if you're ever in Corona, Queens..you'll love he and Lucille even more after that tour!

[@pizzanpepsi]

This was the best "Whats my Line " i have seen! If you want another dose of the great Satchmo, exactly 10 years earlier go to show on March 14, 1954!!

[@libertubey2199]

He did a lot better this go-around than he did that earlier appearance. They nailed him almost immediately.

[@whoami1939]

WILL DO. THANK YOU

[@marthawoodworth]

Watching these oldies: Only two mystery guests brought tears: Louis Armstrong and Eleanor Roosevelt.

[@soulierinvestments]

Armstrong's performance is as electrifying a performance he ever did on TV. Landmark too. WML got the first performance of "Hello Dolly!", to paraphrase Gil Fates, not 8 bars, not 16 bars but the whole damn song -- and a capella from memory! If he did anything else without backup in live TV anytime anywhere, I'd like to know where. His performance is amazing. Armstrong's performance of that Broadway show tune managed to knock a Beatles song out of the number 1 position for a while in the 1964 hit chart.

[@libertubey2199]

During a time that people like Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and others can still knock groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones out of the Number 1 spot. But, sadly it was to be these types of singers' last hurrah in the Number 1 spot.

[@angelajoseph6709]

soulierinvestments Wow! Louis Armstrong really was LEGEND because Beatles were so popular then. RIP dear Louis and deceased members of Beatles.

[@1USPRES]

Armstrong's performance was the first time on WML that a mystery guest had performed an entire request. Over the years, others had half-heartedly sung a line, or danced off.

[@terencedove5047]

@@1USPRES ...not only are you absolutely right; but you goaded me into doing a little research. As far as I could tell, the only other performer to pull off a full rendition of a tune did it in 1974 during the syndicated color version of WML when Larry Blyden was host. Teddy Wilson played the piano; and it was so superlative that WML used it to close that episode... kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3SniGl3ipxgbJo/19:50

[@F0nkyNinja]

He might have done it many times on TV. It's just that literally nothing is preserved. He must've been on hundreds if not thousands of shows.

[@susancarlucci3737]

I rewatch this multiple time a month. It is the very BEST WML. R.I.P. Louis Armstrong

[@ItzMeOB]

Wow....singing live and just exactly as it is in Hello Dolly...a wonderful man indeed that makes us all smile...always!

[@bobbywall172]

What a great, gracious man he is, that voice, personality, Satchmo

[@No-zf3dz]

“Cat came in the hospital and told me you have very close veins” 😂

[@cthomas1287]

Great panel . Louis Armstrong was a class act . As good as it gets and timeless.