Little Satchmo Film Screening & Discussion

Thursday, July 25, 6:30 pm | General Admission $10 / MEMBERS FREE

To the world, Louis Armstrong is iconic — a symbol of musical genius, unparalleled success, and unassailable character. To Sharon, he was simply Dad. Armstrong’s wholesome, non-threatening image preserved his singular career as a black performer with unfettered access to a white man’s world. Yet he was more than a caricature. In private, he held tightly to the things he loved. Perhaps closest to his heart was a child whom he hid from the world: a daughter sworn to a life of secrecy until now. 

Join the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for a screening of the Emmy-winning documentary (2023) exploring the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong through his relationship with the daughter that the public never knew existed.  Based on a revealing memoir written by Armstrong’s silent daughter, the film seeks to correct a historical narrative relying on caricature for too long. A discussion with his daughter, Sharon Preston-Folta  will follow.  Sharon Preston – Folta is the Executive Producer and  Writer to Little Satcmo. Sharon became a published author with her memoir “Living in The Shadow of my Father, Louis Daniel Armstrong” in 2012, which made public the private family life of Louis Armstrong.