The Louie Bluie Centennial
This March 4th would have been Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong’s 100th birthday. He passed away in 2003 at age 94. In honor of this centennial observance I’d like to share a few thoughts about this LaFollette, TN legend.
Howard Armstrong was the most unique individual I’ve ever known. He was fiercely Independent, yet always a gentleman full of grace and disarming humor. Stand him up before a runaway train and he’d find a way to maneuver out of the situation with seemingly little more than a Cheshire smile! This Houdini-like jujutsu is what friends came to recognize as ‘Howard’s Magic’.
Howard’s Magic would show up again and again in incredible ways. He was a master musician, ambidextrous painter, storyteller and poet, but most of all he was a master of timing. He never liked to rehearse too much. His preferred approach was straight out of Vaudeville. He had his routines so down pat, that he only needed the right opportunity to ‘flip the switch’ that would turn on that perfect song, story or joke that fit the moment. In fact, maybe that was the secret to his magic; living completely, unreservedly and unapologetically in the moment! He was the very definition of a self-possessed individual without petty contrivance or overly-affected demeanor. His sincerity was always true, though not always discernable to the biased observer. He was impervious to the opinions and prejudices of others, always holding his self-worth as an estimation of his own calculation. To some it was an irritation, to others, a wonderful joy to behold!
Howard was born in Dayton, TN but grew up in what he always considered his hometown, La Follette. Howard’s father moved the family from Dayton to take advantage of the booming coal and iron industry in the early 20s. Howard learned to play string-band music from his father, and later began a professional career in Knoxville at the age of 14. He became a virtuoso on both mandolin and violin playing a variety of musical styles including Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley, Jazz, Country, Blues & Gospel.
Over the years Howard learned to play 22 instruments and speak seven languages which enhanced to his ability to create that magic. On one night in Chicago Howard’s Magic was in full force. Howard and his band went into the Italian district to find work. This district, like most ethnic areas back then, was very prejudice against outsiders and other ethnic groups. The ever-confident Howard was undeterred and convinced his fellow bandmates to give it a try. (What made matters worse was the fact that Primo Carnera, an Italian boxer, had just lost his heavyweight title the night before to Joe Louis!) Needless to say, most Italians were not in the mood to be hospitable towards African Americans that day.
Howard entered the Italian bar and immediately noticed the chilly reception. The band froze, and luckily, Howard was struck with some timely inspiration. He began speaking his “Tennessee Italian” that he had learned from the Lobertinis back in La Follette. This worked like a charm as the Italians were stunned and amazed by black musicians who could play and sing Italian songs like “Oh Marie.”
Another of those magic moments occurred one evening in 2001 at the Hampton Inn in Caryville, TN. Howard performed his favorite German song “Du Du Liegst Mir Im Herzen.” Afterwards, a lady in the crowd, who just happened to be from Germany, announced that the tune was not only her favorite, but that Howard’s performance was flawless! She came up to Howard later and everyone marveled at their excited conversation, in German of course.
A documentary film was made about Howard in 2000 called “Sweet Old Song.” In this award-winning film, Howard and his wife Barbara are shown coming back to La Follette for a “Homecoming Celebration.” The buzz from that event gave birth to the very successful Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival held annually at Cove Lake State Park.
For information about this year’s festival visit the website at: www.LouieBluie.org.
There will be a link available soon with details regarding how you can watch “Sweet Old Song” on your computer. The streaming video is being made available for Howard’s 100th birthday.
Another bit of Howard’s Magic involves WWII. Howard happened to be in the Civil Service in Hawaii at the time of Pearl Harbor. He taught music to those who were subsequently placed in the Internment Camps and became very fond of performing the Hawaiian tune “You’ll Never Find Another Kanaka Like Me.” At the end of his concerts he’d often close with the wistful tune repeating the motto of Hawaii: “Ua Mau Ke Ea I Ka Aina I Ka Pono,” which translates to: “the prosperity of the land is established upon Righteousness.” Howard’s Magic is something we all could learn from, because ultimately, it is the empowering ability of finding a way to turn life’s lemons into lemonade.
