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NEH Summer Teacher Institute 2004 Final Lessons

Understanding Legends in History Using “Heebie Jeebies” by Louis Armstrong

Mark Brown

Grade Level: 11th grade

Discipline: U.S. History

Standards addressed

Students will critically evaluate historical sources.

Objectives

By using the song “Heebie Jeebies,” students will evaluate the role of legends in history.  Students will research well-known legends to determine their accuracy and explain their relevance in the historical perspective.

Resources

Song(s) used in lesson:

  • Armstrong, Louis.  “Heebie Jeebies.”  Louis Armstrong: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.  Columbia/Legacy:  C4K 57176. 1994. Lyrics may be found at http://www.heptune.com/heebieje.html
  • Ellis, Seger.  “To Be In Love.”  Louis Armstrong: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.  Columbia/Legacy:  C4K 57176. 1994.

Other resources:

Armstrong, Louis. Satchmo: My Life in New Orleans. New York: Prentice Hall, Inc. 1954. 

Armstrong, Louis. Louis Armstrong, In His Own Words. Selected Writings. Oxford: University Press, 1999.

Giddins, Gary. Satchmo. New York: Doubleday, 1988.

The Official Site of the Louis Armstrong House and Archives. http://www.satchmo.net

Song History

Louis Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901 in New Orleans.  His father abandoned him, and young Louis went to work to help support the family.  On January 1, 1913, Armstrong was arrested for firing a pistol in the air and was adjudicated to the Colored Waifs Home.  There he learned how to play the coronet. 

When Armstrong returned to New Orleans, he began to follow King Oliver’s band.  When Oliver left for Chicago in 1918, Armstrong took over his chair(1).  In 1922, Oliver invited Armstrong to Chicago, where he made his first recording, “Chime Blues.” 

As Armstrong’s fame grew, he began recording with his own band, The Hot Fives.  On February 26, 1926, they recorded “Heebie Jeebies.”  This was a major hit for the band and introduced scat(2) singing to a wider audience.  Legend(3) has it that Armstrong dropped the sheet music and invented a scat so as not to waste the tape.  This is a story that Armstrong perpetuated himself.  In a 1951 interview for Esquire Magazine, Armstrong commented on many of his early recordings with the Hot Fives and Hot Sevens.  For the recording of “Heebie Jeebies” Armstrong said “[W]hen I dropped the paper, I immediately turned into the horn(4) and started to Scatting. Just as nothing had happened.  When I finished the record I just knew the recording people would throw it out.  And to my surprise they all came running out of the controlling booth and said ‘Leave that in.’  My, my, I gave a big sigh of relief.  And sure enough – they did publish “Heebie Jeebies” the same way it was mistakenly recorded” (Armstrong, In His Own Words, p. 132).  Most critics argue that it is simply a story, that scatting existed before this, and that the record “Heebie Jeebies” only popularized a well-established musical style.  “Armstrong always insisted that the sheet music slipped from the stand and he started scatting to save the take(5).  His unforgettable vocal is the high point of an otherwise uninspired performance, and it’s hard to believe he didn’t know exactly what he was doing.  That chorus did more than introduce a language of nonsense syllables that jazz singers could use when the song’s lyric proved too constricting; it embodied a joyous, vernacular, and convincing attitude that complimented the spontaneous nature of the new music” (Giddins, 87).  Regardless of the origin of scat itself, Armstrong’s “Heebie Jeebies” is the first commercial recording of a song with scat.   

Armstrong’s popularity continued to grow.  His influence on jazz and popular music, both trumpet and vocal, is renowned.  In 1947 he formed his All Star Band.  He was given the title “Ambassador Satch,” and toured the world on behalf of the U.S. State Department.  Armstrong continued to perform throughout his life.  He died on July 5, 1971. 

footnotes

(1) chair: position/part in a music ensemble

(2) scat: to sing using nonsense syllables

(3) legend: story passed down, although not verifiable

(4) horn: microphone

(5) take: a recorded performance

 

Procedure

Introductory learning activities:

This lesson can be integrated into a unit on the Jazz Age or the Roaring Twenties. 

  • Begin by reviewing the biography of Louis Armstrong.  More information about Armstrong may be found in the books listed in the bibliography, or by visiting The Official Site of the Louis Armstrong House and Archives at http://www.satchmo.net.
  • Have students listen to “Heebie Jeebies” and answer song discussion questions.  Use the legend of Armstrong scatting in the song to begin a discussion on the role of legends in history.  What is the importance of legends?  Why do some legends continue to exist even after they are known to be false?  The assessment at the end of this lesson will have students research a legend, determine its validity, and explain its relevance in the historical perspective.

Song discussion questions and activities:

  • After listening to “Heebie Jeebies,” what stands out most about the song?
  • Distribute the Artifact Sheet to allow students to answer the next two questions. According to legend, Armstrong began to scat when he dropped the sheet music during recording.  How believable is this story?  Most critics argue that the account is fictional, what does this say about Armstrong’s character?  He was a fun loving man, who enjoyed a good story. 
  • Armstrong also said that July 4, 1900, was his birthday, why would he say this?  With a lack of knowledge, many people picked a famous day for their birthday.  Armstrong lied about his age to appear older, and to enlist in the army.
  • Compare what Armstrong said about the recording of “Heebie Jeebies” with what Giddins says.  Which viewpoint is more convincing?  Why?  Does adding time to an event offer a better or different perspective? 
  • If Armstrong did not want to ruin the take, what does that indicate about early recording technology?  Recording was expensive.  Editing and mixing were not possible. 
  • “Heebie Jeebies” introduced scat singing to a larger audience.   Name and explain modern songs that contain nonsense syllables.  What is the purpose of nonsense syllables in song?  Rhyme, rhythm, secret language, annoy older generation.
  • “Heebie Jeebies” was about a new type of dance.  What are some dance songs that you are familiar with?  How do your parents and older relatives feel about this type of dancing?  

Follow-up learning activities:

  • Students will research a legend from history, determine its validity, and explain its importance in history.
  • Choose one of the legends on the handout.  Using the Internet and other resources, explain if the legend is accurate or not.  If the legend is false, explain the truth behind the story.  In either case, explain why the story is so widely known in society.  In other words, why is the legend relevant to history?

Assessment

Have students complete the Follow-up learning activity.  Use the rubric to assess student understanding.

Assessment criteria and performance descriptors

 

Exemplary

Basic

Below Basic

HISTORICAL LEGEND

Legend is clearly stated with well detailed background information.

Legend is stated, but little background information is provided.

Legend is poorly stated and no background information is provided.

HISTORICAL RELEVANCE

A clearly stated and well-defined explanation is given to the relevance of the legend to history.

An explanation of why the legend is relevant is provided, but not well-defined.

An explanation of why the legend is provided, but it lacks clarity and explanation.

ANNOTATION

All sources are listed and properly cited.

Sources are incomplete or improperly cited.

No source information is provided.

STYLE

Grammar and punctuation are well done.

Few grammar or punctuation errors.

Many grammar and punctuation errors.

Extension Activity

Louis Armstrong had a great influence on American popular music.  Listen to the song “To Be In Love” sung by Seger Ellis, with Armstrong on trumpet.  How is Ellis’ vocal performance different form Armstrong’s?  Clearer diction of Ellis.  Song is about a typical subject: love.