Did Bunk Teach Louis?

Abstract

This chapter discusses whether Bunk Johnson played a significant role in teaching Louis Armstrong. Sidney Bechet knew both Bunk and Louis in New Orleans and he appears to confirm that Bunk did teach Louis. It is likely from the repertoire that Bunk claimed to have taught Louis that this was predominantly after Armstrong left the Waifs’ Home. It is likely that Armstrong downplayed this in later years to avoid Bunk eclipsing Joe “King” Oliver who took a significant role in mentoring Armstrong and who died prematurely in poverty.