Louis Armstrong’s iconic track “What a Wonderful World” has reached a monumental milestone, achieving 5x Platinum certification by the RIAA. This certification marks over 5 million sales in the United States since its debut in 1967. To celebrate this achievement, Verve Records is unveiling the official performance video of the beloved song.
Inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame in 1999, “What A Wonderful World” is one of the most cherished and best-selling standards globally. The track has also received international accolades, including 5x Platinum in Canada, 1.5x Platinum in Germany, and Platinum certifications in the UK, Denmark, Italy, France, and Spain. Wynton Marsalis, a fellow trumpeter and President of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, accepted the new RIAA certification on behalf of the Louis Armstrong Estate.
LOUIS IN LONDON, the forthcoming live album, was recorded at the BBC on July 2, 1968, just weeks after “What A Wonderful World” topped the UK charts and became the year’s biggest-selling single in the UK. This album captures Armstrong in one of his final great performances. The 13-song collection features six previously unreleased tracks: “What A Wonderful World,” “(Back Home Again) In Indiana,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Ole Miss,” “Blueberry Hill,” and “Hello, Dolly!” The album will be available digitally, on CD, and on standard black and exclusive blue vinyl. Exclusive liner notes by Armstrong’s biographer and Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum, Ricky Riccardi, accompany the release.
Album Details:
LOUIS ARMSTRONG
LOUIS IN LONDON
(Verve Records)
Release Date: Friday, July 12
Tracklist:
When It’s Sleepy Time Down South
(Back Home Again) In Indiana
A Kiss To Build a Dream On
Hello, Dolly!
Mame
You’ll Never Walk Alone
Ole Miss
Blueberry Hill
Mack The Knife
Rockin’ Chair
The Bare Necessities
What a Wonderful World
When The Saints Go Marching In
Personnel:
Louis Armstrong: trumpet, vocals
The All Stars:
Tyree Glenn: trombone
Joe Muranyi: clarinet
Marty Napoleon: piano
Buddy Catlett: bass
Danny Barcelona: drums
Fans and music enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing Armstrong’s timeless charm and masterful performances with the release of LOUIS IN LONDON on July 12.
