Who Made Music on the Mississippi? Louis Armstrong

Discover the dynamic story of iconic cornet and trumpet player Louis Armstrong on his journey to becoming a king of jazz and one of America's most influential musicians.

Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series!

Follow Louis Armstrong as he joins Fate Marable’s riverboat band on the Dixie Belle and navigates the racial tensions of segregation while bringing innovative hot jazz to audiences beyond New Orleans. A story of new horizons, determination, and musical growth, this graphic novel highlights how Louis honed his improvisational flair and improved his ability to read music on his way to becoming one of jazz music’s most celebrated pioneers. Music notes fly off the page as lively, full-color illustrations work in perfect harmony with this electric narrative.Kevin Johnson (he/him) is author of the critically acclaimed picture book Cape (2023) and the forthcoming sci-fi graphic novel Howie Hackit (2027). He is a graduate of Temple University’s film school and is the son of two late educators. Kevin enjoys using his platform as an author to inspire children and aspiring creators as Captain Create. He has been featured in the New York Times and NPR and can be found on Instagram @captaincreate. You can also visit him online at captaincreate.com. When he is not writing or illustrating, Kevin is reading, watching movies, listening to music, and subjecting his family to dad jokes.

Nate Sweitzer is a Chicago-born illustrator who graduated from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. His character-centric approach to visual storytelling breathes life into human stories with dynamic perspectives and emotive figure drawing. His work has been exhibited by the Society of Illustrators and featured in Communication Arts, ImagineFX, and 3x3 Magazine. His clients include the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, NPR, ProPublica, Sports Illustrated, The New Republic, and Forbes. When away from his desk, Nate can be found watching sports, enjoying the outdoors, and refusing to change his guitar strings. Find him on Instagram @natesweitzer.