Jazz Diplomacy with Louis Armstrong

In a heartwarming 1961 snapshot by New York Times photojournalists, jazz legend Louis Armstrong is seen serenading his wife in Egypt. This tour was part of a larger United States effort during the Cold War to promote American culture globally, with jazz music as a key ambassador.

The United States believed jazz could win hearts and minds around the world, aligning them with American ideals. Louis, however, steered clear of politics, preferring to let his trumpet do the talking. This image captures not just a personal moment but also a slice of cultural diplomacy, with Louis playing a role he was most comfortable with—that of a musician.