"An all-American institution" is how Dick Cavett introduces Louis Armstrong on a episode of Cavett’s ABC talk show, aired just months before Satchmo’s death 45 years ago today.
It’s obvious that Armstrong was a fan of the show’s host as well. “I dig you everywhere I go,” Satchmo tells Cavett at the start of their interview, which airs several times today on the Decades TV network (1 p.m., 7 p.m., 1 a.m., WWL over the air channel 4.3, Cox cable channel 133).
“It’s been quite a while since I dug you,” Armstrong tells Cavett at the start of the Feb. 1971 program, which followed three appearances by the jazz legend on Cavett’s talk show in 1970. It comes just months before his death on July 6, 1971.
This time, among other things, we’re treated to Cavett’s impersonation of Satchmo. “Oh, is that you?” Cavett jokes. “I thought I was doing Sarah Vaughan.”
“I dig you everywhere I go,” Armstrong tells Cavett, as he describes watching his show while on the road in San Antonio, then talking about travels to Las Vegas and England, to play for “Prince Philip and the boys.” In his mention of an early trip to England, Armstrong refers to playing for “Rex,” using the Latin term for king that is instantly recognizable to New Orleanians.
The two also talk about Armstrong’s wife, Lucille. Later in the show, which includes the diverse guest lineup of Nora Ephron, Kaye Ballard and Jack Barry, Cavett asks Armstrong how many times he’s been married. Armstrong answers four, then when Cavett asks if it’s good to be married lots of times, Armstrong says “I think so,” to laughter and applause.
Later in his story about performing in England, Armstrong even mentions his ever-present Swiss Kriss. For those who don’t know the product or its lore, watch this Cavett episode for some insight. “You’re certainly an emissary of good will,” Cavett jokes.
For those of us more accustomed to hearing Armstrong perform and sing than speak, it’s a treat to hear his distinctive speaking style and laugh and see his mannerisms, including his ever-present handkerchief in one hand and trumpet in the other. He doesn't perform in this episode, at least not on the trumpet, but it's still vintage Satchmo.
