Using archive interviews, the film follows jazz legend Louis from his childhood at an orphans’ home in New Orleans to global stardom.
As in the Poitier film, the documentary gives voice to those who believed Armstrong had somehow sold out to his racist oppressors.
But potty-mouthed private recordings reveal an angrier side to the smiling jazzman.
As you’d expect, there is wonderful musical footage as well as some unexpected revelations.
Armstrong, apparently, was a big fan of herbs. The pot wasn’t a surprise but l had no idea about the laxatives.