Ricky Riccardi, What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong’s Later Years (Pantheon).
In the eulogy at Armstrong’s funeral in 1971, Fred Robbins said, “He was truly the only one of his kind, a titanic figure in his and our time, a veritable Picasso. 
A Stravinsky. A Casals. A Louis Armstrong.” Many of Armstrong’s critics charged that his artistic stature diminished after 1931, 1940, 1956…(pick a year). Riccardi’s meticulous research and engaging narrative put that notion to rest. Armstrong’s professionalism, toughness, humor and, most of all, the spirit of his music, emanate from the book’s pages. This is an invaluable addition to the Armstrong bibliography—and a great read.
Just ordered Penny M.Von Eschen’s “SATCHMO BLOWS UP THE WORLD: JAZZ AMBASSADORS PLAY THE COLD WAR”. Has anybody read it?
Read about the Von Eschen in the bio of Willis Conover, by Terry Ripmaster.
The latter was a great and inspiring read. Will keep you posted on the former at the end of July.
I agree wholeheartedly – Mr. Riccardi’s book is a delight.
Enjoy those apples! It’s blueberry time here in CT and the rest of the Northeast, making the really hot & humid mornings just a bit sweeter.
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of Ricky Riccardi’s book What A Wonderful World. It is interestingly detailed with precise end-notes.
I have just returned from New Orleans’s Satchmo Summerfest. Riccardi was a featured speaker for all three days of the event. He has fantastic video clips of Armstrong on TV and movies.. New material has arisen from the reel-to-reel tapes that Armstrong made in the dressing rooms, hotel rooms. and at home. These give a clearer picture of Armstrong in casual, unguarded moments. Essentially, he was the same, personable man as on-stage, except language was saltier. But, he enjoyed life wherever he was!
My review of Riccardi’s book is posted on the website of the Jazz Society of Pensacola.