Porgy and Bess
Louis Armstrong · 1958
66 min · 15 tracks · jazz
A lush orchestral jazz interpretation that brings the soulful narrative of Gershwin's opera to life through Armstrong's iconic voice.
Why this album works
This album is notable for its critical acclaim and the way it brought George Gershwin's classic opera into the jazz idiom. It reached significant chart positions and has influenced countless artists by demonstrating the potential of jazz interpretations of theatrical works. The partnership between Armstrong and Fitzgerald also highlighted the cultural significance of African American artistry in mainstream music.
- Best for
- lush orchestral soundscapes unfurling dynamic peaks and valleys soulful narratives through voice
- Context
- By 1958, Louis Armstrong was a celebrated figure in jazz, having released several influential albums. 'Porgy and Bess' marked a significant collaboration with Ella Fitzgerald, showcasing his ability to bridge jazz with classical themes. This album followed his commercial peak in the 1950s, reinvigorating interest in American musical theater through jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aretha Franklin· Dave Brubeck· Bing Crosby· Ella Fitzgerald· Chet Atkins· Ray Charles· Andy Williams· Dean Martin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Porgy & Bess: Overture 10:51
- 2 Porgy & Bess: Summertime 4:58
- 3 Porgy & Bess: I Wants to Stay Here 4:37
- 4 Porgy & Bess: My Man’s Gone Now 4:01
- 5 Porgy & Bess: I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’ 3:52
- 6 Porgy & Bess: The Buzzard Song 2:58
- 7 Porgy & Bess: Bess, You Is My Woman Now 5:29
- 8 Porgy & Bess: It Ain’t Necessarily So 6:34
- 9 Porgy & Bess: What You Want Wid Bess? 2:01
- 10 Porgy & Bess: A Woman Is a Sometime Thing 4:47
- 11 Porgy & Bess: Oh, Doctor Jesus 2:02
- 12 Porgy & Bess: Medley: Here Come De Honey Man / Crab Man / Oh, Dey’s So Fresh and Fine (Strawberry Woman) 3:29
- 13 Porgy & Bess: There’s a Boat Dat’s Leavin’ Soon for New York 4:54
- 14 Porgy & Bess: Oh Bess, Oh Where’s My Bess? 2:36
- 15 Porgy & Bess: Oh Lawd, I’m on My Way! 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.