New Orleans is and has always been a unique and wonderful place, set apart from the rest of the world. The city is home to a great variety of cultures, all of which influence and affect each other on a daily basis. One of the most well-known parts of New Orleans’s culture is its music, which is unlike anything else heard around the world. One of the most well-known musicians in America–Louis Armstrong–hailed from New Orleans. Louis Armstrong’s expressions of himself through his lyrics and instruments are deep and true reflections of an integral part of New Orleans’s history and traditions–its music.

The city of New Orleans has been the site of disaster more than once in history. Despite fierce opposition by both nature and people, New Orleans and its citizens have always seemed to, for lack of a better word, bounce back. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that Louis Armstrong’s life was also filled with conflict and struggles, but much like the city of New Orleans, he never allowed himself to be discouraged by these tribulations. Although his life started out rather roughly, Louis Armstrong continued to persevere and do what he loved, and what he loved was making music. Despite the odds stacked against him, Louis Armstrong was able to look past the ugliness of the hardships he faced and see the beauty of the world around him.

One of the last songs Armstrong ever released was “What A Wonderful World”. The song seems to be a true reflection of Armstrong’s self and his personal feelings. The song gives off vibes of bright optimism and awe at the beauty of the world. Nature is ever-changing and shifting, but it always seems to retain its beauty. Life is short, and it can never be truly lived if it is lived in negativity and worry. When pondering all of the world’s problems with pessimism, the phrase “what a wonderful world” can certainly serve as a reminder that optimism is a choice, but it is, in fact, the right one.