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Louis Armstrong (1900-1971) was born in New Orleans. his father left home when Louis was only five and his mother worked as a domestic to keep the family together. At age twelve, Louise was arrested for firing a gun as part of a New Year's celebration. As a result, he was sent to the Colored Waifs' Home. It was there that he came under the influence of Peter Davis, who taught him to play the cornet and bugle. A year later, Louis was released but did little to continue his music until he was exposed to Joe "King" Oliver. Oliver helped Louis a great deal until 1917 when Storyville closed and Oliver moved north to Chicago. In 1922, Oliver contacted Louis to come and join his band, and from that point on, Louis Armstrong's career was insured.