Velma Middleton

Velma Middleton spent the majority of her profession as Louis Armstrong’s singer. She was originally a dancer and, although obese, she often do splits on stage including through the Armstrong years. Middleton experienced the average but fairly satisfying and good-humored tone of voice. After freelancing — including going to SOUTH USA in 1938 with Connie McLean’s Orchestra and operating as a single take action — she became a member of Louis Armstrong’s big music group in 1942, showing up on some Soundies with Satch). After Armstrong split up the orchestra in 1947, Middleton became a member of his All-Stars. She was frequently used for humor relief (such as for example for duets with Satch on “That’s My Desire” and “Baby, It’s Chilly Outdoors”) and periodic features. Jazz critics hardly ever thought extremely of Middleton’s performing, but Armstrong regarded as her section of his family members, and she was a continuous section of his display. Middleton, who documented eight selections like a innovator for the Dootone label in 1948 and 1951, passed away in Africa while touring with Satch in 1961.