It’s a fairly well-known fact that my birthday is July 4. Or at any rate, once somebody learns it, they’re not likely to forget.

For years, I thought I shared the date with Louis Armstrong. But it turns out Armstrong had no idea when he was born. It wasn’t until the 1980s that a researcher discovered Armstrong’s baptismal records and confirmed his official birthday was August 4, 1901.

Oh well, at least I’ve still got Stephen Foster (born July 4, 1826).

Armstrong, one of the most important figures in American jazz, as well as one of the most beloved musicians of the 20th century, died 50 years ago today.

That’s right, the world lost Satchmo and Stravinsky in the same year.

With Velma Middleton, singing (and playing) “All That Meat and No Potatoes”

With uncanny Danny, namedropping the masters, in “The Five Pennies”

With the Duke on Ed Sullivan

PHOTO: Playing with Grace, on the set of “High Society”