Armstrong Park
Park Description
History
Fomerly known as Park No. 492 it was renamed Lillian Hardin Armstrong Park in 2004 as part of an effort by the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners to recognize the contributions of Chicago women. Armstrong (c, 1898 – 1971) was a jazz musician, composer and bandleader. A member of the Chicago band known as the New Orleans Creole Band in the 1920s, she met and married trumpeter Louis Armstrong in 1924. After separating from Louis in 1931, she led two all-women bands, played piano on many recordings, and composed many songs, including “Just a Thrill,” which became a hit for Ray Charles. Throughout the rest of her life, she played a major role in Chicago’s music scene. She died in Chicago in 1971 during a tribute concert to Louis Armstrong, who had passed away the month before.
