b. 4 March 1909; LaFollette, TN
d. 30 July 2003; Boston, MA
Though he could play many instruments, Howard
Armstrong’s primary musical instruments were the
fiddle and mandolin. He played with Carl Martin
and Ted Bogan for much of his career. Their prewar
era string band was known under names including the
Four Keys and the Tennessee Chocolate Drops.
Credited as the latter, Armstrong made his first
recordings with Martin in 1930 for Vocalion. He
also recorded with Bogan for Bluebird in 1934, this
time credited as ‘‘Louie Bluie.’’ In the 1970s, the trio
achieved fame touring and recording as Martin,
Bogan, and Armstrong. In 1985, Armstrong was the
main subject of the documentary film Louie Bluie. He
continued to perform until shortly before his death.
ANDREW LEACH
Bibliography
Zwigoff, Terry. ‘‘Louie Bluie: The Life and Music of William
Howard Armstrong.’’ 78 Quarterly 1, no. 5 (1990): 41–55;
‘‘Louie Bluie: The Life and Music of William Howard
Armstrong, Part 2.’’ 78 Quarterly 1, no. 6 (1991): 43–50.
Discography: DGR
Selected Recordings
Martin, Bogan, and Armstrong (1974, Flying Fish 003).
That Old Gang of Mine (1978, Flying Fish 056).
Louie Bluie: Film Soundtrack Featuring Howard Armstrong
(1985, Arhoolie 4700).
Louie Bluie (1995, Blue Suit BS-106D).