Initially a trumpet virtuoso, Louis Armstrong's career had a joyous second chapter as a spirited, vividly expressive singer. Amazingly, he knocked The Beatles off the top of the singles chart in 1964 with "Hello, Dolly," one of the two number-one hits of his career. Given his ebullient personality, love of performing and oft-professed devotion to creating happiness among his fans, Armstrong was a natural at singing well-known Christmas songs; his holiday music legacy is grounded in the A and B-sides of the three singles he recorded for Decca in the 1950s. With plenty of strings and a pace that allow him to enunciate and linger on every line, Armstrong's slow renditions of "Winter Wonderland" and "White Christmas," are among the very best of both. "'Zat You, Santa Claus?" is a spooky Halloween/Christmas blend that only a singer of his dexterity could pull off. There is also a jumpy, fast-paced duet with Ella Fitzgerald on "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," which first appeared on the 1957 album Ella and Louis Again. Unrelated to Christmas but a tune that has become his best-known vocal recording, and a worldwide anthem to joy, "What A Wonderful World" is also included. Although it's been controversially linked by some to sexual assault in recent years, "Baby It's Cold Outside," is here in an oft-reissued live version, exemplifying Armstrong's rapport with Velma Middleton, a member of his '50s group The All-Stars. Middleton, who was considered family by Armstrong, is an effective straight woman for his randy implications in the song's trademark back-and-forth. Finally, there is an unreleased version of Clement Moore's poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas," reputed to be Armstrong's final recording, from February, 1971, five months before his passing. It's beautifully mixed together with new accompaniment from New Orleans pianist Sullivan Fortner. Few days, including Christmas, were ever as merry and bright as Louis Armstrong. © Robert Baird/Qobuz