Description: The Karnofsky family, Russsian-Jewish immigrants, loaned Louis Armstrong the money to buy his first cornet. The Karnofskys frequently provided young Armstrong with work and even took him in as a family member for a period. Armstrong wore a Star of David pendant for the rest of his life in gratitude. Today the Karnofsky Project, a nonprofit organization, distributes donated instruments to at-risk children.
Courtesy of Louisiana State Museum
Collection: Louisiana State Museum Jazz Collection
Copyright: Copyrighted
Disclaimer: Physical rights are held by the Louisiana State Museum in accordance with U.S. federal copyright laws.