"Satchmo Blows Up the World" is a non-fiction book by Penny M. Von Eschen, published in 2004. The book explores the impact of Louis Armstrong, the legendary jazz musician, on American culture and politics in the mid-20th century. Von Eschen argues that Armstrong's music and persona transcended racial and national boundaries, and challenged conventional ideas about race, gender, and power. The book examines Armstrong's performances and recordings, as well as his travels around the world as a cultural ambassador for the United States. Von Eschen also delves into the political context of the time, including the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of Black Power, and shows how Armstrong's music and persona were interpreted and used by different groups and individuals for their own purposes. The book has been praised for its interdisciplinary approach and its contribution to the understanding of the relationship between culture and politics in modern America.
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