Louis Armstrong in Prague, 1965 – Original Concert Programme

Louis Armstrong and His All Stars. Prague: Pragokoncert (Czechoslovak Music and Theatre Agency), 1965. Oblong 8vo, 12 pp. Original photographically illustrated wrappers. Black-and-white photographs throughout, with experimental typography and graphic design printed in black and pink. Very good condition.Original concert programme issued for Louis Armstrong and His All Stars' performances at Prague's Lucerna Hall, March 12–18, 1965. Illustrated with photographs of Armstrong and his ensemble, accompanied by Czech text. Armstrong's visit to Communist Czechoslovakia was an important event in the cultural history of the Cold War. Although the tour was not officially sponsored by the U.S. State Department, American jazz had become a significant instrument of cultural diplomacy in Eastern Europe. Armstrong's Prague performances represented an important encounter between American popular culture and Czechoslovak audiences during the period of cultural liberalization preceding the Prague Spring.