How Louis Armstrong won the admiration of Angus Young, rock icon in AC/DC

In the world of music, it is common for artists to remain faithful to a style throughout their careers, and this does not diminish the quality of their works. Angus Young, legendary AC/DC guitarist, is an example of this. Although known for his characteristic hard rock sound, Young has always demonstrated a deep admiration for a pioneer of popular music who, at first glance, seems far from his universe: the iconic jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Angus Young, whose career is marked by heavy riffs and intense vocals, rarely ventures outside the traditional rock formula. However, his appreciation for Louis Armstrong reveals a more eclectic and sensitive side to the guitarist. For Young, musical greatness is not restricted to specific genres, but rather the ability to convey emotion, authenticity and connection with the audience. This vision broadens the understanding of what it means to be a great musician, going beyond the borders of rock. Louis Armstrong, more than a jazz virtuoso, was a true showman and innovator in the way he presented music to the public. While Elvis Presley established the pop rock formula with songs like "Hound Dog", Armstrong transformed classics like "What a Wonderful World" and "Hello Dolly" into true three-minute hits, rocked by his rough and unmistakable voice. His influence reached beyond jazz circles, shaping popular music and inspiring generations of musicians, including those who had no direct connection to the genre. In an interview with Louder magazine, Angus Young recalled the remarkable experience of watching Armstrong perform as a child, highlighting the mastery and emotion present in the musician's recordings, made at a time when technology was limited and performances needed to be captured in a single take. This authenticity and skill deeply impressed Young, who recognizes Armstrong as one of the greatest musicians of all time. In addition to his admiration for Armstrong's unique voice, Young also absorbed influences into his guitar playing. His solos, although rooted in rock, reflect the search for memorable and captivating melodies, typical characteristics of traditional jazz musicians' improvisations. This fusion of styles demonstrates that, even in a genre as defined as hard rock, there is room for inspiration from different musical traditions. The influence of jazz on rock is not limited to Angus Young. Bands like Cream and Steely Dan incorporated complex harmonies and jazz elements into their compositions, enriching the musical scene. AC/DC, often seen as the symbol of raw and direct rock, reveals, through Young, an appreciation for a more diverse and sophisticated musicality. Angus Young's relationship with Louis Armstrong is a powerful reminder that musical influences don't always follow obvious paths. While AC/DC carved out a space for itself with jangly guitars and aggressive vocals, the values Young holds most dear - melody, feeling, authenticity and emotional delivery - are deeply rooted in the jazz pioneer's work. This unexpected connection shows that the greatest learnings can come from artists whose sound is very different from your own.