Louis Armstrong. This remarkable three-page signed, handwritten letter on his personal “SATCHMO” letterhead was penned just four days before his death. The great trumpeter, bandleader, singer, and composer tells his friend Mr. Kauffmann in Germany, “Now for my health. I am glad to say that I am feeling fine and almost well. Just a little weakness in my legs and I will soon walk without my walking cane. I have a very good doctor and my dear wife Lucille who takes real good care of me.” Speaking of his music: “I practice on my (horn) (meaning) my trumpet every day a half hour before my dinner. And I am very happy about it.” Sadly, Armstrong passed away on July 6, 1971, in Corona, Queens, New York, of a heart attack.