The Louie Bluie Centennial

by Bill Claiborne

This March 4^th would have been Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong's 100^th birthday.  He passed away in 2003 at age 94.  In honor of this centennial observance I'd like to share a few thoughts about this La Follette, TN legend.

Howard Armstrong was the most unique individual I've ever known.  He was fiercely Independent, yet always a gentleman full of grace and disarming humor.  Stand him up before a runaway train and he'd find a way to maneuver out of the situation with seemingly little more than a Cheshire smile!  This Houdini-like jujutsu is what friends came to recognize as ‘Howard's Magic'.

Howard's Magic would show up again and again in incredible ways.  He was a master musician, ambidextrous painter, storyteller and poet, but most of all he was a master of timing.  He never liked to rehearse too much.  His preferred approach was straight out of Vaudeville.  He had his routines so down pat, that he only needed the right opportunity to ‘flip the switch' that would turn on that perfect song, story or joke that fit the moment.  In fact, maybe that was the secret to his magic; living completely, unreservedly and unapologetically in the moment!  He was the very definition of a self-possessed individual without petty contrivance or overly-affected demeanor.  His sincerity was always true, though not always discernable to the biased observer.  He was impervious to the opinions and ... Read More...