Louis Armstrong’s daughter updates memoir with St. Petersburg Press

Sharon Preston-Folta, a longtime Sarasota resident, has updated and republished her memoir about being the daughter of jazz musician Louis Armstrong, according to WUSF. The memoir, originally self-published in 2012, reveals how Armstrong fathered her during a longtime affair with her mother, vaudeville dancer Lucille “Sweets” Preston.

The updated edition was released by St. Petersburg Press, coinciding with the 125th birthday of Armstrong. Preston-Folta said this timing allowed her to tie the book in with a documentary film adaptation that aired on PBS and won a Southeastern Emmy Award.

Armstrong, known as Satchmo, never openly acknowledged Preston-Folta as his daughter but provided monthly support payments and visited when possible. Preston-Folta’s mother, who performed alongside Armstrong at venues like Harlem’s Cotton Club, began the affair in the early 1950s, and Sharon was born in 1955.

The memoir shares personal memories including letters, cards, and cassette tapes Armstrong left for Preston-Folta and her mother. The story is described as both sad and inspiring, shedding light on the private life of the jazz legend and his relationship with his daughter.