The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation announced a new licensing agreement with Downtown Music Publishing to continue and increase stewardship and international reach of the legacy of iconic jazz trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong. Under the agreement effective immediately, Downtown Music Publishing will serve as the Foundation's licensing and administration partner to support and oversee management of authorized use of Armstrong's intellectual property across music, media and all other platforms.
Jackie Harris, LAEF Executive Director, stated the agreement reflects commitment to honoring Louis Armstrong's legacy with integrity, vision and respect. The partnership represents a collaborative effort to balance legacy preservation with rights management in an evolving global entertainment industry. Jedd Katrancha, Chief Creative Officer of Downtown Music Publishing, commented that Downtown Music Publishing is honored to work with the LAEF and support their mission of education, giving, and advocating for the legacy of the most impactful musician in American history.
The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation Inc. was founded and funded by Louis and Lucille Armstrong in 1969 to give back to the world some of the goodness he received. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, LAEF is dedicated to perpetuating the legacies of Louis and Lucille Armstrong throughout the world through supporting musicians, Jazz education, performances and programming. The Foundation serves as a living legacy to Satchmo Louis Armstrong, recognized as the most important creative force in the early development and perpetuation of America's music, Jazz.
Downtown Music Publishing brings extensive global expertise in catalog administration, sync, licensing, and global rights services as the trusted partner for some of the world's most beloved songwriters, storied music catalogs, and emerging artists. By working with Downtown, the Foundation seeks to expand opportunities for thoughtful and mission-aligned uses of Louis Armstrong's music and trademarks, while generating vital support for its educational programs, grants, and cultural initiatives. The partnership aims to connect more global audiences to Louis Armstrong's pioneering body of work through professional rights management.
This licensing agreement has significant implications for how cultural heritage is managed in the digital age. As intellectual property rights become increasingly complex in global markets, partnerships between legacy foundations and professional publishing companies ensure that historical works remain accessible while being properly administered. For the music industry, this represents a model for balancing commercial interests with cultural preservation, particularly for foundational American art forms like Jazz. The arrangement ensures that revenue generated from Armstrong's intellectual property will directly support the Foundation's educational mission, creating a sustainable model for cultural philanthropy.
For audiences worldwide, this partnership means increased access to Armstrong's work through properly licensed channels, potentially leading to new recordings, media placements, and educational materials. The collaboration between www.louisarmstrongfoundation.org and www.downtownmusic.com represents a strategic approach to cultural stewardship that could influence how other legacy artists' works are managed in the future. As Armstrong's influence continues to be recognized as universal and unmatched, this partnership ensures his legacy will be preserved with the professional oversight necessary for 21st-century rights management while maintaining the integrity of his artistic contributions.
