In 1995 the USPS honored Louis Armstrong, a Jazz innovator of the highest order. His musicianship and personality were so appealing that in the 1930s he became not only a bandleader and solo performer, but also a comedian, movie star, and international celebrity. At the time of this stamp's release in September 1995, the USPS stated that Armstrong was the most requested male stamp subject. In the seven years prior to this issue, more than 38,765 signatures representing 62 countries had been collected by the New Orleans Jazz Club Collection of the Louisiana State Museum in support of an Armstrong stamp.