Louis Armstrong, Not Michael Jackson, Broke the Pop Color Barrier

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They both have influenced one way or another, only Michael had more exposure to the world so the effect was greater.

Ron Vaisman 5:39PM October 21, 2010

I think the lesson here is that victories in social justice are rarely won once and for all - they have to be re fought and won again. Each of these artists came out of different times, different cultural circumstances. Michael Jackson was always honoring his predecessors and I'll bet he admired Louis Armstrong.

Diana of CA 2:25AM August 12, 2010

Mr.Armstrong is always going to be no.1 in this categourie because he did it first not to mention he did it with class & quite diginity where as the self proclaimed king of pop had that door out of the way by the time he did the same thing 20+ years.The only thing MJ was better at then Louis was making an ass of himself & child gropering need I say more.

cliff buelter of WA 5:42PM July 15, 2010

Michael is the BEST!!!!!!!

MARKEITH of AL 7:03PM June 27, 2010

Did you people even read the article? People like Louis Armstrong had white fans long before Jackson was even born! I grew up in the 60s. Radio was very integrated then, with white rockers and black Motowners both getting airtime. Long before the Jackson 5!

Bozo of MI 11:04AM June 25, 2010

MJ broke the colour barriers, period! The author of this article sucks!

Romeo of NJ 11:09PM June 24, 2010

Your thoughts are worthless. Honestly why do people always in respond to MJ and his achievements in such a negative manner.

There is PROOF of white stations claiming 'The Osmonds' were better than 'the jacksons' Lets make a vote on that now!

Ed Sullivan was one of few white hosts that allowed black performers.

MTV NEVER played a black mans song until MJ.

Is that enough? Just get over and accept the fact that once (well some people still are) whites WERE RACISTS. MJ broke this trend, as GROWN WHITE MEN FAINTED at his concerts, and WHITE GIRLS screamed for him.

may 9:57PM June 24, 2010

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Scott Galupo

Scott Galupo

Scott Galupo is a Washington-based freelance writer. He formerly worked for House Republican Leader John Boehner, and was a staff writer for The Washington Times.

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