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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• OpenAI Aims for a $150 Billion Valuation

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Louis Armstrong

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

—Soren Kierkegaard

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New York City Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the New York City area known for its significant Chinese population and culture, featuring a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and festivals?

A) Chinatown

B) Little Italy

C) Koreatown

D) SoHo

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The street known as the center of the American advertising industry is C) Madison Avenue.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

New York Sun owner preparing to join Telegraph bidding. (link)

🏦Finance

OpenAI Aims for a $150 Billion Valuation. (link)

Mastercard to buy threat intelligence company Recorded Future for $2.65 billion. (link)

🏒Sports

Yankees’ Nestor Cortes strikes different tune on potential playoff bullpen role. (link)

Ex-Yankee suffers freak head injury while changing uniform in Japan. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Thursday September 19 | 7:15 PM | (more info)

⚽ New York City FC vs. Inter Miami CF
NYCFC at Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Saturday September 21 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Kehlani - CRASH WORLD TOUR
Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY
Friday September 20 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 Reggae Fest Blaze
The Rooftop at Pier 17 New York, NY
Saturday September 21 | 3:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Kid’s Fashion Drawing with the Art Students League at Nordstrom NYC
225 West 57th Street New York,
Saturday, September 21 | 11am - 12:30pm EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “New York City with buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

New York City History

1985: The Heysel Stadium disaster's impact on NYC soccer fans.

The Heysel Stadium disaster on May 29, 1985, during the European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus, had a significant impact on soccer fans in New York City. The tragedy, which resulted in 39 deaths and hundreds of injuries due to a collapse caused by fan violence, shocked the global soccer community, including the passionate soccer fan base in NYC. The disaster highlighted the darker side of soccer hooliganism and the need for better safety measures at sporting events.

In New York City, where soccer had been growing in popularity, the Heysel disaster prompted local fans and authorities to reconsider the culture surrounding the sport. Soccer clubs and fan groups in the city used the incident as a catalyst to promote positive fan behavior and the importance of sportsmanship. Discussions about improving safety at local soccer events and ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere became more prominent.

The Heysel disaster also fostered a sense of solidarity among NYC soccer fans, who joined global efforts to support the victims and their families. Memorial services and fundraisers were organized, reflecting the city's diverse and compassionate soccer community. The tragedy's impact was a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of fan violence, leading to lasting changes in how soccer matches were viewed and organized in New York City.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Louis Armstrong (1901–1971): Influential jazz musician and singer.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1901–1918)

Louis Armstrong, often referred to as ""Satchmo"" or ""Pops,"" was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised in poverty, Armstrong's early life was marked by hardship, but his natural musical talent was evident from a young age. He learned to play the cornet in a home for troubled boys, where he was sent at the age of 11. Armstrong's early experiences in the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene laid the foundation for his future career. He played in local bands and quickly gained a reputation as a talented and innovative musician.

Rise to Fame in Chicago and New York (1919–1929)

In 1919, Armstrong moved to Chicago to join Joe ""King"" Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, where he honed his skills and gained greater recognition. By the mid-1920s, Armstrong had moved to New York City, where he joined Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra, one of the most influential jazz bands of the era. Armstrong's innovative playing style and charismatic stage presence helped transform jazz into a soloist's art. His recordings with the Hot Five and Hot Seven groups during this period, including classics like ""West End Blues"" and ""Weather Bird,"" established him as a leading figure in jazz.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City played a central role in Louis Armstrong's career and life. The city's bustling jazz scene provided Armstrong with numerous opportunities for performance and collaboration. He performed at iconic venues such as the Cotton Club, the Savoy Ballroom, and Carnegie Hall. Armstrong's connection to New York was also personal; he lived in Queens for much of his life, where his home has been preserved as the Louis Armstrong House Museum. His contributions to New York's cultural landscape were significant, helping to elevate the city as a global center for jazz.

Innovations and International Stardom (1930–1950)

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Louis Armstrong's fame continued to grow, and he became an international star. His tours took him around the world, bringing jazz to new audiences. Armstrong's innovative approach to trumpet playing, characterized by his powerful sound and expressive phrasing, influenced countless musicians. He also made a successful transition to singing, with his distinctive gravelly voice becoming an integral part of his performances. Songs like ""What a Wonderful World,"" ""Hello, Dolly!,"" and ""La Vie En Rose"" showcased his versatility and broad appeal.

Advocacy and Civil Rights (1951–1971)

In addition to his musical achievements, Louis Armstrong was an important figure in the civil rights movement. He used his platform to speak out against racial injustice and discrimination. Armstrong's 1957 criticism of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's handling of the Little Rock Central High School integration crisis was a significant moment in his advocacy for civil rights. Despite facing criticism for his perceived apolitical stance earlier in his career, Armstrong's later actions demonstrated his commitment to equality and justice.

Legacy and Influence (1971–Present)

Louis Armstrong passed away on July 6, 1971, but his legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. His contributions to music, both as a trumpeter and vocalist, continue to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide. Armstrong's recordings and performances remain essential listening for jazz enthusiasts, and his impact on the development of jazz as an art form is immeasurable. The Louis Armstrong House Museum in New York City serves as a testament to his enduring influence and celebrates his life and work.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered innovative techniques in jazz trumpet playing and transformed jazz into a soloist's art.

• Achieved international stardom with timeless hits like ""What a Wonderful World"" and ""Hello, Dolly!""

• Advocated for civil rights and used his platform to speak out against racial injustice.

Louis Armstrong's journey from the streets of New Orleans to international stardom as a jazz musician and singer reflects his extraordinary talent and influence. His connection to New York City was central to his career, providing a stage for his groundbreaking performances and contributions to jazz. Armstrong's legacy as a pioneering musician and advocate for civil rights continues to inspire and influence, ensuring his place as one of the most significant figures in the history of American music.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen