APRIL 6, 2022 | Louis Armstrong’s only child, Sharon Preston-Folta, comes forward in the new documentary Little Satchmo after living for more than five decades with the secret of her paternity. In the film, Preston-Folta reveals a relationship that was kept entirely out of public view. The documentary will air on WYES-TV, Channel 12, in New Orleans on the PBS series Reel South on Monday, April 18, at 9 p.m. CDT.

Little Satchmo is based on Preston-Folta’s memoir of the same title where she reveals her identity as a child borne of a two-decade love affair between Armstrong and Harlem dancer Lucille “Sweets” Preston. There was never a time in Preston-Folta’s childhood when her father was not a part of her life, but a mention of this relationship never ventured beyond than the confines of immediate family.

Preston-Folta joined David Johnson, OffBeat editor and host of Beat Café, in a conversation about her relationship with her father and the making of the film. She is joined by the documentary’s producer, Lea Umberger, and the director, John Alexander.