Louis Armstrong, Cheesecake | Wacky Wednesday

In the seventh edition of Wacky Wednesday (2026), we break down the unique “Cheesecake,” performed by Louis Armstrong.

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  With the background established, in the seventh edition of Wacky Wednesday (2026), we break down the unique “Cheesecake”, performed by Louis Armstrong. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

Louis Armstrong (1901 – 1971) says playfully (tongue in cheek) during the intro of “Cheesecake”. Oh, does she, Louis? “Cheesecake” is the seventh track from the visionary musician’s 1966 album, Louis.  He wrote the irresistible cut with pianist Irving Fields (1915 – 2016).  There is nothing weird or wacky about the musicianship.  The instrumentalists are locked in. Where the ‘weird,’ ‘silly,’ or ‘novel-ness’ comes into play are the lyrics and Armstrong’s playful vocal performance.  The intro, excerpted above, sets the tone.

Following Armstrong’s intro, there is a novel piano riff by Marty Napoleon (1921 – 2015) that establishes the, dare I say, cheesy fun.  Louis Armstrong hams it up with his infectious, playful vocals.  Armstrong takes the lead, with his longtime pianist, Billy Kyle (1914 – 1966), responding playfully in a contrasting voice, “cheesecake.”

“Cheesecake, munchin’ on a cheesecake, munchin’ on a cheesecake

(Cheesecake!)

Cheesecake, gobble, gobble, cheesecake, gobble, gobble, cheesecake

(Cheesecake!)”

After the chorus, Armstrong delivers the bridge, which distinguishes itself, yet still references that cheesecake! “My girl, she’s crazy, over cheesecake all the time,” he sings, and continues, “So I’ll bring her cheesecake, and she’ll treat me mighty fine!” Ooh-wee! Beyond the chorus and bridge, there is a marvelous instrumental break.  It begins with the piano taking the reins, soloing. Armstrong solos next, briefly, followed by a ripe clarinet solo by Buster Bailey (1902 – 1967). Ah, keeping that Dixieland jazz sound alive in the 1960s! Tyree Glenn (1912 – 1974) also adds sweetness with a mean trombone solo before Armstrong resumes singing. Once more, he captivates with a playful variation of the bridge (more like a tweak), continuing to bless us with the fun cheesecake.  He concludes with the chorus and one final outgoing “Cheesecake!” “Cheesecake” is a surefire vibe the first time you hear it.  No, it’s not deep, nor is it meant to be. Louis Armstrong did what he did best: entertain.

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Louis Armstrong » Louis » Verve Label Group » 1966

Louis Armstrong, Cheesecake: Wacky Wednesday No. 7 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Verve Label Group; Vitaly Gorbachev from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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