The novel Invisible Man contains excerpts from a large number of songs. The most prominent of these songs is "What Did I Do to Be So Black and Blue?" by Louis Armstrong. The "Black and Blue" in the title of this song does not refer to a bruise; it refers to a black man who is sad. These qualities connect well with Invisible Man himself. Louis and Ralph also have similar qualities. They are both considered renaissance men because of their wide ranges of experiences in their lives. Ralph Ellison alone was a writer, musician, shoe-shine boy, and freelance photographer. Louis Armstrong was a world-renowned jazz musician who had the capability of playing the bugle, clarinet, cornet, and trumpet.
Louis Armstrong had little experience with being blue. He is, in fact, known for having played the blues in a happy way. He never had much experience to draw on which might inspire him to sing in mournful tones. He did, however, see the plight of the black man in the face of an oppressive society. This insight allowed him to connect with Ralph Ellison's opinion that black people are ignored by American society.
By Tony Pregent