The album 'The Five Pennies' is the soundtrack to the 1959 film of the same name, starring Danny Kaye as cornetist Red Nichols. Louis Armstrong appears in the film playing himself and contributes to several songs.
The recording includes jazz standards and popular songs of the era, featuring the Red Nichols orchestra and other session musicians. Armstrong brings his signature voice and trumpet to tracks like 'When the Saints Go Marching In' and 'Indiana'.
The album was released by Dot Records and reflects the Dixieland and swing style of the time. Although not an exclusive Armstrong album, his presence is key on several tracks, notably his collaboration with Danny Kaye.