My name is Ralphe Armstrong a world-renowned bassist and a professor of music. I have traveled the world with the likes of John McLaughlin, Jean Luc Ponty, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Miles Davis, the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and many other famous musicians.

My musical journey started at the age of 7, mentored, by my father Howard "Louie Bluie"" Armstrong. Also, I studied with the great bassist Ron Carter, saxophonist Wendell Harrison, trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and pianist Harold McKinney.

The reason for doing this GoFundMe is to restore and renovate my mother, Anna Armstrong, and Howard Armstrong's home and property on Belvidere Street in Detroit. This is a historic house where the likes of Brownie McGee and Sonny Terry would play into the wee hours of the morning with my father. After preparing meals for the musicians, my mother would later join them with her vocals. I will never forget the great Phyllis Hyman singing on the front porch and the great jam sessions in the basement with Michael Henderson. Also playing in the basement on separate occasions, was the great violinist, Jean Luc Ponty. More great musicians, too many to list, also performed at the house.

My dream is to turn this house into an advanced school of music for gifted metropolitan Detroit students so they may receive free lessons. Also included will be a museum of my father's memorabilia.

Thank you in advance for your support.