In addition to the album not being strictly all vocal duets, whereas on its predecessor Armstrong plays trumpet on every track, here he only plays on six. The Oscar Peterson Trio returns as the duo's backing, this time along with drummer Louie Bellson. Writing for AllMusic, music critic Alex Henderson wrote of the album:
One could nit-pick about the fact that Satchmo doesn't take more trumpet solos, but the artists have such a strong rapport as vocalists that the trumpet shortage is only a minor point. Seven selections find either Fitzgerald or Armstrong singing without the other, although they're together more often than not on this fine recording.[2]
In 1995 and 2003, a double CD was released with the same content as the double LP, but in 2000, a single CD was released with only the 12 duets, removing the 7 songs with either Armstrong or Fitzgerald solo vocal:
Louis Armstrong – vocals; trumpet on "Autumn in New York," "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You," "Willow Weep for Me," "Love Is Here to Stay," and "Learnin' the Blues."
Years given are for the recording(s), not first release. Note: All-Star albums feature sideman who are not necessarily listed while titles which include "Oscar Peterson" or the OP Trio are usually shortened.
