Closed Tac Box. Picture taken by me, direbmem. ... `When the Saints Go Marching In`, often referred to as `The Saints`, is an American gospel hymn. The precise origins of the song are not known. Though it originated as a Christian hymn, it is often played by jazz bands. This song was first recorded on May 13, 1938 by Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra. The song is sometimes confused with a simi...