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LIONEL HAMPTON BIO
Internationally acclaimed giant of the jazz world, and the undisputed
"King of the Vibraphone" for well over half a century, Lionel Hampton
began his phenomenal musical career at an early age when a student at
the Holy Rosary Academy in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he studied under
the strict supervision of the Dominican Sisters. His first instrument
was a set of drums and his idol during these early years was drummer
Jimmy Bertrand whose records he treasured. Louis Armstrong soon became a
major influence in Hamp's young years. It was in 1930 that Armstrong
hired him to appear, on the drums, at a Los Angeles nigthclub
engagement. Louis was so impressed with Hampton's talents he invited him
to join his big band for a recording session. During the session break,
Armstrong led young Hampton to a set of vibes and asked if he knew how
to play them. Lionel, who was well schooled in his keyboard studies,
picked up the mallets and played. The first tune cut that day, "Memories
of You ," (with Lionel on vibes) became a tremendous hit and has
remained a classic throughout the years.
In 1936, Benny Goodman asked Lionel to join his small group, featuring
Goodman, Teddy Wilson on piano and Gene Krupa on drums. They immediately
became the legendary Benny Goodman Quartet. Musical history was being
made, both for their brilliant music produced and because they were the
first racially integrated group of jazz musicians. The Swing Era had
begun. "Moonglow," "Dinah," and "Vibraphone Blues" were immediate hits
and will always remain classics in the jazz annals. Hampton formed his
own band in the early 1940's. "Sunny Side of the Street," "Central
Avenue Breakdown," his signature tune, "Flying Home," and "Hamp's
Boogie-Woogie" all became top-of-the-chart best-sellers upon release and
the name Lionel Hampton became world famous overnight.
The Lionel Hampton Orchestra had a phenomenal array of sidemen. Among
those who got their start with Hamp were: Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery,
Clark Terry, Cat Anderson, Ernie Royal, Joe Newman and Fats Navarro.
Among Lionel's proteges were singers Dinah Washington, Joe Williams,
Betty Carter and Aretha Franklin. Over the years, jazz giant Hampton has
received innumerable prestigious awards which keep coming to the
distinguished musical master. Among them: The title, American Goodwill
Ambassador, bestowed by Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon, The Papal Medal
from Pope Paul I, Sixteen Honorary Doctorates, and in 1992 the highly
esteemed Kennedy Center Honors Award, in which he shared the musical
distinction with Mstislav Rostropovich.
Reminiscing recently about his lifetime of honors and recognitions,
Hampton held that the highlight of his career took place when the Music
School of the University of Idaho was named the Lionel Hampton School of
Music in 1987, becoming the first university music school to be named in
honor of a jazz musician.
Also a celebrated composer, Hamp's original ballad, "Midnight Sun" (with
Johnny Mercer and Sonny Burke) has become a beloved classic in American
Jazz and popular music. His talent in the symphonic field is highly
respected. Two major symphonic works, "King David Suite" and "Blues
Suite" have been performed often by leading orchestras throughout the
world. Now, at age 85, Lionel Hampton continues to keep an astonishing
professional schedule. The energetic Hampton completely belies his
venerable age.
Despite the rigors of his hectic calendar, Hampton continues to amaze
those in the music business with the care and time he devotes to many
public service projects. A "dream" of his would be to aid in the
creation of a university in Uptown New York "...where young Black kids
can learn to be Doctors, Lawyers, IBM technicians, and, maybe even
musicians." |
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For more
information contact the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences at
208-885-6426 or class@uidaho.edu.
© 2006 University of Idaho. All rights reserved.
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