Centenary Celebration: Lionel Hampton
By Jim Linz
Lionel Hampton (April 20, 1908-August 31, 2002) is credited for taking a novelty instrument—the vibraphone—and making it a star. Although Red Norvo introduced the vibraphone to jazz audiences in the 1920s, it was Hampton who became the master.
Although born in Louisville, Kentucky, Hampton was largely raised in Chicago and began his career playing drums in local bands. When his friend saxophonist Les Hite moved to Los Angeles to form his own band, Hampton followed, making his first recording in 1929 with Paul Howard’s Quality Serenaders.
He joined the Hite band in 1930, switching to the vibraphone. The Hite band frequently accompanied Louis Armstrong on recordings, giving Hampton valuable exposure.
In 1936, Hampton formed his own group, earning an engagement at Los Angeles’ Paradise Café. Hampton quickly disbanded his group, however, after Benny Goodman heard him and asked him to join his quartet, breaking the color barrier. As Hampton’s popularity grew, he was added to Goodman’s full orchestra.
Hampton left Goodman’s orchestra in 1940 to form his own orchestra. The orchestra recorded for Victor, Decca, and Verve before disbanding in 1946. Undaunted, Hampton continued to perform into the 1990s, leading a number of groups.
A tragic fire destroyed Hampton’s New York apartment and much of his music memorabilia in 1997. Five years later, Lionel Hampton died.
To see the legendary Lionel Hampton perform click the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_rTICMVXQQ
This article originally appeared in Trans-Lux volume 26, number 1, Winter 2008.
Comments
Created Thursday, November 27, 2008; Modified Thursday, November 27, 2008.
