LIONEL HAMPTON
Genres: Swing, Big Band, Soul Jazz, Post Bop, Hard Bop, Bossa Nova, Boogie Woogie Piano • United States

Starting in the 1930's on the vibraphone as a contemporary of Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman, and staying active into the 90's, Lionel Hampton built one of the towering careers in jazz music.  A multi-instrumentalist, Hampton also enjoyed unmatched popularity as a bandleader, showman, and social activist.  As a musician his greatest impact was on the vibraphone, becoming the first great jazz improviser on the instrument.  Over the years his big band featured some of the best-known singers and musicians in jazz history, and it became one the longest running and commercially successful institutions in jazz.  He also recorded extensively in many all-star small group projects as both sideman and leader.  Hampton became one of America's most beloved musical figures.  His astonishing longevity and extroverted personality made him a favorite of everyone from ordinary music fans to World Leaders. Lionel Leo "Hamp" Hampton was born read more...