Lionel Hampton
Biography
Born in 1908 in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, Lionel Hampton (affectionately named “Hamp”) became one of the leading voices on jazz vibraphone during its emergence in the early 20th century. Originally starting on drum set, Hampton had the opportunity to record alongside jazz giant Louis Armstrong. In one 1930 session he was asked to play a vibraphone left in the studio. What resulted from that session were “Shine” and “Memories Of You”, the first recordings to include improvised vibraphone solos. Thereafter it became his main instrument.
Hampton would go on to perform with the likes of Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Christian, Harry James, and Nat Cole. Eventually becoming a bandleader himself, he had his first big hit in 1942 with the tune “Flying Home.” His orchestras and small groups recruited a number of renowned musicians on the jazz scene. Although he was not the first jazz musician to play the vibraphone, he is credited with making it a standard item in the jazz world, extending the possibilities of the instrument known at the time, and showcasing it using his brilliant showmanship and creativity.