Hampton, Lionel
(1908–2002)
Hampton, Lionel (20 Apr 1908–31 Aug 2002) American jazz vibraphonist, drummer, pianist, singer, and big band leader; born in Louisville, Kentucky. He began as a drummer in Chicago clubs, then went to Los Angeles; he drew national attention playing vibraphone—the first jazzman to give identity to the instrument—with Benny Goodman’s quartet in 1936–1940. He had his own bands, and toured Europe. His Jazz Inner Circle sextet was founded in 1965. Hampton’s first solos on record were with Goodman in…