Lionel was born in Louisville, Kentucky. His family moved
to Chicago when he was eight years old. He learned the drums
and played in bands when he was a young man, and then
met and made a few recordings with Louis Armstrong. Louis
encouraged him to play the vibraphone. Mr. Hampton soon
became the greatest vibes player of the day. He joined Benny
Goodman's band and became widely admired. He appeared
in movies and on television and toured all over the world.
Then he started his own big band. Many great musicians
played in this famous band—Cat Anderson, Clifford Brown,
Illinois Jacquett and Quincy Jones. Hamp was a true original
and a master of swing!

Hey Ba Ba Re Bop   Lionel Hampton Priceless Jazz    GRP
On The Sunny Side Of The Street   Nipper's Greatest Hits: The 30's, Vol. 2    RCA
Hamp's Boogie Woogie   Flying Home     ASV/Living Era