Hampton Lionel, *12 April 1913 Louisville (Kentucky), †31 August 2002 New York, American vibraphonist and jazz drummer. He learned to play the xylophone with drummer J. Bertrand. In 1927, he performed in California in the band Quality Serenaders, which he made his first recordings with in 1929. In 1929, he joined L. Hite’s orchestra; in 1930 this band, with Hampton on vibraphone, made several recordings with L. Armstrong. In the following years, Hampton recorded albums and also appeared as a studio musician on radio and in film. In 1936, he joined B. Goodman’s quartet (with T. Wilson and G. Krupa), with whom he worked for two years. At the same time, he recorded with occasional groups consisting of outstanding soloists from various orchestras popular at that time, including Goodman, D. Ellington, and C. Calloway. From 1940, he led his own big band, which included, among others: F. Navarro, B. Bailey, I. Jacquet, D. Gordon, W. Montgomery, and A. Farmer. In 1953, he toured Europe with this orchestra; he also gave concerts in Africa, Japan and Australia; Hampton performed with his big band until the 1980s. In the 1960s, he played with various small bands, and from 1965, he led his own sextet. In 1971, he performed in Poland. In 1973, he gave several concerts together with members of Goodman’s former quartet. He starred in many films, including The Benny Goodman Story (1955).
He was one of the leading stars of the swing era and the first to introduce the vibraphone to jazz, revealing the full sonic and technical possibilities of this instrument. Hampton’s playing was characterised by extraordinary expression and virtuosity, which, combined with his extraordinary stage personality, caused a general sensation. Hampton’s performances as a pianist were also successful (he used one or two fingers, imitating playing the vibraphone). His best recordings come from the time of cooperation with Goodman’s band.
Literature: A. McCarthy Big Band Jazz, London 1974.
