Celebrity Graveland

April 20, 1908 – August 31, 2002

Lionel Hampton was one of the biggest names in jazz for nearly all of his 75 year career. A percussionist, Hampton started out as a drummer in Chicago while he was still a teenager. He moved to California, where he wowed audiences with his energetic drumming and acrobatic drumstick moves at venues like Sebastian’s Cotton Club. At the age of 22, he was starting to expand his repertoire when a visiting Louis Armstrong overheard him practicing the vibraphone, liked what he heard and offered Hampton a job.

And when Louis Armstrong says you’re a vibraphonist, brother, you’re a vibraphonist.

With a new primary instrument, Hampton went on to play with everyone from Charlie Parker to Benny Goodman. He even found himself playing alongside another icon who knew a thing or two about drums: the one and only Buddy Rich.

Throughout the 1940s and ’50s, Hampton formed and perfected his own big band orchestra. He and his orchestra were heavily featured at several of the legendary Cavalcade of Jazz festivals in Los Angeles. He toured Europe and recorded more than 50 albums with both full orchestras and small ensembles. He was honored by universities, presidents and popes, was inducted into multiple halls of fame, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A lifetime of honors and recognition stemming from a practice session on a new instrument. Not bad at all.

Lionel Hampton lived to be 94. He died of congestive heart failure in New York City.

Burial

Woodlawn Cemetery – Bronx NY

 

Specific Location

Fir Plot, Section 170; Directly east across Knollwood Avenue from Duke Ellington at what has come to be known as “Jazz Corner.”

 

 

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