Date of Birth: April 20, 1908
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: August 31, 2002
Biography
Lionel Leo Hampton was an American jazz musician, bandleader, and philanthropist. Born on April 20, 1908, in Louisville, Kentucky, Hampton is best known for his pioneering work on the vibraphone, an instrument he helped to popularize in the jazz genre. He began his musical career playing drums and piano, but his big break came when he joined Benny Goodman’s band in the 1930s, becoming one of the first African-American musicians to perform in a racially integrated band. Hampton’s energetic style and exceptional talent made him a standout figure in the jazz world, and he went on to lead his own successful band, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. Over his long career, Hampton worked with many jazz legends, including Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and Quincy Jones. He was not only a musician but also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes related to education and civil rights. Hampton passed away on August 31, 2002, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of jazz.
5 Interesting Facts about Lionel Hampton
1. Lionel Hampton was one of the first jazz musicians to play the vibraphone.
2. He was a member of Benny Goodman’s groundbreaking racially integrated band in the 1930s.
3. Hampton was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1996.
4. He founded the Lionel Hampton Development Corporation to build affordable housing in Harlem.
5. His alma mater, the University of Idaho, named its school of music and an annual jazz festival in his honor.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lionel Hampton
1. “Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.”
2. “Every man should pull a boat over a mountain once in his life.”
3. “Music is the universal language that allows all people to communicate with each other.”
4. “I’ve been all over the world and I’ve never seen a statue of a critic.”
5. “The secret is keeping busy, and loving what you do.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Lionel Hampton’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Lionel Hampton did not have any biological children, but he was known to have mentored many young musicians throughout his life.
Relevant Links
1. [Lionel Hampton on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Hampton
4. [Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival](https://www.uidaho.edu/class/jazzfest
5. [Lionel Hampton Development Corporation](https://www.guidestar.org/profile/13-2942912
