[BluesDuke]

The Lionel Hampton Orchestra came and played at my high school the summer before my senior year. I think with the exception of Milt Jackson I have never heard a more joyous yet passionate sound from any jazzman playing the vibraphone.

To this day, Hampton's playing is the predominant reason why I prefer the Benny Goodman Quartet's version (recorded during the legendary 1938 Carnegie Hall concert) of "Stompin' At The Savoy," for years the signature piece in the Goodman orchestra's book. There's something about the four-piece version which just flat outswings and outcharms the full band version, which was classic enough.

I had a box set of Hampton's best Bluebird/RCA recordings over the years and lost it with too many others of my treasures (books and music) in floodwater damage a few years ago. I had read in 1995 or 1996 that Hampton in an apartment fire lost the bulk of his record collection, and I contacted the reporter in New York who broke the story (I was a radio reporter at the time) offering to give my box set to Hampton if he could make contact for me. (I was willing to commit my set to tapes, having heard that Hampton for life preferred old fashioned shellac and vinyl records.) The reporter never did. But I would have done it, kind of to say thanks to the old man for all that terrific music.

That's going to be some set of the Goodman Quartet God will be hearing now that Lionel is sliding in with his vibes. Benny, Teddy, and Gene just weren't right without him...

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

I love that sound, too. Beautiful post, BluesDuke.

May he rest in peace.

[DallasMike]

Another article I read today said that he was a staunch Republican and Reagan supporter. All that talent and a sharp mind, too!

[CyberAnt]

"Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Reagan and Bush"

I was waiting on my car to be fixed this morning, and they had CNN news on. Since I couldn't reach the TV, I was forced to endure. However, the segment they did on Hampton only showed Nixon, Reagan and George H.W. Bush - no dems. I find that interesting ...??

[texasbluebell]

Link to a photo of the jazz great with the 'toon, which I hesitate to post here as a photo, simply because the face on the left will sully the thread. If anyone wants to see it, you've been warned!

link to photo

[leilani]

This "news story" conveniently omits that he was a lifelong activist for the republican party.

[Faraday]

One of the giants. Thanks for the post.

[Fintan]

Lionel Hampton. Miles Davis. Muddy Waters. Howlin' Wolf. Frank Sinatra. Elvis Presley. Robert Johnson. The list goes on...And add your names.

And all we have left is...nothing.

[Mr. Mojo]

Rest in peace, Lionel. You were a class act in every way.

[okie01]

Hamp's band played for my senior prom in college.

He was a part of so much jazz history, so many memorable performances, that it's difficult to recall a signature moment.

For my part, I'll nominate "Stardust", as recorded live at the Hollywood Bowl. Ethereal.

His big bands were a kick -- like Ellington's, there was the same sense of organic unity, except the most notable characteristic was not discipline, but exuberance.

[RightWhale]

after 45 minutes of noodling on the instrument, Hampton felt comfortable enough to swing in behind Armstrong

We don't know why this is, but sometimes a right instrument falls into the right hands. It can be quick for the musician to get comfortable, or it might take a couple of years as with Sonny Rollins. It does make one wonder about things, though.

[mafree]

Though he lived a long, fruitful life, I am sorry to see Mr. Hampton go but we do have his music, right? May he RIP.

[weegee]

And finally, Lionel Hampton is here, and it's such an honor. (Applause.) Laura and I are honored to welcome him to Washington, just like Harry and Bess Truman did, when he played at their inaugural ball in 1949. The Johnsons, the Nixons and the Reagans all invited Lionel here as well. Presidents come and go, but there's only one "Vibes" President of the United States. (Applause.)

Lionel Hampton is an old friend of our family's, going all the way back to my dad's boyhood. On a couple of occasions, he and my grandfather did a few numbers together. My grandfather was quite a singer, as Lionel would tell you. And, as Laura would tell you, the gene pool didn't spread this far. (Laughter.)

Remarks by the President in Honor of Black Music Month

[nickcarraway]

Lionel Hampton was a brilliant musician with an infectious personality. I was always hoping to see him live again. I saw Milt Jackson as well, and I would put Hampton right up there.

[nickcarraway]

One note: They always say Benny Goodman's band was the first one that was integrated. But wasn't Ellington's already integrated with Juan Tizol and all?