Photo: Helmut Montag / CC BY 3.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Lionel Hampton was born on April 20, 1908 in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. Lionel Hampton was a bandleader, saxophonist and composer. Death is recorded on August 31, 2002, at the age of 94. Schooling on record includes University of Southern California. Listed accolades include National Medal of Arts, Paul Acket Award, Kennedy Center Honors and 2 more.
My Take
Lionel Hampton is, to me, one of jazz's true architects. He took the vibraphone, an instrument most people barely noticed, and turned it into a swinging, electrifying voice. The list of names he played with reads like a history of the music itself: Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones. Living from 1908 to 2002, he bridged eras most musicians only read about. The National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors confirm what the recordings already prove. What I admire most is his sheer joy on the bandstand, a generosity of spirit you can still hear today.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Lionel Hampton
- Name (Japanese)
- ライオネル・ハンプトン
- Reading
- らいおねる・はんぷとん
- Born
- April 20, 1908 – August 31, 2002
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Monkey
- Origin
- Louisville, Kentucky, United States
- Occupation
- bandleader / saxophonist / composer / jazz musician / actor
2. Background
- University
- University of Southern California
Awards & achievements
- National Medal of Arts
- Paul Acket Award
- Kennedy Center Honors
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- NEA Jazz Masters
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Lionel Hampton born?
Born April 20, 1908.
When did Lionel Hampton die?
Died August 31, 2002, aged 94.
Where was Lionel Hampton from?
Lionel Hampton was from Louisville, Kentucky, United States.
What did Lionel Hampton do?
Lionel Hampton worked as bandleader, saxophonist, composer, jazz musician, actor.
Bandleader — see all → · Saxophonist — see all → · More people from the United States →