# Lionel Hampton

> American jazz musician (1908–2002)

**Wikidata**: [Q313525](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313525)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Hampton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lionel-hampton

## Summary
Lionel Hampton was an American jazz musician (1908–2002) known for his contributions to swing and big band music, particularly as a vibraphonist and bandleader. He was a pioneer of the instrument and a key figure in mainstream jazz, earning recognition as a NEA Jazz Master and receiving the National Medal of Arts.

## Biography
- Born: April 20, 1908
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Southern California, USC Thornton School of Music
- Known for: Pioneering the vibraphone in jazz and leading influential big bands
- Employer(s): Decca Records, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity
- Field(s): Jazz music, percussion, composition

## Contributions
- **Vibraphone Innovation**: Hampton was one of the first musicians to popularize the vibraphone in jazz, revolutionizing its use in mainstream music.
- **Big Band Leadership**: He led the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, which became a staple of swing and big band music in the 1940s and 1950s.
- **Recordings**: Released numerous influential albums, including collaborations with Jimmy Scott and other jazz artists.
- **Education**: Taught at the USC Thornton School of Music, mentoring future jazz musicians.

## FAQs
**What instruments did Lionel Hampton play?**
Lionel Hampton was primarily known as a vibraphonist and percussionist, though he also played the piano and drums.

**Where did Lionel Hampton study music?**
He attended the University of Southern California and the USC Thornton School of Music.

**What was Lionel Hampton’s most famous band?**
His most famous ensemble was the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, which he led for decades.

**What awards did Lionel Hampton receive?**
He received the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was named a NEA Jazz Master.

**Who did Lionel Hampton collaborate with?**
He frequently collaborated with jazz singer Jimmy Scott and other prominent musicians of his era.

## Why They Matter
Lionel Hampton’s work redefined the vibraphone’s role in jazz, making it a central instrument in big band and swing music. His bands and recordings influenced generations of musicians, and his mentorship at USC Thornton School of Music helped shape the careers of many jazz artists. His legacy endures in the enduring popularity of swing music and the continued use of the vibraphone in contemporary jazz.

## Notable For
- Pioneered the vibraphone in jazz music
- Led the influential Lionel Hampton Orchestra
- Received the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors
- Named a NEA Jazz Master
- Earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Mentored future jazz musicians at USC Thornton School of Music

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Lionel Hampton was born on April 20, 1908. He attended the University of Southern California and the USC Thornton School of Music, where he studied music and developed his skills as a musician.

### Career and Innovations
Hampton is best known for his work as a vibraphonist and percussionist. He was one of the first musicians to popularize the vibraphone in jazz, revolutionizing its use in mainstream music. His most famous ensemble was the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, which he led for decades and became a staple of swing and big band music in the 1940s and 1950s.

### Recordings and Collaborations
Hampton released numerous influential albums and collaborated with other jazz artists, including Jimmy Scott. His recordings helped shape the sound of swing music and influenced generations of musicians.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Hampton received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the NEA Jazz Master title. These accolades recognized his significant contributions to jazz music.

### Legacy and Influence
Lionel Hampton’s legacy endures in the enduring popularity of swing music and the continued use of the vibraphone in contemporary jazz. His mentorship at USC Thornton School of Music helped shape the careers of many jazz artists, and his innovative use of the vibraphone remains a defining moment in jazz history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
3. Find a Grave
4. BnF authorities
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. CiNii Research
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. Discogs
10. SNAC
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. filmportal.de
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Croatian Encyclopedia
15. Munzinger Personen
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
18. IdRef
19. BBC Things
20. ISWC Network
21. LIBRIS. 2002
22. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
23. The Movie Database