Lionel Hampton, 1908-2002
Lionel Hampton died today after more than sixty years of making music. Hamp played in many great bands as a leader, and with fellow jazz icons such as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, and Charles Mingus. He started on the drums, a pioneer of stick-twirling flourishes, and took up vibes while drumming in Armstrong's band in 1930. The New York Times has his obituary.
Photo from the International Association for Jazz Education's NEA Jazz Masters bio of Hamp.
Comments
really eh? That's intersting. I've often wondered where stick who the first stick twirler was.
Posted by: clark | August 31, 2002 09:57 AM
I don't know whether he was the first, but he was certainly one of the first to be famous for it. I have a vague memory that Al Jolson did it as well, and he may have done it earlier. Does anyone out there know for sure?
Posted by: Songdog | August 31, 2002 10:16 AM
NEW WEBSITE-ADDRESS FOR THE LIONEL HAMPTON STORY AND IN MEMORIAM.
PHOTOS, MUSIC, ARTICLES.
www.lionelhampton.nl
Posted by: Hans Bebop | October 29, 2002 08:05 PM
NEW WEBSITE-ADDRESS FOR THE LIONEL HAMPTON STORY AND IN MEMORIAM. Photos, music and articles.
www.lionelhampton.nl
Posted by: Hans Bebop | October 31, 2002 06:43 PM
Thanks for the link, Hans, but twice is enough, ok?
Posted by: Songdog | October 31, 2002 09:33 PM