Lionel Hampton, born on April 20, 1908, in Louisville, Kentucky, was a pioneering American jazz musician renowned for his work as a vibraphonist, percussionist, and bandleader. Raised by his mother, Gertrude, Hampton spent his early years in Birmingham, Alabama, and Chicago, Illinois. He received his first drum lessons at Holy Rosary Academy near Chicago and began his musical career in the Chicago Defender Newsboys' Band.

Hampton moved to California in the late 1920s, where he played drums for bands such as Paul Howard's Quality Serenaders and Les Hite's band. His career took a significant turn in 1930 when he played the vibraphone during a recording session with Louis Armstrong, marking the first jazz recordings to feature improvised vibraphone solos. This performance earned him the title "King of the Vibes."

In 1936, Benny Goodman discovered Hampton in Los Angeles, leading to his inclusion in the Benny Goodman Quartet, the first racially integrated group of jazz musicians. Hampton's dynamic performances and innovative solos contributed to the quartet's success. He recorded jazz classics like "Dinah" and "Moonglow" with Goodman, Teddy Wilson, and Gene Krupa.

In 1940, Hampton formed his own band, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, which became famous for its energetic performances and showmanship. The band featured future jazz legends such as Quincy Jones, Charles Mingus, and Aretha Franklin. Hits like "Flying Home" and "Hamp's Boogie Woogie" solidified Hampton's reputation in the jazz world.

Beyond music, Hampton was a composer, writing over 200 works, including the "King David Suite." He served as a goodwill ambassador under President Eisenhower and was appointed to the Kennedy Center Board by President George Bush. Hampton's contributions to jazz earned him numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts in 1996.

Lionel Hampton passed away on August 31, 2002, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in jazz history.