Lionel Leo Hampton, born on April 20, 1908, in Louisville, Kentucky, and passing away on August 31, 2002, in New York City, was an influential American jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Renowned for his work on the vibraphone, Hampton was also a skilled percussionist, pianist, and singer, contributing significantly to the jazz genre over a career spanning from 1927 to 2002.

Hampton's early life saw him moving with his mother from Louisville to Birmingham, Alabama, and eventually to Chicago, Illinois, where he began his musical journey. He learned to play the xylophone from Jimmy Bertrand and started his career as a drummer in the Chicago Defender Newsboys' Band. After moving to California in the late 1920s, he played with several bands, including Paul Howard’s Quality Serenaders, where he made his recording debut in 1929.

A pivotal moment in Hampton's career occurred in 1930 when he was asked by Louis Armstrong to play the vibraphone during a recording session, leading to the first jazz recordings featuring improvised vibraphone solos. This marked the beginning of Hampton's prominence as a vibraphonist. By 1936, he was discovered by Benny Goodman, joining the Benny Goodman Quartet, which was notable for being one of the first racially integrated jazz groups.

In 1940, Hampton formed his own band, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, which became one of the most popular and long-lived ensembles in jazz history. The band featured a host of legendary musicians and vocalists, including Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery, and Aretha Franklin. Hampton's compositions such as "Flying Home," "Hamp’s Boogie Woogie," and "Midnight Sun" became jazz standards.

Beyond his musical achievements, Hampton was a prominent figure in education and business. He established two record labels, founded the Lionel Hampton Development Corporation, and was involved in building low-income housing. As a goodwill ambassador, he toured internationally, promoting jazz and American culture.

Throughout his life, Lionel Hampton received numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 1992 and the National Medal of Arts in 1996. His legacy as a musician and cultural ambassador continues to influence the world of jazz and beyond.