By Lynn Bruce (64.233.239.143 - 64.233.239.143) on Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 08:27 am:

Man did I love it when he would sit down behind the drums and start jamming.His drumming alone would wipe out most other drummers.The song he wrote called "Flyin Home", was sung by many Detroit musicians as Flyin home goin like a MO F,(at least at rehearsals).
Besides just digging his vibe chops ,I liked the way he really looked like he enjoyed playing(young musicians take note of that piece of wisdom)his instrument.His personality on stage as well as his great playing will be missed
God Bless Lional Hampton

By Ralph (209.240.198.62 - 209.240.198.62) on Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 09:55 am:

The annual Monterey Jazz Festival comes up in September. Lional Hampton was one of the regulars appearing here. He will be missed.Some of the guys who are no longer with us have a good vibe man to jam with.

By Gabriele (212.171.165.50 - 212.171.165.50) on Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 10:01 am:

Sad new...
God bless Lional Hampton

By Eli (152.163.189.167 - 152.163.189.167) on Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 12:09 pm:

Several times when Lionel appeared on the Mike Douglas show in the 70's in Philly, he would borrow Vince Montana's set of vibes.
Only thing was , was that Vince had his name emblazoned on the front of his vibes in big script lettering so whenever Lionel would play, you would see the name of Vince Montana on national T.V.
True story!!

Eli(Good Vibes)

By Sue (152.163.189.167 - 152.163.189.167) on Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 05:42 pm:

It's sad and yet -- wow, the guy was 94? That's a long life for anyone, much less a musician! Good for him.

By ed wolfrum (165.121.215.205 - 165.121.215.205) on Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 07:04 pm:

Hello Gang:

I had the pleasure of working with "HAMP" in 1988 for a PBS special "Lional Hampton-Back to Paradise," at Detroit's Orchestra Hall-Paradise Theatre. Lionel Hampton was a real showman and personally a pleasure to work with. A real gentleman. But, despite a short rehersal before a one time show, when the show started he threw caution to the wind and went for the show!!! He walked off the stage at the end of the show with the whole band playing "When the Saints Go Marching in" while walking around Orchestra Hall. The crew did not know what to do but follow him, as best we could. The camera guys were climbing walls as he walked (with the band) into the balcony (unlighted). It made for a fun show for those who were there and a nightmare in the edit.
I could not believe that a man in his 80's could play so well and be so hip. I still have the outakes of that show. (Some played better than what they used!!!) Jack Brokenshaw was at the show and came in the booth and was stunned by his playing. A true artist.

I imagine his entrance into his eternal reward was a "heavenly" performance too.

May "Hamp" Rest in Peace. He was a true musical gift to the world.

Pax,
Ed

By Mark Speck (65.57.18.127 - 65.57.18.127) on Monday, September 02, 2002 - 01:38 pm:

Truly a great talent and one cool cat. No one could play a vibraphone like him.

Rest in peace, "Hamp".

Best,

Mark

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.119 - 195.219.7.119) on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 08:49 am:

ED,I loved your piece about Lionel,and what an amazing character to have around anywhere.The thought of everyone following him up to an unlit balcony,superb,very funny,my kind of humour.Farewell Mr. Hampton,R.I.P.mel.