Famous Louisvillians: Lionel Hampton (#8)

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What a surprise: eight people left on this list of famous people from my hometown, and half of them are musicians. Whodathunkit? Oh, and none of them are country musicians. How’s that for a shock!? In fact, look who’s up for today’s famous Louisville native! #8: Lionel Hampton Truth be told, Lionel Hampton didn’t spend much time here. He was basically born here. Shortly after he was born, his mother moved back to her hometown of Birmingham. (Alabama claims him, too, having inducted him into the Alabama Jazz Music Hall of Fame.) Discovered by Louis Armstrong, Hampton became a trendsetter in music in 1936, when he became the first African-American member of Benny Goodman’s quartet. Although the “big band” sound declined with the advent of rock and roll in the 50s, Lionel Hampton was still a respected performer....not just in jazz, but in music. Hampton was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986, the same year he was awarded the National Medal of Arts. No, he didn’t spend much time here, but we’re so proud that he was born here!! Lionel Hampton Born Lionel Leo Hampton April 20, 1908 Died August 31, 2002 (congestive heart failure) Jazz Hall of Fame vibraphonist Hampton on TV in 1957: