After a chance encounter in a New York jazz club, in the Summer of 1936, vibraphonist Lionel Hampton found himself invited to join the Benny Goodman Orchestra as a featured soloist. Hampton’s playing style fit naturally into the smooth, melodic, yet strongly rhythmic arrangements that characterized the Swing Era and Goodman’s band in particular. In 1940, after distinguishing himself in that organization, Hampton left to form his own band, being later succeeded in his previous position by Red Norvo. A true giant of jazz himself, Hampton shared the stage over the next several decades with the field’s elite, including Gene Kruppa, Charlie Christian, Harry James, Charles Mingus, Illinois Jacquet, Dexter Gordon and Dinah Washington. As well as the vibraphone, Lionel Hampton was proficient on piano, drums and occasionally as a vocalist. His 1954 recording of “Flying Home”, made with Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown and Buddy Rich, became his signature tune, as well as his biggest commercial hit.
