born April 20, 1908, Louisville, Ky., U.S.
died Aug. 31, 2002, New York, N.Y.
U.S. jazz vibraphonist, drummer, and big-band leader.
Hampton's first vibraphone recording, accompanying Louis Armstrong , was made in 1930. He became well known as a member of Benny Goodman 's small groups (1936–40) before forming his own big band. The rhythmic drive and excitement of Hampton's band highlighted his virtuosic playing and extroverted showmanship, and he became one of the direct progenitors of rhythm and blues .