Another Jazz Giant Gone

[winoweenie]

Lionel Hampton, who single-handedly brought the vibraphone into mainstream jazz died. His geniua was such he played every venue in the world, and as far as is known, sent millions of people from Carnegie Hall to the Congo home smiling, singing , and stompin' their feet. Thank goodness for his legacy of recordings. WW

[Innkeeper]

Last time we saw him was at the Orphium Theater in Omaha in 1985. He was great, but could hardly believe he was still kicking around then, much less still playing well. Well, he kicked around for seventeen more years. Unbelievable. Yes, he will be sorely missed.

[wondersofwine]

I saw him once in Frankfurt in the 70's. My date that evening had a sister who lived in the same apartment building as Lionel Hampton in New York City. Later heard about a fire in Lionel's apartment and wondered if "Sis" had to evacuate her apartment during the fire. It is sad to see so many jazz greats dying off. I saw Dizzy Gillespie perform at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival.

[Thomas]

I attended a "Hamp" performance when he was in his eighties, and the guy could not stand still--did his drums, piano, vibes thing better than anyone likely ever will.

[Botafogo]

Speaking of the Day the Music Died, I just got home and turned on the TV (which I had evidently left on the FOX morning news) to see the contestants on "American Idol" absolutely bastardizing a medley of great Motown hits. Sounded like Up with People (the folks who taught the world to sing for Coke) on quaaludes .... Eeeeeeeeewwwwwwww! And at least some of them were plainly lipsynching....

Gonna miss the Hamp but I bought a Tito Puente boxed set tonight that will get me through it.

Roberto



[This message has been edited by Botafogo (edited 09-04-2002).]

[winoweenie]

Agrees in spades....But must give the young lady who won this abberration her due. She has a ton of voice. Kelly will make it. WW