Lionel Hampton Quotes

United States, Pianist
April 20, 1908 – August, 31, 2002.

Lionel Leo Hampton (April 20, 1908 – August 31, 2002) was an American jazz vibraphonist, pianist, percussionist, bandleader and actor. Hampton worked with jazz musicians from Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, and Buddy Rich to Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, and Quincy Jones. In 1992, he was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1996.

Also known as Percussionist, Bandleader, Actor

Black and white players hadn't appeared together in public before Teddy Wilson and I began working with B.G.

Lionel Hampton
- Together
- Black
Seemed to me that drumming was the best way to get close to God.

Lionel Hampton
- God

I worked hard learning harmony and theory when I was growing up in Chicago in the 1920s.

Lionel Hampton
- Up
- Growing
- Learning
So I always figured I'd still be playing at this age.

Lionel Hampton
- Age
I feel honored to have been a part of that dramatic change.

Lionel Hampton
- Change
- Honor
- Part
Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.

Lionel Hampton
- Mind
- Heart
- Gratitude
I think I love it more as I get older because I keep getting better on drums, vibes and piano.

Lionel Hampton
Playing gives me as much good feeling now as it did when I was a bitty kid.

Lionel Hampton
- Good
- Feeling

Every day I look forward to getting with my instruments, trying new things.

Lionel Hampton
- Trying
Playing is my way of thinking, talking, communicating.

Lionel Hampton
- Thinking
The secret is keeping busy, and loving what you do.

Lionel Hampton
Working with Benny was important for me and for black musicians in general.

Lionel Hampton
- Important
- Black
Music was our wife, and we loved her. And we stayed with her, and we clothed her, and we put diamond rings on her hands.

Lionel Hampton
- Music
- Wife
- Diamond