LIONEL HAMPTON

Lionel Hampton (nicknamed "The Gates of Swing") was a famous black African American jazz musician, who began as a vibraphonist in the 1930s, but also played drums, had his own band (Lionel Hampton And His Orchestra), and acted in later years. In 1930, he was hired by Louis Armstrong, and he is largely responsible for the popularity of the vibraphone in jazz music! Hampton passed away in 2002 at the age of 94.