In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, today World Book celebrates the birthday of the American jazz musician Lionel Hampton on April 20, 1908. Hampton was a percussionist who specialized in the vibraphone, an instrument similar to the xylophone. He played in a number of bands before leading his own orchestra. His talent, personality, and unique sound helped popularize the vibraphone as an accepted jazz instrument. Hampton died on Aug. 31, 2002.

The American jazz musician and band leader Lionel Hampton was born 112 years ago today on April 20, 1908. Credit: Library of Congress

Hampton was born in Louisville, Kentucky. As a teenager, he played drums in bands in Chicago before moving to California in the late 1920′s. Hampton began performing professionally on the vibraphone in 1930. From 1936 to 1940, he recorded regularly with the clarinetist Benny Goodman and appeared on most of Goodman’s famous combo recordings. From 1937 to 1941, Hampton organized and played on 23 small group recording sessions that rank among the finest in jazz.

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JAM – Jazz Appreciation Month Credit: Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Hampton formed his own band in 1940 and later led various big bands and small groups. His first big band made a hit recording of “Flying Home” in 1942, which became Hampton’s unofficial theme song. Hampton’s bands and small groups usually consisted of young musicians with a core of experienced players. Hampton’s exuberant personality and showmanship contributed to his popularity with audiences. Hamp (1989) is his autobiography.

Jazz is a kind of music that is often considered the only art form truly native to the United States. The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History established April as Jazz Appreciation Month in 2002. The celebration is meant to encourage people to participate in and study jazz, attend concerts, listen to jazz recordings, read books about jazz, and learn about the lives of famous jazz musicians.