Hampton was born on 20th April 1908 in Louisville, Kentucky, but moved to Chicago as a child, where he began his career as a drummer. He relocated to Los Angeles to play drums in Les Hite's band. They soon became the house band for Frank Sebastian's New Cotton Club, a popular L.A. jazz club.
During a 1930 recording date in the NBC studios in L.A., Louis Armstrong discovered a vibraphone. He asked Hampton if he could play it. Hampton, who knew how to play the xylophone, tried it and they agreed to record a few records with Hamp on vibes. Hampton is credited with popularizing the vibraphone as a jazz instrument.
In the mid-1930s, the Benny Goodman Orchestra came to Los Angeles to play the Palomar Ballroom. John Hammond brought Goodman to see Hampton play. Goodman asked Hampton to move to New York City and join Goodman, Teddy Wilson, and Gene Krupa who'd already formed a Benny Goodman Trio within the large band - to expand into the Benny Goodman Quartet. The Trio and Quartet were among the first racially integrated bands to record and play before wide audiences; they were just as well received at Goodman's famous 1938 Carnegie Hall concert as was the full Goodman band.
While Hampton worked for Goodman in New York, he recorded with several different small groups known as the Lionel Hampton Orchestra as well as assorted small groups within the Goodman band. In the early 40s he left the Goodman organization to form his own touring band.
Hampton's band fostered the talents of Illinois Jacquet, Dexter Gordon, Ernie Royal, Jack McVea, Charlie Mingus, Monk Montgomery, Wes Montgomery, Quincy Jones, Benny Golson, Fats Navarro, Kenny Dorham, Clifford Brown, Dinah Washington, Betty Carter, Joe Williams, Arnett Cobb, Earl Bostic, and John Colianni among many others.
Hampton's recording of "Flying Home" (1939) with the famous honking tenor sax solo by Jacquet, later refined and expanded by Cobb (1946), is considered by some to be the first rock and roll record. He was known for his tireless energy and his skill on the vibes, drums, and lightning speed two-fingered piano. The bars on the vibraphone are laid out like the piano; Hampton played both instruments the same way.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Hampton and his band started playing at the University of Idaho's jazz concert, which in 1985 was renamed the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. In 1987 the University's music college was renamed the Lionel Hampton School of Music, the first and only university music college to be named after a jazz musician.
Lionel Hampton died of cardiac arrest at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York on 31st August 2002. He was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York.
Swingle Jingle
Lionel Hampton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jingle all the way
It's so much fun to ride in open sleigh
A-jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, man, it's a lot of fun in a open sleigh
The lyrics of Lionel Hampton's song "Swingle Jingle" capture the joy and excitement of the holiday season, particularly the experience of riding in an open sleigh. The repetition of the phrase "Jingle bells, jingle bells" creates a festive and rhythmic quality to the song, echoing the sound of bells ringing in the crisp winter air. This familiar holiday tune evokes a sense of nostalgia and tradition, as the imagery of riding in an open sleigh brings to mind classic Christmas scenes and the spirit of togetherness.
The refrain "Jingle all the way" emphasizes the cheerful and lively nature of the song, encouraging listeners to join in the celebratory mood and embrace the joy of the season. The mention of riding in an open sleigh conjures images of snow-covered landscapes, twinkling lights, and the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes with gliding through the winter scenery. The repetition of "A-jingle bells, jingle bells" adds a playful and catchy rhythm to the song, inviting listeners to sing along and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
As the lyrics express, there is a sense of excitement and exhilaration in riding in an open sleigh, emphasizing the simple pleasures and thrills of the holiday season. The exclamation "Oh, man, it's a lot of fun in an open sleigh" conveys the sheer delight and enjoyment of the experience, capturing the carefree and magical moments that come with celebrating the holidays. The upbeat and infectious energy of the song reflects the spirit of joy and merriment that defines this special time of year, encouraging listeners to embrace the magic and wonder of the season.
Overall, the lyrics of "Swingle Jingle" celebrate the festive and joyful essence of the holiday season, inviting listeners to join in the merriment and embrace the spirit of togetherness and celebration. Through its lively and rhythmic melody, the song conveys a sense of nostalgia, tradition, and excitement, encapsulating the magic and wonder of Christmas. Whether it's through the imagery of jingling bells, open sleigh rides, or the simple pleasures of the season, "Swingle Jingle" captures the essence of the holidays and the joy that comes with sharing special moments with loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Jingle bells, jingle bells
The sound of bells ringing and jingling
Jingle all the way
The bells ring continuously without stopping
It's so much fun to ride in open sleigh
Enjoying the thrill of riding in a sleigh without a roof
A-jingle bells, jingle bells
The continuous ringing of the bells
Jingle all the way
The bells continue to ring joyfully
Oh, man, it's a lot of fun in a open sleigh
Expressing excitement and delight in riding in an open sleigh
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Lionel Hampton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JoggingOnTheMoon
this is a great album, could you upload anything else from it? thanks!