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

He spent his early childhood in Kenosha Wisconsin before he and his family moved to Chicago Illinois in 1916. Hampton's wife—Gladys Hampton—also was very involved in construction of a housing project in her name—the Gladys Hampton Houses. Awards
2001 - Harlem Jazz and Music Festival's Legend Award
1996 - National Medal of Arts presented by President Bill Clinton
1995 - Honorary Commissioner of Civil Rights by George Pataki
1995 - Honorary Doctorate from the New England Conservatory of Music
1993 - Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore
1992 - Inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
1992 - "Contributions To The Cultural Life of the Nation" award from the John F.

Along with Red Norvo Hampton was one of the first jazz vibraphone players. Lionel Leo Hampton (April 20 1908 – August 31 2002) was an American jazz vibraphonist pianist percussionist bandleader and actor.