[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 17817] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]``THE KING OF VIBES'' ______ HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. of michigan in the house of representatives Monday, September 24, 2001 Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, as the Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, and chairman of its annual Jazz Issue Forum and Concert, I rise to call to this body's attention the achievements of a distinguished American, Mr. Lionel Hampton. At the age of 92, he continues a career that has brought him international acclaim as a musician, composer, and bandleader. I am extremely honored that he will be my guest here in Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 27, 2001, during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference. That evening, my colleagues and I will have the opportunity to thank him for the great pleasure that his life's work has brought to us, and to millions across this nation and around the world. The Congressional Black Caucus is not alone this year in recognizing the magnificence of what Lionel Hampton has accomplished. On January 31, 2001, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History added ``Hamp's'' vibraphone to its collection of ``national treasures.'' In addition, on February 22, 2001, the University of Idaho dedicated the Lionel Hampton Center for the Study and Performance of Jazz. The University, however, did not just discover and acknowledge Lionel Hampton's genius, it did so many years ago by launching the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in 1984, It reaffirmed its reverence of Hampton in 1987 by establishing the Lionel Hampton School of Music; the first music school named in honor of a jazz musician. Born April 12, 1909, in Louisville Kentucky, Lionel Hampton has for 70 years been a giant in the field of jazz. Many highlights of his career are noted in the following excerpts from a biography prepared by the University of Idaho: Lionel Hampton began his phenomenal musical career at an early age when a student at the Holy Rosary Academy in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he studied under the strict supervision of the Dominican Sisters. His first instrument was a set of drums and his idol during these early years was drummer Jimmy Bertrand whose records he treasured. Louis Armstrong soon became a major influence in Hamp's young years. It was in 1930 that Armstrong hired him to appear, on the drums, at a Los Angeles nightclub engagement. Louis was so impressed with Hampton's talents he invited him to join his big band for a recording session. During the session break, Armstrong led young Hampton to a set of vibes and asked if he knew how to play them. Lionel, who was well schooled in his keyboard studies, picked up the mallets and played. The first tune cut that day, ``Memories of You,'' (with Lionel on vibes) became a tremendous hit and has remained a classic throughout the years. In 1936, Benny Goodman asked Lionel to join his small group, featuring Goodman, Teddy Wilson on piano, and Gene Krupa on drums. They immediately became the legendary Benny Goodman Quartet. Musical history was being made, both for the brilliant music produced, and because they were the first racially integrated group of jazz musicians. The Swing Era had begun. ``Moonglow,'' ``Dinah,'' and ``Vibraphone Blues'' were immediate hits and will always remain classics in the jazz annals. Hampton formed his own band in the early 1940's. ``Sunny Side of the Street,'' ``Central Avenue Breakdown,'' his signature tune, ``Flying Home,'' and ``Hamp's Boogie-Woogie''all became top-of-the-chart best- sellers upon release and the name Lionel Hampton became world famous overnight. The Lionel Hampton Orchestra had a phenomenal array of sidemen. Among those who got their start with Hamp were: Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery, Clark Terry, Cat Anderson, Ernie Royal, Joe Newman and Fats Navarro. Among Lionel's proteges were singers Dinah Washington, Joe Williams, Betty Carter and Aretha Franklin. Over the years, jazz giant Hampton has received innumerable prestigious awards, which keep coming to the distinguished musical master. Among them: The title, American Goodwill Ambassador, bestowed by Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon, The Papal Medal from Pope Paul I, Sixteen Honorary Doctorates, and in 1992 the highly esteemed Kennedy Center Honors Award, in which he shared the musical distinction with Mstislav Rostropovich. Also a celebrated composer, Hamp's original ballad, ``Midnight Sun'' (with Johnny Mercer and Sonny Burke) has become a beloved classic in American Jazz and popular music. His talent in the symphonic field is highly respected. Two major symphonic works, ``King David Suite'' and ``Blues Suite'' have been performed often by leading orchestras throughout the world. Despite the rigors of his hectic calendar, Hampton continues to amaze those in the music business with the care and time he devotes to many public service projects. A ``dream'' of his would be to aid in the creation of a university in Uptown New York ``. . . where young Black kids can learn to be Doctors, Lawyers, IBM technicians, and, maybe even musicians.'' Mr. Speaker, Lionel Hampton has established himself one of our nation's greatest cultural heroes and ambassadors. Therefore, I urge all Members to join me in paying him this well deserved tribute. ____________________