Visitors: August 31,  432.  September 1,  863. September 2, 685, September 3, 515.

The viewing is scheduled for Friday, Sept 6, from Noon to 8 p.m., at Riverside Church.
Saturday, September 7:
• At 8:30 a.m. preceeding the Memorial Service, a New Orleans-type funeral street procession
with Wynton Marsalis and the Gully Low Jazz Band will march from in front of the
Cotton Club on 125th Street and Riverside Drive, followed by a horse-drawn hearse.
• Services are expected to begin promptly at 9 a.m.
• The Lionel Hampton Orchestra will perform several of Hampton’s most famous numbers,
augmented by Wynton Marsalis, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Benny Golson, Clark Terry
and other former members of his band.
Carrie Smith will sing Hampton’s favorite gospel song, accompanied by Cyrus Chestnut.
• The Rev Calvin Butts will preside, along with the Rev. James Forbes.
Former President George Bush will be the first speaker; Former President Bill Clinton is also
expected to attend. Congressmen Charles Rangel and John Conyers also will speak.
(The Lionel Hampton School of Music, Moscow Idaho).
The Riverside Church-
 

------------------

The complete Memorial Service Program.  Click
Vet Harris drives a horse-drawn hearse as he leads a funeral procession for jazz musician Lionel Hampton
on New York's Upper West Side.

Reports. The Economist  -

September 7th.

Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis led the "second line" from Harlem's Cotton  Club to Manhattan's Upper West
Side Riverside Church as musicians, dignitaries, friends and family honored the late jazz great Lionel Hampton.

--
Left: Musicians play a mournful marching hymn as they follow the carriage to Riverside Church.
Right: Wynton Marsalis led the second line - a New Orleans funeral tradition - to honor the vibraphone virtuoso.
Videoclips: Streetparade, Flying Home at the church, Former President Bush and more-

--
Vet Harris drives a horse-drawn hearse as he leads a funeral procession for jazz musician Lionel Hampton
on New York's Upper West Side. Several hundred people joined in the New Orleans' style street
procession. Right: Wynton Marsalis, center, and the Gully Low Jazz Band perform outside The Cotton
Club during the New Orleans-style funeral procession for jazz musician Lionel Hampton in New York,
Jon-Erik Kellson, plays trumpet at left. Victor Goiunes play clarinet at right.

------
Lionel Hampton was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx,  near other greats of American music:
Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Coleman Hawkins and Irving Berlin.Click

--
Left: Throngs of onlookers crowd the streets as pallbearers carry Hampton's casket into the church.
Right: Left to right: Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, Lance Bryant (sax). Wally "Gator" Watson"(drummer),
George Bush sr.,  Roy Hargrove (trumpeter).

---
Members of the  Lionel Hampton  Orchestra play, Soul Serenade, Hamp's Boogie and Flying Home.
Lance Bryant (tenor), Marshall McDonald (alto), Cleave Guyton (alto) Videoclip  Flying Home (Realpl.).

The Lionel Hampton Orchestra performed with star guests such as trumpeter Clark Terry, pianists
Cyrus Chestnut andHank Jones, and singer Carrie Smith as the crowd clapped along.
But it was the music--loud, sometimes ecstatic jazz, gospel and boogie-woogie--that dominated Hampton's
two-hour memorial. Backed by the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, a parade of jazz greats including pianist
Hank Jones,saxophone playerIllinois Jacquet,  and trumpeters Clark Terry,Jon Faddis and Roy Hargrove,
swung mightily in tribute to a man tribute to a man with whom they had all worked.Jacquet, speaking in a low,
gravelly voice, remembered a snowy night in Chicago when Hampton's band was warming up the crowd and
the bandleader was getting dressed upstairs.
"He was excited,  the band was grooving so well,  that he ran onstage without his pants on,"  Jacquet recalled.
The service ended with "Flying Home," Hampton's most famous number, and as the band reached a booming
climax,  mourners jumped out of their pews and began dancing in the aisles.    Minutes later,  the band poured
back onto the streets, this time playing jubilant melodies such as "Down by the Riverside."
It was a wonderful and beautiful service today, full of blessings, and one that I know that made Lionel happy.

I miss Lionel, but today we swung with him on Hamp's Boogie, and Flying Home!
Marshall McDonald. (saxplayer for the Hampton Band).

2003, September 7: The funeral from 2002, September 7.- Click

Bill Bergac. At the Church: Lionel Hampton's Bandmanager and Friend for more than 50 years.

NEW YORK (AP) — The remains of jazz great Lionel Hampton were carried in a white horse-drawn hearse
through the streets of Harlem on Saturday, with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis blowing a dirge to lead the
funeral procession.
The 94-year-old showman and bandleader died Aug. 31 of heart failure. Hampton suffered two strokes in
1995 and had been in failing health in recent years. Starting from the Cotton Club, once an icon of great
music, hundreds of mourners walked in a procession to a service at the nearby Riverside Church. President
George W. Bush sent a letter of condolence, which was read by his father. ``His legacy of music, education
and civic dedication will continue to inspire generations to come,'' the former president said, quoting his son.
A condolence letter from former president Bill Clinton was also read at the service. The service was presided
over by the Rev. James Forbes, pastor of the church, who called Hampton "this 20th Century marvel of a man''
The Rev. Calvin Butts, pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, also spoke at the service,
calling Hampton ``an inspiration. He lived a long time. God gave him energy to continue his music for as along
as he lived.'' Bush remembered meeting Hampton when the former president was director of the
Central Intelligence Agency in the 1970s. At the time, Bush said, morale at the spy agency was low.
``He loaded his band on a bus they came to CIA headquarters and performed to an overflow crowd,''
Bush recalled. After the service, Hampton was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, near other greats
of American music — Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Coleman Hawkins and Irving Berlin.
``Yes, I love this man,'' Bush told the congregation, his voice cracking with emotion as he spoke, with Hampton's
coffin nearby. ``This incredibly gifted musician had an incredible knack for friendship.''

September 12   Hello Hans,
Mary and I attended Hamp's funeral at the Riverside Church in New York city. We spoke with Doc Skinner
of the University of Idaho and Phil Leshin, Bill Bergac, Rueben, and Illinois Jacquet.
The church is beautiful and the ceremony was truly AWESOME and INCREDIBLE, a true celebration of the life
and times of the great Lionel Hampton.  After the church ceremony, we marched from the church to the
Cotton Club in the funeral procession led by Wynton Marsalis.
Words can't describe the atmosphere of jubilation that was evident or the countless expressions and outpouring
of love and adulation from those in attendance:  True testimonies to Hamp's life and legacy.
Lionel Hampton was a man of the world and the world loved him.  He unselfishly shared his marvelous talents
and gifts with the world. He enriched the world immeasurably and left the world a much better place than it was
before he arrived. LONG LIVE THE KING OF THE VIBES! Avon Mackel.
Website: Avon Mackel's Father, John Willam "Billy"  Mackel. Guitarplayer by Hampton. 1944-1982 -

September 6:
The church where Hamp is lying in state, is very large and cavernous. He lies in a rosewood coffin befitting aking.
On each side of him are two guards. Hamp is dressed in a black Tux with a white shirt and bow tie and he is holding
a pair of royal blue vibe mallets. He looks twenty years younger  and is very much at peace. Wally "Gator" Watson.

September 5:
A Message from Doc Skinner: Dir: Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.     Hamp's last words.
I hold in my heart the most precious thoughts and memories of Hamp.  He was a showman, a musician, a teacher,
a businessman and mentor.  And he was a friend.  Through it all, he shared not only his great talent but also his
tremendous love and concern for others.   His love for thousands of artists, teachers and students worldwide
has been astonishing.  I am grateful for the life of this great man, my special teacher, and for his influence and
support to me, to my family and the thousands of students, teachers and jazz lovers who knew him through
his Festival.   I will miss that special contact, contact that I was blessed to have almost every day.
There isn’t a musician, artist or jazz lover who hasn’t been influenced by Hamp’s talent, innovation,
encouragement and inspiration.  If we have heard his music, our souls and our spirits have been enriched –
and we hear his music everywhere.
Learning and teaching were Hamp’s passions, and his dedication to education has helped secure a future for jazz.
Lionel’s legacy will live on through the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, the Lionel Hampton School of Music
and the Lionel Hampton Center at the University of Idaho.
Hamp treasured the Festival, the School and the Center.  They epitomize his dedication to encouraging and
developing the talents in others and to keeping his music jazz alive for generations to come. We appreciate and
treasure Hamp for inspiring so much in all of us.
His last words to me were “Doc, How am I going to ever thank you for all you have done for me.”
I said, “No Hamp, it’s the other way.  You have given it all me to me.”
Hamp said, “No Doc, you don’t understand.”
I love you Hamp. And I am not alone.  We will do everything in our power to make certain your legacy lives
on in the lives of young people.
Listen to the music…listen to his music.   Dr. Lynn J. Skinner  (Doc).

Lionel Hampton's Music over 79 years: 1924-2002. Click

September 5:JAZZ ALLEY NEWS:  Dear Jazz Friend,
Jazz Alley regrets to inform you that the great vibraphone player, Lionel Hampton passed away over the weekend.
In response to this sad news vibraphonist, Bobby Hutcherson will dedicate his week long run here to Lionel
Hampton. Each night he will say a few words and play a few Lionel tunes. Please join us to commemorate the life
of a legend. Bobby Huthcerson who plays  with the Drummonds and Renee Rosnes will be here September 10-15.
To make reservations please call the club at 206.441.9729 or online at www.jazzalley.com

September 4: Lionel, Thank you for your teachings, your leadership, and most of all your friendship.
May you rest in peace... Wally Gator Watson. (Drummer for Hampton).  Wally's website
From The Tavis Smily Show. (September 4).  Click

September 2: Interview,  Dutch broadcast NCRV: September 2th. 12.27 min. Realplayer. (Is out).
House of Morgan, DJ, DJ and Hans Bebop your webmaster, Hey! Ba-Ba-Rebop.  Click
Lionel Hampton’s involvement with the University of Idaho.  Click

September 1:  Reports from NPR weekend edition with "Midnight Sun"  Click-

September 1:
MOSCOW — The University of Idaho will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the passing of
jazz great Lionel Hampton with a special playing of the university carillon.
The 20-minute concert takes place at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
xx-Today: The Kansas City Star.
xx-John "Jack" Behrens' new book "The Big Band Day's".

September:
Dear Hans,
Thanks for keeping your web site going right to the end.  Lionel was very weak these past few weeks.
He could barely eat or drink without help.  Daphney, his main caretaker, was grinding his food in a
blender and trying to get some nourishment into his poor body.  But he tried to keep going until the
end...and his strength just gave out.  After returning to the hospital, his heart also gave out. He was
my idol when I was 12 years old, and I became his publicist in 1960, his manager as well in 1998, so
I as close to him, on and off for over 40 years.  I will miss his smile, his energy and his very presence.
The funeral ceremonies were planned,  created and executed by me and Rob Gibson, without whose
help it would not have gone off so well.  It's still the talk of Harlem, New York, and the entire jazz world.
The band, as usual, sounded great.  He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, not far from
Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Cootie Williams, Coleman Hawkins, Irving Berlin .. and W.C. Handy is
not too far away.
When he gets up there he will be welcomed warmly.
Vibist Teddy Charles packaged a collection of his great early RCA Victor recordings from 1937 tom
1939, and it has just been released by RCA/Bluebird.  They sound as good today as they did when I
first heard them as a kid. Let's stay in touch, and I'll send you whatever fotos come my way.
Phil Leshin.

August 31.
Hans: I GUESS BY NOW YOU HAVE  HEARD  HAMP DIED AT 6.15 AM Bil Bergac (Manager).

Dear Hans, I am saddened to tell you that my dear friend Lionel Hampton died this morning. Ron Aprea.

We've all heard about the passing of the great Lionel Hampton this morning,Lionel passed on at 6:15 AM
AM this morning.  Lionel was one of the hardest swinging and working cats in the business, and he will
be missed.   It signals the end of an era, knowing that he is gone,  feels like a final door  is shut on a most
wonderful time period in American music.  I spent ten years playing with  Lionel Hampton, and what I
learned duringthose years of playing is immeasurable.    I asked Lionel once, "How'd you learn to play
all those tunes and play so fast?", he said to me, "Marshall, learn to play all we used to rehearse with
Benny everyday, and we played are the time.    And I used to be fast, I was one of the fastest, and I'm
gonna get that back." I said, "Gates, even if you never get that speed back, you've made your
statement, it'll be here." Keep on swingin' Gates!  Marshall McDonald. (Saxplayer for Hamp's Band).

Hello Hans,
By now I'm sure that you received the sad news about Hamp's passing.  Lionel was more than a great
musician.  He was a marvelous and compassionate human being whose presence, effervescent smile, and
magnetism will be sorely missed.  He gave so very much of himself to the world and the world is a much
better place because of it.  The world lost a great human being today, but Heaven gained an angel.  The
UNDISPUTED KING OF THE VIBES and the WORLD'S AMBASSADOR OF MUSIC is "FLYING HOME!"
 Sincerely, Avon Mackel.
(Avon is the Son of Billy Mackel, the Great Guitarplayer for the Lionel Hampton Band 1944-1982).

The world has lost one of its best. Lionel Hampton was a treasured member of the University of Idaho family,
and we will miss him. UI President Bob Hoover.

There isn’t a musician, artist or jazz lover who hasn’t been influenced by Hamp’s talent, innovation,
encouragement and inspiration. If we have heard his music, our souls and our spirits have been enriched
and we hear his music everywhere."
Lynn J. Skinner, Executive Director of the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.
Hamp's introduction at The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival 1994-(Realplayer).

TV and Radio News. Aug 31:  (Realplayer).
CBS NEWS Video. Click- New England Cable News.   2.03 min. and  0.35 min Video: Click-
MSNBC News. Photos, 2.20 video and 0.50 min. audio. (Mediaplayer)   Click-
Lionel Hampton Appreciation. Click- NPR News. 6.45 min.  Click-Dutch TV Journal. 2.03 min.  Click

BBC News--CNN--The Idaho Statesman-   The Economist--

August 30:HAMP TOOK A TURN  FOR THE WORSE, IT DON'T LOOK GOOD  NOW.
PLEASE REMEMBER HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS, HE  IS NOW IN INTENSIVE CARE. Bill Bergac.

August 29:  HAMP IS  FINE,  He had a little problem.  But Doc.said its nothing to worror about.
HANS: I WILL GIVE HAMP YOUR HELLO. ALSO  TELL ALL FANS
EVERYTHING IS COOL AND FINE. Bill Bergac,  A friend and manager for over 50 years.
(Bill was and still is the backbone of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra).

August 26: HAMP IN HOSPITAL FOR CHECK UP. Has been losing BLOOD LATELY.
He will BE RELEASED tomorrow. The band has an engagement schedule for
The BELMONT RACE TRACK on OCT. 19TH.
Bill Bergac, Band Manager.After 50 years.  BBJIVE@AOL.COM
 

October 25, 2002.
TO: Hans Bebop  FROM: Phil Leshin.
Dear Hans,
In my haste to send you a piece for your memorial website, I inadvertently left out giving credit to a most
important person: Tim Francis, Lionel’s attorney, who is also the executor of his estate.
In the week prior to Mr. Hampton’s death, Tim made several trips to New York (he is based in New Orleans)
to assemble and/ or approve all the funeral pieces…the choice of burial site, the program, the timing, etc.
It was Tim who gave us the idea to have a New Orleans-style funeral procession.
At first it was going to start at the Apollo Theatre, but it was decided that that was too far a trip to
Riverside Church, so we sttled on the Cotton Club, which was just a few blocks away.
Tim also arranged for CNN to cover the entire event, which was broadcast all over the world.
Rob Gibson and I were the foot soldiers - Tim was the commander-in-chief, and he made it possible for the
event to come off just the way Lionel would have wanted it.
Best always, and please post this letter.

Phil Leshin was Lionel's personal manager.  Bill Bergac was manager of the Lionel Hampton band.
------
Hamp and Bill Bergac. Phil Leshin and Lionel Hampton  (April 20, 2001) at Hamp's home.

DUTCH:  Helaas zijn de Nederlandse video's en krantenartikelen niet meer beschikbaar.
Op de Nederlandsite van Lionel Hampton vindt u het nodige uit de beruchtte jaren 50 en meer.
Eveneens een aantal krantenartikelen uit de jaren 50.
Lionel Hampton in Nederland -

Hamp's Mallets, Vibraphone, Drumsticks and drums.
--------
 
 

My thanks for the information and pictures to:  Bill Bergac, Phil Leshin , Ron Aprea/Angela DeNiro,
Willy "Gator" Watson, Jimmy Martinez, Avon Mackel, Marshall Mc. Donald, NCRV (Dutch Radio),
The Newspapers, The University of Idaho and the e-mails from Fans all over the world.
Hans Bebop, The Netherlands. E-mail

----------------
Bill Bergac, Phil Leshin, Avon Mackel, Angela DeNiro/ Ron Aprea, Marshall Mc Donald, Wally "Gator" Watson, Jimmy Martinez,
Doc Skinner, Hans Bebop.