Lionel Hampton was a talented multi-instrumentalist, playing drums with various groups before picking up vibraphone, ultimately hired by Benny Goodman in 1936 for the Benny Goodman Quartet. This was one of the hottest small groups of its time and one of the first racially integrated jazz ensembles to perform.

In 1940, Hampton left Goodman to form his own big band, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, which toured in the 1940s and 50s. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Portland OR was a hub for jazz in the Northwest.

In 1940 the Lionel Hampton Orchestra came through Portland and performed right in our home venue, Norse Hall. Thanks to PLS board member (and unofficial resident historian) Mitchell Daniels for discovering this incredible piece of our own history!

The Enterprise, Volume 20, Number 39, 4 October 1940

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS!?

Two short years later, Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra created his first recording of his enduring hit, Flying Home, featuring the iconic tenor sax solo by Illinois Jacquet.

In celebration, appreciation, and extreme nerdiness we are paying homage to Lionel Hampton with our theme night this year — Flying Home!

Shane Allen of Eugene Oregon and his band Stomp Off Party are playing an all-Hampton set on Saturday night, featuring vibraphonist Mike Horsfall and vocalist Marilyn Keller.

Don your favorite 1940s gear and fly back in time to our Portland air terminal dreamscape for a fantastic night honoring one of Jazz’s greatest names!

The same week Lionel Hampton played Norse Hall, he also played a few nights at the Uptown Ballroom on Burnside and 21st.