Lionel Hampton Movies
An extraordinary vibraphone player who was also the composer of over 200 innovative musical compositions that would eventually become jazz standards, Lionel Hampton was also a critical factor in bridging the racial divide in music by teaming with drummer Gene Krupa and pianist Teddy Wilson in the 1930s to form the multiracial Benny Goodman Quartet. In addition to his own work, Hampton would inspire such influential figures as Quincy Jones and Charles Mingus. The perfectionist jazz legend was born in Louisville, KY, in April 1908 and began hitting the skins in a fife-and-drum band at an early age. After hitting the road with bandleader Detroit Shannon at age 14, Hampton spotted a vibraphone during a recording session with Louis Armstrong and, on a lark, told the legendary trumpet player that he was well-versed on the instrument.Hampton would portray himself in numerous films from 1936 to 2001 in addition to composing the scores for such films as Memphis Belle (1990) and Malcolm X (1992). A philanthropist in the later years of his life (putting his money forth to fund low-income housing and music scholarships as well as serving on the New York Human Rights Commission), Hampton also played for such presidents as Harry S. Truman in addition to being appointed Ambassador of Music to the United Nations in 1985. Two years after suffering a stroke in March 1995, Hampton was honored as a recipient of the National Medal of the Arts. On September 1, 2002, Lionel Hampton died of heart failure in New York City. He was 94. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Classic Rock Drum Solos offers footage of some of the most impressive percussionists in history performing by themselves in the middle of concerts. Among the legendary performers on this release are Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, Gene Kripa, Carl Palmer, Gene Krupa, and over a dozen others. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Carmine Appice
- 2003
While there are more than a few jazz groups who specialize in the classic sounds of the music's first Golden Era, before the rise of the major swing bands in the 1940s, the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band is one combo with a difference -- it's comprised of veteran musicians who didn't learn the style from records, but were actually playing it before it fell out of favor. Ranging in age from their seventies to their nineties, the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band includes sidemen who performed with the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and many others. Despite the advanced age of the musicians, the group set toes tapping while holding down a celebrated residency at New York's Louisiana Bar and Grill for six years before mounting a triumphant tour of Europe. The Last of the First is a documentary that celebrates this unique group of jazz men, featuring archival footage of many of the players in their younger days as well as contemporary interviews and performances from these living legends. The Last of the First was screened as part of the 2004 Los Angeles Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 2001
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Hudson Music presents this compilation for aficionados of jazz drumming with more than a dozen of the greatest musicians ever to hit the skins. As the title suggests, Classic Drum Solos and Drum Battles includes both solo performances as well as head-to-head drum-offs starring the likes of Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Lionel Hampton, Elvin Jones, and eleven others. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 2000
- Add The Big Bands, Vol. 1: Duke Ellington & Lionel Hampton to Queue Add The Big Bands, Vol. 1: Duke Ellington & Lionel Hampton to top of Queue
An early 1950s performance by Duke Ellington and two from Lionel Hampton are featured in this installment of Storyville Films' Jazz Legends series. The Big Bands, Vol. 1: Duke Ellington & Lionel Hampton features renditions of Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," Hampton's "Midnight Sun," and much more. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
This two-hour documentary tribute to swing music traces the history of the jazz-based musical style from its birth during the 1920s through to the late-20th century swing revival. The program features the music of such classic performers of the genre as Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington, as well as successful acts from the 1990s, such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. ~ Steve Blackburn, Rovi
- Starring:
- Artie Shaw, Lionel Hampton, (more)
- 1999
In the '30s, drummer Gene Krupa shifted percussion from supportive background music to a standalone art form, tout seul. Millions so worshipped his ability with the sticks that he became something of a heartthrob and even a screen idol, with onscreen appearances in such films as Howard Hawks' 1941 Ball of Fire. The home-video release Swing! Swing! Swing! presents 14 back-to-back, unexpurgated Krupa performances, where he plays with such greats as Lionel Hampton, Charlie Ventura, Anita O'Day, and Benny Goodman. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- 1998
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The life and career of Jazz guitarist Herb Ellis is explored in this documentary that takes its title from one of Ellis' most famous compositions. From his birth in Farmersville, Texas to his work with Jimmy Dorsey, Ella Fitzgerald and his career-defining partnership with the Oscar Peterson Trio in the 1950s, Ellis' career is discussed in detail through on-camera interviews with those who knew him best, including Charlie Byrd, Lionel Hampton, Benny Green, and Gene Harris. Also included in this release are complete performances of such classics as "The Days of Wine and Roses", "Georgia on My Mind", and "Body and Soul" and more taken from various live performances and studio sessions. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1993
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This biography of musical legend Benny Goodman contains testimonials from various contemporaries and scholars, and offers several clips of the man in performance. Nearly two-dozen songs can be heard including "California, Here I Come," "A Fine Romance," "Why Don't You Do Right," "I've Got a Heart Full of Music," and "Bugle Cal Rag." The DVD release of the documentary contains a discography. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Benny Goodman
This PBS documentary features jazz legend Gene Krupa playing on the drums with many of the great names in music. Archival film clips capture Krupa at his best accompanying other jazz greats such as Lionel Hampton, Roy Eldridge, and Benny Goodman. Interviews with family, friends, and colleagues give the viewer insight into the man behind the drums. The program culminates with the historic battle of the drums between Krupa and fellow musician Buddy Rich. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
- 1991
The 1940s was a monumental decade for the United States. Amid World War II, economic recovery, and the start of the Cold War, American music provided a soundtrack to a generation. The Music Classics line from MPI Home Video attempts to offer the chance to relieve the era with a ten-volume series of restored film footage featuring performances by many of the 40's most revered artists. The second installment in the series, Music Classics, Vol. 2, includes the music of such luminaries as Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan, and Louis Prima. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 1991
This isn't a film about a singer from the Lone Star state. "Texas Tenor" is a style of playing the saxophone which brings out its big sound and biggest volume. This documentary does a creditable job of exploring the life and times of the popularly unknown jazz and R&B saxophone legend Illinois Jacquet. He has played with most of the greats and almost single-handedly developed a rompin'-stompin' saxophone sound which has been a feature of great R&B ever since. A virtuoso performer with masterful phrasing, he became a star in the 1940s under the tutelage of Lionel Hampton, who had him change from alto to tenor sax and then gave him the opportunity to record an epochal solo in Flying Home. In addition to past and current performance and backstage footage, many jazz and rhythm and blues greats comment on Jacquet's playing and his place in music history. Some jazz-knowledgeable reviewers, evidently hoping for an entirely different and more erudite treatment, expressed disappointment in this documentary, others lauded it as one of the best ever made. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
Unabashedly sentimental, this war film was produced by David Putnam in partnership with Catherine Wyler, whose father William Wyler directed an acclaimed documentary about the real-life events depicted in the film. The ensemble cast is composed of ten young actors portraying the crew of the World War II B-17 bomber "Memphis Belle," anticipating their 25th and last mission before they will be able to go home. Having won fame with their exemplary war record and amazing lack of casualties, they expect their final assignment to be a cakewalk, but instead they are ordered to bomb Bremen, a heavily defended German city that will mean almost certain loss of life. Led by their experienced captain, Dennis Dearborn (Matthew Modine), the crew shoulders its responsibility despite mounting fears, while their commanding officer (David Strathairn) and a public relations specialist (John Lithgow) wait anxiously for their return. Aboard the bomber, there's friction between Dearborn and his disgruntled co-pilot Luke Sinclair (Tate Donovan), and between medical officer Val Kozlowski (Billy Zane) and the rest of the crew when it's learned that Val lied about his qualifications. Despite impressive technical credits and a popular Generation-X cast, Memphis Belle (1990) was a box-office disappointment, its enthusiastic patriotism considered a throwback to a bygone era of filmmaking. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, (more)
- 1987
The Swing era conjures up images of sophisticated ladies, debonair gentlemen, and the big bands who entertained them with a certain élan. This program is the second volume in a series that captures that elegant era on film, with a look at the big bands. This episode features the unforgettable voice of Nat King Cole, who made tunes such as "Route 66" and "Nature Boy" his own. The Tommy Dorsey and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras and Woody Herman also play for the audience. Archival clips, photographs, and personal recollections of performers and fans recall the charm of this exuberant time in American music. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
- 1985
Original footage of the great swing bands and their leaders including Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton are included in the films that comprise this eleven tape set. ~ Rovi
- 1984
Disneyland is the scene of concerts capturing the music of Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman and Cab Calloway. ~ Rovi
- 1979
- NR
Relive the days of the African-American jazz tap dancing in the 1930s through the use of photographs and film excerpts along with profiles of John Bubbles,Sandman Sims, Chuck Green and Bunny Briggs. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Sandman Sims, Bunny Briggs, (more)
- 1971
One of America's great songwriters, Johnny Mercer, plays host for this special television concert which features vibraphone virtuoso Lionel Hampton leading an all-star jazz ensemble, including Gene Krupa on drums, Roy Eldridge on trumpet, Milt Hinton on bass, Zoot Sims on sax, Tyree Glenn on trombone, and Joe Bushkin on piano. Selections include "The Man I Love", "She's Funny That Way", and "Jazz Band Ball". ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 1971
This program features a performance by jazz great Lionel Hampton, along with some of his famous musical colleagues. Lionel Hampton was the first musician to use the vibraphone -- the vibes -- as a jazz instrument. A member of Benny Goodman's jazz quartet in the 1030's, Hampton formed his own big band in the 40's. He has been changing with the musical times ever since, still performing, in solo or small groups. Hampton appears here with swinging drummer Gene Krupa, Teddy Wilson, songbird Johnny Mercer, blues giant B.B. King, as well as pop artists Dusty Springfield and Ocean. Hosted by the late Mel Torme, the video includes renditions of jazz classics, like "How High the Moon", and "Sing, Sing, Sing"; contemporary jazz and blues; and pop favorites including the Ocean hit,"Put Your Hand in the Hand". Hampton, the luminous king of the vibes, proves that his title is well deserved. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
- 1960
In this socially conscious love story, a dull high school jock falls in love with a seductive young girl whose father disapproves of her seeing a man with a lower social station. He then forces her to date a boy from the upper class. To defy her father, she ends up staying out all night with the jock. Together they go to clubs and to the beach. The father is enraged until the jock's father calms him down by pointing out that the two are only in love. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1959
An original telecast from April of 1959, this performance features Benny Goodman doing "Why Don't You Do Right," "Air Mail Special" and many others. ~ Rovi
- 1958
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This release contains nine songs performed by the legendary Lionel Hampten with the assistance of some stellar sidemen during a 1958 show in Belgium. The setlist includes "The High and the Mighty," "Hamp's Piano Blues," "Brussels Sprouts," and "Sticks Ahoy." ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lionel Hampton, Andy McGhee, (more)
- 1957
To anyone born between 1935 and 1949, Mr. Rock and Roll can mean only one person: Visionary disc-jockey and concert producer Alan Freed. Made a few years before Freed ran into deep doo-doo during the Payola investigations, this ramshackle film purports to show how Freed brought R&R to the masses in the mid- to late 1950s. While the legendary deejay sits before a microphone taking requests from his faithful audience, the film cuts away to such musical artists as Lionel Hampton, Ferlin Husky, The Moonglows, Brook Benton, LaVern Baker, Little Richard, Clyde McPhatter, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Chuck Berry and Shaye Cogan. A few cheap laughs are provided by ex-boxer Rocky Graziano and the nightclub comedy team of Fisher & Marks. Though it hardly advances the art of cinema, Mr. Rock and Roll is a must-see cultural time capsule. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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