He lived to be 94, but the jazz musician known for his "vibes", Lionel Hampton,  died yesterday. Many are too young to have known him, but he has played with such great artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. He will be missed. :'(

Internationally acclaimed giant of the jazz world, and the undisputed "King of the Vibraphone" for well over half a century, 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 nigthclub 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.

Pulled that off a web site.  Wonder how many professional vibraphonists there are?  Can't be many.

:(  I didn't know him, or hardly have heard of him, but it is sad when anyone dies.  :(