In this podcast we learn about Lionel Hampton. The African-American jazz great who received the National Medal of the Arts in 1996, and numerous awards throughout his career. Hampton began performing on the xylophone in the 1920s, and became a popular bandleader, percussionist, and pianist. Hampton recorded extensively, constantly touring the nation and the world giving concerts, often appearing on network radio, and in several movies as his wife Gladys handled the business-end of his career. As an activist, Hampton was involved in the construction of many New York City area public housing projects, and served as a member of the city's Human Rights Commission. In the 1950's Hampton raised funds for the new State of Israel. He donated thousands of dollars to the Republican Party, but later switched to the Democrats disappointed that the GOP had become too conservative. You'll hear Hampton perform on radio in 1944, 1945, and 1947, followed by an interview with Felix Grant on WMAL Radio in Washington DC in 1982.
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