Lionel Hampton

“I worked hard learning harmony and theory when I was growing up in Chicago in the 1920s.”

“Working with Benny was important for me and for black musicians in general.”

“I feel honored to have been a part of that dramatic change.”

“Every day I look forward to getting with my instruments, trying new things.”

“Seemed to me that drumming was the best way to get close to God.”

“Black and white players hadn't appeared together in public before Teddy Wilson and I began working with B.G.”

“The secret is keeping busy, and loving what you do.”

“So I always figured I'd still be playing at this age.”

“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.”

“Music was our wife, and we loved her. And we stayed with her, and we clothed her, and we put diamond rings on her hands.”

“Playing gives me as much good feeling now as it did when I was a bitty kid.”

“Playing is my way of thinking, talking, communicating.”

“I think I love it more as I get older because I keep getting better on drums, vibes and piano.”