The Clintons Host 90th Birthday Celebration For Lionel Hampton At The White House

Jet, August 10, 1998

President and Mrs. Clinton hosted a belated birthday celebration for 90-year-old jazz great Lionel Hampton in the East Room of the White House.

"Tonight is our very own version of Amazing You," said Mrs. Clinton. "We wanted this evening to feel just like a Lionel Hampton concert."

And the first lady's wish was "The Hamp's" command. The legendary vibraphonist and his world-famous orchestra began a mini-concert that had everyone moving in their seats and tapping their feet.

Hampton later made his birthday request:"There is an outstanding saxophone player in the room, and I would like to hear you play," he said as the president stood up, took center stage and played a smooth version of My Funny Valentine accompanied by Hampton's orchestra."I found me a saxophone player," shouted Hampton.

Congressmen John Conyers and Charles Rangel, who were also responsible for organizing the evening's events especially thanked the first lady for making the evening possible."We've got some jazz supporters in the White House like we've never had before," said Conyers.

"Even though your real birthday was a few months earlier ... we should make this a yearlong celebration," said the president, who is known for playing Hampton's music all times of the day and night, as noted by the first lady.

"The Hamp" entertained an intimate crowd of approximately 100 guests who included the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Max Roach, legendary drummer; Congressman Donald Payne, LeBaron Taylor, Sony senior vice president of Corporate Affairs; Stanley Crouch, writer; Ben Johnson, deputy assistant to the president; Betty Curry, President Clinton's secretary; Bob Johnson, BET president; and Congressional Black Caucus members.

After thanking the Clintons for being such gracious hosts, the president's chef rolled out a huge birthday cake for the renowned jazz musician as everyone stood and sang "Happy Birthday."

"What a great surprise!" said Hampton, who has entertained every president in the White House since Harry Truman.