Jazz Legend

I started playing Trombone when I was 11. I wanted to play sax, but they needed more trombone players, and I was weak of character.

Almost immediately, I found that I had a talent for it. The other trombone players around me seemed to copy me. I played for years, all the way through college. I had to give it up eventually, because I couldn't find anyone who wanted a trombone player for their band, and apparently, I wasn't good enough to join the symphony.

However, there is one moment in my musical career that I will never forget.

While in college, I was part of the stage band. We were adequate enough for a community college band, and had a few public performances. The one that sticks out in my mind the most is when Lionel Hampton showed up at our college during a lunchtime performance.

I turned to the kid on my left and asked him, "Do you know who that is?", "No, who is it?", "It's Lionel Hampton!", "Who?". The kid was about my age, but knew nothing of Jazz music. For those who also don't know who Lionel Hampton is, Click Here for his Bio. He was a very talented musician, and played with all the greats, like Benny Goodman. But I digress.

The kid didn't know who he was, but the 40ish year old man on my other side did. "We should make this a performance to remember for Lionel," he said. I agreed, and we all played our very best.

Once we were finished, people clamored to meet Mr. Hampton. I, not being a 'star chaser', hung back and proceeded to clean up a bit, put away my trombone, straighten up the stage.

Suddenly, I heard a voice say, "Hey Red!!"  I turn, and, as if in a dream, the crowd in front of Mr. Hampton parts, and he is pointing at me. So, I close my case, and walk over to him. "Mr. Hampton, it's an honor to meet you. I've been to your Jazz Festival in Moscow several times, and I'm a big fan of your work."

"Son, the honor is mine. I felt the need to tell you something. You are the best trombone player I have ever heard."

Blink. Blink. Blink.

I was stunned. "Sir, please don't take offense to this, but I know you're getting up there in years, so you might have a touch of dementia. You've played with Benny Goodman, Harry James. The greats of the Jazz world" The gentleman who was pushing his wheelchair was his son. He interrupted me, "No, he still has complete command of all of his faculties. You are amazing!"

I didn't know what to say. I managed to stammer out a "Thank you, sir!". Before I could turn, Lionel grabbed my by the hand, and said, "You do me a favor, son. As long as I'm alive, you keep playing. I would love to see you have your own festival someday."

Sadly, he died in 2002. I had sold my trombone a year prior, as I was in desperate straits, and needed to pay rent. I still miss playing, and would love to start up again.

I may never play again, but at least I know that when I did play, I was great.