Hampton Hawes

About

Completely self-taught bebop and hard-bop jazz artist who was a pivotal figure on the 1950s music scene.

Before Fame

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Japan from 1952 until 1954.

Trivia

He recorded his album The Sermon while awaiting his sentencing on heroin charges.

Family Life

He was born to Hampton Hawes Sr., pastor of L.A.'s Westminster Presbyterian Church, and his wife Gertrude Holman, the church's pianist.

Associated With

He collaborated with numerous West Coast jazz musicians such as Art Pepper and Dexter Gordon.