Newcomb Art Museum - Flying Home (Lionel Hampton, All-American)

Image of Flying Home (Lionel Hampton, All-American)

Flying Home (Lionel Hampton, All-American)
Painting

2008
72 x 48 x 2.375 in. (182.88 x 121.92 x 6.033 cm)

Frederick J Brown (Greensboro, GA, 1945 - 2012, Acottsdale, AZ) Artist

Object Type: Painting

Medium and Support: Oil on canvas

Credit Line: Gift of Timothy B. Francis and Ashley M. Francis.

Accession Number: 2017.8

Web Notes

American artist Frederick J Brown (1945-2012) was surrounded by the rising Blues culture in Chicago’s South Side throughout his upbringing. Brown’s later works were often portrayals of jazz and blues musicians, for which he is most widely known. Flying Home (Lionel Hampton, All-American) draws from his interest in these genres, capturing Jazz musician Lionel Hampton in muted tones juxtaposed with the vibrant red background, a style for which Brown was known.

Lionel Hampton began his musical career as a percussionist, moving to California to perform with the Paul Howard Orchestra in 1928. In the following year, Hampton began his work with Les Hite and Louis Armstrong’s jazz band, with which he took up the vibraphone.

Becoming the leader of his own band in 1934, Hampton rose to popularity while performing in Los Angeles, where he met Benny Goodman. After recording with Goodman’s band, Hampton started his own big band, recording the popular hit, “Flying Home,” which is commemorated by Frederick J Brown’s painting.

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