Dawn Hampton (9/06/1928-25/09/2016), jazz singer, dancer, songwriter, and saxophonist, has inspired many lindy hoppers over the years, and today when we watch her videos she still touches our hearts.
Her way of feeling the music, expressing and defending human rights makes her one of our most important references, both on a musical and human level.
Her parents were Deacon Clark Hampton and Laura Hampton. Deacon had a special relationship with music since childhood, a fact that would totally shape Dawn’s life. They had 12 children of whom only 9 survived. They were all immersed in music since they were little, teaching them to sing and play various instruments. That is why Dawn began her musical career when she was only 3 years old.
The family band, Deacon Hampton’s Family Band, made a living traveling the US and performing at fairs, carnivals, private parties, etc. In their performances, in addition to dance, and touches of humor, the family handled a variety of diverse musical genres such as ragtime, blues, dixieland, or jazz among others.
Second World War caused a hiatus in the family band’s activity, which resumed after the war when Dawn joined her brother’s orchestra, Duke, where she played alto and tenor sax, sang and danced. Their tour led them to perform at the Cotton Club.
In May 1952 Dawn and her brothers performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. Their path of success led them to share stage with Lionel Hampton and Nat King Cole and perform in the heart of Harlem, both at the Apollo Theater and at the Savoy Room.
In 1958 Dawn began her solo career as a singer, songwriter and dancer, collaborating in Broadway shows as well as in various clubs and productions in New York.
In 1964 Dawn suffered severe damage to her vocal cords and lost part of her ability to sing, but that did not stop her from pursuing her artistic career.
Dawn was a great promoter of jazz and swing culture. He did it by giving talks, classes and performing in different countries throughout the 90s and until he left us in 2016.
Dawn was all heart, apart from an example of improvement and an inspiration ❤
We’d like to share some videos starring Dawn. We’re sure that you’ll have a good laugh looking at them.
A big hug to all of you 🙂
Feeling the beat ❤
Dawn Hampton talks abotu music, to be yourself while dancing, changing roles in Lindy Hop and LGBT rights:
Frankie & Dawn 💕
The unforgettable Hampton family documentary 📺