Five items:
A first edition review copy of Hamp: An Autobiography by Lionel Hampton, hardcover with dust jacket, published by Warner Books in 1989, signed on the half-title page in black ink, “Reading your most inspired letter. This will lead to further height. I love very much your great notes me. I don’t have my scale writing pen for Home Flying. But will write for Flying Home later and family. Love to you, Lionel Hampton.” Includes the publisher’s review newsletter.
Four glossy photos of Hampton, ranging in size from 7 x 9.25 to 10 x 8.25, each signed in felt tip or ballpoint by Hampton, who signs one photo twice and adds inscriptions to three of the four photos. In overall fine condition.
‘Flying Home’ was reportedly developed while Hampton was in the Benny Goodman band. A gig in 1939 required the band to fly from Los Angeles to Atlantic City, the first time Hampton had flown. He began whistling a tune while waiting for the plane to taxi. Goodman asked him what it was, and Hampton said, ‘I don't know. We can call it 'Flying Home,' I guess.’ The song was given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1996.
