Chico Hamilton, one of the most established and productive drummers in the history of jazz, died at the age of 92 Monday night in New York City. A formal statement was placed on the performer's Facebook page, but no cause was given.
Hamilton was waist-deep in jazz legends from the time he went to high school. He played in a band during high school that also featured future jazz legends Charles Mingus, Jackie Kelso and Dexter Morgan among others. Hamilton got his start as a sideman, playing with acts such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Lester Young.
During 1955, Hamilton finally took the spotlight, starting his own band. As a bandleader, he turned out more than 60 albums over the years, frequently practicing the "cool" sound of West Coast drumming, but of course finding time for experimentation (as a jazz musician with 60 albums is wont to do). Among the established jazz musicians to begin their careers with Hamilton are saxophonist Eric Dolphy, flautist Paul Horn, and guitarist Gabor Szabo.
Hamilton later founded a company that produced musical scores for television and film productions, and he later played a role in establishing the Jazz & Contemporary Program at the New School University in New York City.
Hamilton continued playing into his later years, releasing three albums during 2011. His last group, the Euphoria ensemble entered the recording studio during October, and that material will be released during 2014.
