Composer, conductor and drummer who formed his first band with schoolmates Ernie Royal, Charlie Mingus and Illinois Jacquet. He played in the orchestras of 'Lionel Hampton' in 1952, and then led his own quartet. Joining ASCAP in 1959, his popular-instrumental compositions include "Morning After" and "Theme from Gerald McBoing Boing".
Brother of actor Bernie Hamilton.
Recipient of a Jazz Masters Award from the USAs National Endowment for the Arts in 2004.
See also The Chico Hamilton Quintet for additional credits.
