Chico Hamilton

Chico Hamilton (born September 21, 1921) is a jazz drummer.

He was born in Los Angeles in 1921. In the 1940s, he performed with Lionel Hampton, Duke El

Chico Hamilton (born September 21, 1921) is a jazz drummer.

He was born in Los Angeles in 1921. In the 1940s, he performed with Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He was one of the original members of the Gerry Mulligan quartet of the early 1950s. During the late 1950s, Hamilton pioneered a style sometimes called chamber jazz. He performed on the soundtrack of the Bing Crosby/Bob Hope film, "The Road to Bali" and on a number of tours with Lena Horne. In 1958, he brought Eric Dolphy to wider prominence.