Those We Lost — August 31

Honoring those we lost on August 31 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Lionel Hampton

Full name: Lionel Leo Hampton

Born Apr 20, 1908 — died Aug 31, 2002

Jazz vibraphonist, drummer, pianist, bandleader, composer, and big-band innovator.

Hampton helped make the vibraphone a major jazz voice after recording with Louis Armstrong and joining Benny Goodman’s integrated quartet. His own high-energy orchestra launched and supported generations of musicians, joining swing, blues, showmanship, and improvisation in a sound that traveled worldwide.

Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton

Birth name: Clifton Nathaniel

Born Oct 13, 1922 — died Aug 31, 1990

Basketball Hall of Famer, Harlem Globetrotter, New York Knick, and NBA integration pioneer.

Clifton starred with the New York Rens and Harlem Globetrotters before becoming one of the first Black players under NBA contract. His strength, ballhandling, passing, and personality helped the Knicks reach three straight Finals and opened professional basketball to the talent that would transform the league.