Thomas M. Hampson

I am truly honored to have been asked to speak at Tom Hampson's Memorial Service. Tom Hampson was a unique gentleman. His brilliant, insightful and informative commentary made his show very entertaining. To my ears, Tom was not a Jazz DJ. He was a jazz radio personality, to say the least. Listening to Tom's show was like listening to your grandfather speak about the past. He was a word-smith! You felt as if he was talking to only you. All that may have been missing was a rocking chair and a...

Tom's death has robbed my quality of life. I love jazz, but tuned in primarily to listen to his take on it, as only he could do. I do hope public radio will air regular reruns.

I was a long time admirer of Tom's work as a jazz radio host. It was fun to hear him present a sometimes unexpected take on the music, for instance demonstrating how a jazz musician like Eric Dolphy may have been influenced not just by "Bird" but by actual birds (Tom knew as much about birds as he did about jazz.) I had the pleasure of getting to know him and engineering his show occasionally at WXXI back in the 1990s. A wonderful man.

Although this phrase was used by another writer, I believe it bears repeating as it befit Tom like no one else I know. He was a true gentleman and scholar. I am so glad that I was able to get to know him even a little bit. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Dean and Dawn Sorenson

I was saddened to learn of Tom's death. For over 50 years I admired him as an outstanding lawyer, committed citizen, jazz enthusiast and friend.

Nick Robfogel

I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's death. He was a true gentleman and scholar, and I am glad I had the chance to know him. Would that there were many more like him - the world would then be a much better place.

Tom was a man of strong convictions. Thank goodness one of them was the value of jazz music! Tom was a true friend of jazz, and always a joy to be around. He will be missed. My condolences to his family, friends, and all the jazz musicians in town!

We have listened to "Jazz from the cellar" for many years in fact are listening to his show at this writing and have thoroughly appreciated his choices and his presentation of the pieces he is playing. He will be greatly missed though we can be thankful for his work over these many years in support of jazz especially as it relates tot he local jazz scene.