Jeff Hamilton was born in Richmond, Indiana. He attended Indiana University and later studied with John Von Ohlen. Hamilton was influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, “Philly” Joe Jones, and Shelly Manne. In 1974, he got his first big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He attained a childhood goal in 1977 when he joined Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, with whom he made several recordings. Throughout his extensive career, Jeff has performed with many artists and won multiple awards, including playing with Lionel Hampton, L.A.4, Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, and Monty Alexander and the Ray Brown Trio, and more.⁠ ⁠
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Jeff currently focuses on performing with The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, pianist Tamir Hendelman, and our concert group The Jeff Hamilton Trio, featuring Tadataka Unno on piano and Jon Hamar on bass.⁠