1 Funding for the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program NEA Jazz Master interview was provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. FORESTSTORN “CHICO” HAMILTON NEA Jazz Master (2004) Interviewee: Foreststorn “Chico” Hamilton (September 21, 1921 – November 25, 2013) Interviewer: Dr. Anthony Brown with recording engineer Ken Kimery Date: January 9-10, 2006 Repository: Archives Center, National Museum of American History Description: Transcript 150 pp. Brown: Today is January 9, 2006. This is the official Smithsonian Jazz Oral History interview with Chico Hamilton in his home on 45th Street in New York City. This is a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters program. Good afternoon, Chico Hamilton. If we could begin by you stating your full name and your date and place of birth, please. Hamilton: Oh, I’m not going to tell you that, man. Okay, my name is Foreststorn Chico Hamilton, aka Chico Hamilton. I was born in LA in 1921, September the 21st or 23rd, 1921. Brown: 21st through the 23rd? Hamilton: Well it was either the 21st or 23rd, but I go for the 21. It’s easier to remember, 21. Brown: Why is there a discrepancy of the date? Hamilton: Well there was a discrepancy at that time in LA. You know, I don’t know whether you can remember that far back but because I guess my ethnic background in For additional information contact the Archives Center at 202.633.3270 or
[email protected] 2 regards to that being from sort of a multi race family, you know, mixed, so, you know, but anyway – Brown: Were you born in a hospital? Hamilton: I was born upstairs by the kitchen sink and you’re supposed to ask me how do I know, I heard the water running.