Appointed "ambassador of music" to the United Nations in 1985.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Helped fund low-income housing, music scholarships and departments.
Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986.
Inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1984.
Received doctorates from many colleges.
Recipient of the National Medal of the Arts, January 1997.
Served on the New York City Human Right Commission.
Suffered a stroke on March 31, 1995.
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho, named after him, received a National Medal of Arts in 2007.
The School of Music at the University of Idaho is named after him.
Twice served as a Republican delegate for a presidential election.
Upon his death, both President George W. Bush and former president Bill Clinton honored him, and claimed they were fans of his music.