About John Hamilton
Lived 1911 – 1947 (aged 36). John Hamilton was an American trumpeter.
John "Bugs" Hamilton (March 8, 1911, St. Louis – August 15, 1947, St. Louis) was an American jazz trumpeter.
Hamilton was a member of New York City-based trombonist Billy Kato's band in 1930-1931 and played with Chick Webb around the same time. He remained with Waller until 1942, touring and recording with him often and appearing in several films as a member of Waller's group. During World War II he played with Eddie South and Roy Eldridge, but shortly after the end of the war, he contracted tuberculosis, resulting in his death at age 36.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in John Hamilton's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Hamilton's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Hamilton?
American jazz trumpeter, born 1911
When was John Hamilton born?
John Hamilton was born on 15 March 1911 in St. Louis.
When did John Hamilton die?
John Hamilton died on 15 August 1947 in St. Louis.
What was John Hamilton's occupation?
John Hamilton was a trumpeter.
What nationality was John Hamilton?
John Hamilton was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John "Bugs" Hamilton
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Hamilton. https://biography.guide/john-hamilton-trumpeter/
MLA: "John Hamilton." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-hamilton-trumpeter/.
Chicago: "John Hamilton." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-hamilton-trumpeter/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:20 UTC