First performed as a youngster with schoolmates Dexter Gordon, Charles Mingus, and Illinois Jacquet in the 1930s. After working with jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, and Count Basie, Mr. Hamilton released his first album as a leader in 1955, earning him the first of numerous Downbeat Readers’ Poll awards. That same year, he formed a groundbreaking jazz quintet combining his drums with cello, flute, guitar, and bass. Having explored a great many lineups and sound textures throughout the years, Mr. Hamilton has introduced Jim Hall, Eric Dolphy, Larry Coryell, and Ron Carter and collaborated with the original Gerry Mulligan Quartet. He has also appeared in several films, such as Jazz on a Summer’s Day, and composed the score for Roman Polanski’s Repulsion. A founding faculty member of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, he was honored with a Beacons in Jazz award from The New School in 1999.