Slide Hampton (born Locksley Wellington Hampton in 1932) was an influential American jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger. Hailing from a musical family in Pennsylvania, he began playing professionally as a teenager, performing with his family's band. By the late 1950s, he had moved to New York City, quickly establishing himself as a formidable sideman and arranger for leading big bands, including those of Lionel Hampton and Maynard Ferguson, before forming his own octet. Hampton's musical style was characterized by his innovative arranging, which blended intricate harmonies with powerful, swinging rhythms. His compositions, such as "Frame for the Blues" and "New Blue," became staples for jazz ensembles, notably being arranged and performed by artists like Maynard Ferguson and Jon C. McGahan. A master of the trombone, his fluid technique and inventive improvisations, combined with his prolific arranging work, cemented his legacy as a significant figure in post-bop and big band jazz, influencing generations of musicians worldwide.