Jeff Hamilton was born in Richmond, Indiana. He attended Indiana University and later studied with John Von Ohlen. Hamilton was influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, “Philly” Joe Jones, and Shelly Manne. In 1974, he got his first big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He then joined Lionel Hampton’s Band until 1975 when he, along with bassist John Clayton, became members of the Monty Alexander Trio. He attained a childhood goal in 1977 when he joined Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, with whom he made several recordings. In 1978, he was offered a position in the L.A.4. with Ray Brown, Bud Shank, and Laurindo Almeida. He recorded 6 albums with the L.A.4.

From 1983-1987, he performed with Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, and Monty Alexander. Hamilton began his association with the Ray Brown Trio in 1988 and left in March of 1995 to concentrate on his own trio. From 1990-1995, he was also a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet w/Herb Ellis and Ray Brown. Jeff has released several trio CDs, including the most recent Catch Me If You Can, and a holiday recording Merry and Bright. The Los Angelous Jazz Society named Hamilton and his musical partner John Clayton musicians of the year for 2006. Hamilton has toured with his own trio, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and Diana Krall. The latest CHJO recording LA Treasures was nominated for a GRAMMY. Hamilton has been on more than 300 recordings with artists such as Ray Brown, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbra Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John, Clark Terry, Gene Harris, Toshiko Akioshi, Scott Hamilton, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Keely Smith, Bill Holman, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Paul McCartney, Queen Latifah, Gladys Knight, Mark Murphy, Wilford Brimley and Scott Hamilton. He appeared in Diana Krall’s Live in Paris and Rio DVDs. He also appeared in Natalie Cole’s Great Performances PBS special, Unforgettable, and an Oscar Peterson documentary Life In The Key Of Oscar. He is a four time winner of Modern Drummer magazine Readers’ Poll.

In 2014, Hamilton was inducted into The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame. Along with John and Gerald Clayton, Jeff was the 2017 Monterey Jazz Festival Artist In Residence and recipient of the 2018 Louis Armstrong award from the Sarasota Jazz Society. Jeff currently focuses on performing with The Jeff Hamilton Trio, The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and Akiko Tsuruga in an Organ Trio.