Herbie Hancock is a Foundational Black American pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, and composer. He was born on April 12, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, and began playing the piano at the age of seven. Hancock’s early influences included jazz pianists like Oscar Peterson and Ahmad Jamal, as well as classical composers such as Maurice Ravel and Igor Stravinsky. In his late teens, he moved to New York City to study at the Manhattan School of Music and later at Grinnell College in Iowa.

 In 1960, Herbie was discovered by trumpeter Donald Byrd. After two years of session work with Byrd as well as Phil Woods and Oliver Nelson, he signed with Blue Note as a solo artist. His 1963 debut album, ‘Takin’ Off’, was an immediate success, producing the hit “Watermelon Man.” Hancock’s career took off in the early 1960s when he joined Miles Davis’ band, where he played on several seminal albums including “Milestones” and “Kind of Blue.” He also worked with other notable jazz musicians like Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, and Tony Williams.

After leaving Davis, Herbie put together a new band called The Headhunters and, in 1973, recorded ‘Head Hunters.’ With its crossover hit single “Chameleon,” it became the first jazz album to go platinum.  By mid-decade, Herbie was playing for stadium-sized crowds all over the world and had no fewer than four albums in the pop charts at once. In total, Herbie had 11 albums in the pop charts during the 1970s. His ’70s output inspired and provided samples for generations of hip-hop and dance music artists.   Herbie also stayed close to his love of acoustic jazz in the ’70s, recording and performing with VSOP (reuniting him with his Miles Davis colleagues), and in duet settings with Chick Corea and Oscar Peterson. 

In 1980, Herbie introduced the trumpeter Wynton Marsalis to the world as a solo artist, producing his debut album and touring with him as well. In 1983, a new pull to the alternative side led Herbie to a series of collaborations with Bill Laswell. The first, ‘Future Shock’, again struck platinum, and the single “Rockit” rocked the dance and R&B charts, winning a Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental. The video of the track won five MTV awards. ‘Sound System’, the follow-up, also received a Grammy in the R&B instrumental category.

Hancock continues to be an active performer and recording artist, and he has collaborated with a diverse range of musicians from different genres, including Joni Mitchell, Chick Corea, and Sting. He remains one of the most influential and innovative figures in jazz and popular music.

Tune in and listen as I take you through a musical journey through the sounds of Herbie Hancock. https://www.mixcloud.com/dwannb/herbie-hancock-the-music-innovator-20230415-033953/