Herbie Hancock

1. Early musical influences shape a lifelong passion for jazz

I was lucky enough to learn this not only from playing with Miles but over the decades of playing that have followed. And I'm still learning it, every single day. It's a gift that I never could have imagined back when I first started plunking around on my friend Levester Corley's piano at the age of six.

Childhood curiosity: Herbie Hancock's musical journey began at age six when he started playing his neighbor's piano. His parents, recognizing his talent, bought him a used piano for $5 from a church basement. This early exposure to music sparked a lifelong passion.

Classical foundation: Hancock's mother enrolled him in classical piano lessons, which provided a strong technical foundation. However, his true passion for jazz was ignited when he discovered George Shearing's music as a teenager. This led him to explore improvisation and develop his own style.

College and career shift: Initially studying engineering at Grinnell College, Hancock's love for jazz ultimately led him to switch his major to music. This decision set him on the path to becoming one of the most influential jazz musicians of his generation.

2. Miles Davis mentorship: Pushing boundaries and embracing change

Miles trusted the band, and he trusted himself, and he always encouraged us to do the same. This was just one of many lessons I learned from Miles.

Joining the quintet: At 23, Hancock joined Miles Davis' quintet, a pivotal moment in his career. Miles' leadership style encouraged experimentation and individual growth, pushing each musician to explore their limits.

Lessons in improvisation: Miles taught Hancock to embrace mistakes and turn them into opportunities. This approach fostered a mindset of continuous innovation and adaptability in his music.

Embracing change: Under Miles' influence, Hancock learned to constantly evolve his musical style, from acoustic jazz to electric instruments and beyond. This willingness to change became a defining characteristic of Hancock's career.

3. The Mwandishi era: Exploring avant-garde and spiritual connections

From that very first night there was a rare, beautiful unity among the six of us—some kind of underlying connection that wasn't apparent before we played, but the minute we started playing, it was there.

Formation of Mwandishi: After leaving Miles Davis' quintet, Hancock formed the Mwandishi band, exploring more avant-garde and experimental jazz styles. This period marked a significant shift in his musical direction.

Spiritual influences: The band adopted Swahili names and embraced African cultural elements, reflecting a deeper connection to their heritage and spirituality. This spiritual aspect heavily influenced their music and performances.

Musical experimentation: Mwandishi pushed the boundaries of jazz, incorporating elements of free jazz, electronic music, and funk. Their performances often resulted in transcendent, almost mystical experiences for both the musicians and the audience.

4. Head Hunters: Breaking through with jazz-funk fusion

Head Hunters would go on to become the fourth-best-selling jazz record in history, and the success of "Rockit" marked the beginnings of hip-hop as a mainstream musical style.

New direction: After Mwandishi, Hancock formed the Head Hunters, embracing a more accessible jazz-funk fusion sound. This shift was partly inspired by observing the energy and audience connection of pop acts like the Pointer Sisters.

Commercial success: The album "Head Hunters" became a massive commercial success, reaching a broader audience than Hancock's previous work. It featured the hit song "Chameleon" and a revamped version of "Watermelon Man."

Influence on hip-hop: The success of "Rockit" from the album "Future Shock" in 1983 played a significant role in bringing electronic and hip-hop elements into mainstream music, influencing future generations of musicians.

5. Technological innovation: Pioneering electronic music in jazz

I had never seen digital audio recording since being shown the Dynabook three years earlier, so this certainly got my attention. He said, "Herbie, we are going to record your concert today with a digital device, instead of audiotape. Then we're going to make something called a mini-compact disc."

Early adopter: Hancock was always fascinated by technology and its potential in music. He was one of the first jazz musicians to extensively use synthesizers and other electronic instruments in his compositions.

Collaboration with tech experts: Hancock worked closely with engineers and technicians to customize and create new electronic instruments and recording techniques. This collaboration led to innovative sounds and recording methods that pushed the boundaries of jazz and electronic music.

Influence on future music: His work with electronic instruments and digital recording techniques paved the way for future developments in music technology and influenced countless musicians across various genres.

6. Collaborations and film scores: Expanding musical horizons

I was really excited to be reaching so many new listeners, but not everybody was enthusiastic. The critics started grumbling that I had turned my back on jazz, or that I was a sellout.

Diverse collaborations: Throughout his career, Hancock collaborated with a wide range of artists across different genres, from pop stars to classical musicians. These collaborations allowed him to explore new musical territories and reach diverse audiences.

Film scoring: Hancock composed scores for several films, including "Round Midnight," for which he won an Academy Award. This work allowed him to combine his jazz background with orchestral elements and explore new compositional techniques.

Facing criticism: Despite the success of his diverse projects, Hancock faced criticism from jazz purists who felt he was straying too far from traditional jazz. However, he remained committed to his vision of musical exploration and innovation.

7. Overcoming personal struggles: Addiction, recovery, and Buddhist practice

From the moment I walked into Hoag, I wanted to do everything I possibly could to make the rehab work—no excuses. I didn't want to be the kind of person I had become over the last few months, a person who was trapped in addiction.

Addiction struggles: In the late 1990s, Hancock developed an addiction to crack cocaine, which he kept hidden from most people in his life. This addiction began to negatively impact his personal and professional life.

Intervention and recovery: After an intervention by his family and close friends, Hancock entered rehab in late 1999. He approached his recovery with the same dedication he applied to his music, using his Buddhist practice to support his healing process.

Buddhist influence: Hancock's practice of Nichiren Buddhism, which he began in the early 1970s, played a crucial role in his personal growth, recovery, and artistic development. It helped him find purpose beyond music and approach life's challenges with a new perspective.

8. Continual reinvention: The importance of artistic exploration

I started thinking, Wouldn't it be cool to invite a few really good artists to explore a genre that's completely different from whatever made them famous?

Constant evolution: Throughout his career, Hancock continually sought to reinvent himself and his music. He made a conscious decision to make each new album different from anything he had done before.

Collaborative exploration: Projects like "Possibilities" allowed Hancock to work with diverse artists, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and explore new musical territories. This approach not only challenged the artists but also resulted in unique and innovative music.

Purpose-driven creativity: In his later career, Hancock focused on creating music that addressed social issues and contributed to solving humanity's problems. This shift reflected his Buddhist beliefs and desire to use his art for a greater purpose.

Last updated: October 1, 2024