Herbie Hancock

A musical pioneer with a career that spans seven decades, pianist Herbie Hancock was a member of the groundbreaking jazz combo the Miles Davis Quintet, followed by his work in the 70s with record-breaking albums such as Headhunters, combining electric jazz with funk and rock in an innovative style that continues to influence contemporary music. Known for his ingenious creativity, Hancock was a child prodigy, performing with the Chicago Symphony at age 11 before joining the Miles Davis Quintet at 23. Herbie also pursued his own solo career, and after leaving the quintet established the band Headhunters, which would eventually create the first jazz album to go platinum. Herbie has continued to reinvent his artistry over the years, collaborating with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sting, Christina Aguilera, and Norah Jones.  

Hancock received an Academy Award for his Round Midnight film score, 14 Grammy Awards, was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2011, and in December of 2013, received a Kennedy Center Honor. 

He continues his work today influencing jazz and culture as Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and as Institute Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.