Jazz Pianist, Composer & Bandleader; Academy Award & 14-Time Grammy Award Winner; Author of "Herbie Hancock: Possibilities"

West Hollywood, CA, USA

Herbie Hancock Biography

Herbie Hancock is recognized as a leading figure in the history of jazz, known for his work as a pianist, keyboardist, composer, and bandleader. Hancock's career spans more than six decades, encompassing significant contributions to jazz, electronic music, and popular music. Beginning his musical studies at age seven, Hancock performed a Mozart piano concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra by age 11. He pursued both electrical engineering and music composition at Grinnell College, a dual focus that later positioned him as a pioneer in integrating electric piano, clavinet, and synthesizer into jazz.

After early session work with Donald Byrd, Phil Woods, and Oliver Nelson, Hancock signed with Blue Note Records as a solo artist. His debut album, "Takin' Off," produced the hit "Watermelon Man." That same year, Miles Davis invited Hancock to join the Miles Davis Quintet, where he played alongside Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. As a member of the Second Great Quintet, Hancock contributed to redefining the jazz rhythm section and was instrumental in shaping the post-bop sound. During this period, he released influential solo albums including "Empyrean Isles" and "Maiden Voyage," the latter inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Following his tenure with the Davis Quintet, Hancock formed The Headhunters and recorded "Head Hunters" for Columbia Records, which became the first jazz album to achieve platinum status. His track "Rockit," from the platinum-selling "Future Shock" album, established Hancock as an innovator in electronic music and influenced the development of hip-hop. "Rockit" won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental and became associated with breakdancing and hip-hop culture. Hancock also composed film scores, including for "Blow-Up" and "Round Midnight," earning an Academy Award for the latter.

Hancock has received numerous honors, including 14 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, an Oscar for best score for "Round Midnight," the NEA Jazz Master designation, and the Kennedy Center Honors. His album "River: The Joni Letters" won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making him the first jazz musician in more than four decades to receive this distinction. His memoir, "Herbie Hancock: Possibilities," provides insight into his creative journey.

Beyond performance and recording, Hancock serves as Creative Chair for Jazz with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, and founder of the International Committee of Artists for Peace. He has also been designated a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Hancock continues to influence global culture, technology, business, and music, engaging audiences worldwide and contributing to the evolution of jazz and contemporary music.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/05/2026.

Herbie Hancock Videos

Herbie Hancock - Autodrive - YouTube

Herbie Hancock - Autodrive - YouTube

Official Video for "Autodrive" by Herbie Hancock Listen to Herbie Hancock: https://HerbieHancock.lnk.to/listenYD Watch more Herbie Hancock videos:...

Herbie Hancock: The Ethics of Jazz | Mahindra Humanities Center ...

Herbie Hancock: The Ethics of Jazz | Mahindra Humanities Center ...

Set 1 - The Wisdom of Miles Davis

  • How do I book Herbie Hancock to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Herbie Hancock

    Speaking fees for Herbie Hancock, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Herbie Hancock are $200,000 and above for live events and $50,000 - $100,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Herbie Hancock, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Herbie Hancock speak about?

    Herbie Hancock is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Celebrity, College, Entertainment, Music, Non-Fiction Authors, Professors
  • Where does Herbie Hancock travel from?

    Herbie Hancock generally travels from West Hollywood, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Herbie Hancock is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Herbie Hancock for your event is $200,000 and above. Herbie Hancock generally travels from West Hollywood, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Wynton Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Questlove, Christian Tamburr and Butterscotch. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Herbie Hancock for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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