2013 Kennedy Center Honoree

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 09/12/2013 @ 22:35pm

Herbie, all time great at his craft, so influential. I was born in 1970 and never heard of his previous work before rockit. It was the first album I ever bought, because it blew my mind. Decades later I discovered chameleon and watermelon man which blew my mind again. If Mr. Hancock aint in then nobody should be.

Posted by damon dodson on Saturday, 03/7/2020 @ 22:35pm

Herbie Hancock deserves induction as much as Miles Davis. Miles is the only jazz cat in the Hall as a performer. HH is a keyboard wizard. I prefer his sixties acoustic albums on Blue Note, but it's his electronic albums of the seventies and eighties that merit his induction. Bill Laswell deserves recognition for his collaboration with HH on albums like Future Shock.

Posted by JP on Wednesday, 04/1/2020 @ 23:36pm

Besides HH, who's the best in this category, other fusion artists to consider are John Maclaughlin/ Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Jaco Pasterius/ Weather Report. I hate fusion but can listen to those cats. Others may consider Return to Forever, and their individual alumni, as worthy of consideration, if they care to first listen, but not I. Guitarists John Scofield and Pat Metheny have had distinguished careers and their music has fusion elements. George Benson was a jazz guitarist before his transition to vocalist and pop star. He may deserve a look. Few artists reinvent themselves like that and are successfulI(though Herbie Hancock did). Finally, Jimmy Smith could have a case. He pioneered the organ in jazz and influenced keyboard players and some of his records may be considered soul. The Beastie Boys sampled one of his tracks. He precedes fusion, but so did Miles and Herbie. So a jazz artist need not be strictly associated with fusion only to merit inclusion; Miles and Herbie aren't just fusion since both recorded straight jazz. I think a Jazz artist needs some background in fusion to have a fair chance, though even then it's a slim chance. As I said, fusion isn't my bag, but apparently the Hall thinks little of it, too. It's one thing they may be doing right.

Posted by Josh on Thursday, 04/2/2020 @ 00:15am

Why isn't he in? He's an iconic jazz and funk musician who has tons of influence on many genres. Herbie uses synths, guitar, bass, and famous jazz instruments. Odd how he's not in the HOF, when he should've already been!

Posted by Liam on Wednesday, 06/24/2020 @ 20:31pm

RIP Chick Corea

Posted by Roy on Friday, 02/12/2021 @ 13:28pm

Herbie Hancock, a pioneering jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, deserves to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his immense musical contributions and his ability to transcend genres and redefine the boundaries of music. Throughout his career, Hancock has consistently pushed the envelope of innovation and experimentation, fusing jazz with elements of funk, electronic music, and world music. His groundbreaking album "Head Hunters" (1973) revolutionized jazz fusion, incorporating funk rhythms and electronic sounds to create a fresh and influential sound that resonated with audiences across genres. Hancock's mastery of improvisation and his ability to create complex yet accessible compositions have made him one of the most celebrated musicians in the world. His collaborations with iconic artists such as Miles Davis and his own prolific solo career have had a profound impact on the evolution of jazz and popular music. By inducting Herbie Hancock into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his innovative spirit and unparalleled artistry would be celebrated, cementing his status as a true musical icon.

Posted by Dave Teves on Wednesday, 06/21/2023 @ 19:10pm

If you induct Miles, why not Herbie Hancock? John Coltrane should also have a chance

Posted by power on Thursday, 07/27/2023 @ 01:30am