71. Herbie Hancock

Generally, when you look at the career of a musician you find a steady progression. In the case of Herbie Hancock, we find a career that did not seem to follow any discernable pattern though it did produce a brilliant career of musical experimentation matched by few.

With the possible exception of John Coltrane, Hancock could be the most controversial figure in the history of Jazz music. His albums crossed every aspect of Jazz and crisscrossed from one style to another without any discernable pattern. Influenced by electronic components, Hancock was the first to use synthesizers and computers creating a unique hybrid of Jazz, Electronica, and Funk. Considering that he recently received a Grammy Award for Album of the Year and has a huge body of work that keeps growing, his chances for induction should keep improving with each passing year. It is a strong possibility that the next Jazz musician inducted to Cleveland be Herbie Hancock…..should there ever be another.

Herbie Hancock

www.herbiehancock.com

Should Herbie Hancock be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 59.3%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 18.6%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 10.2%

No opinion. - 1.7%

No way! - 10.2%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2010: #65
2011: #63
2012: #62
2013: #62
2014: #54
2015: #56
2016: #51
Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1982
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Chicago, IL)
Why they will get in: He is a respected musician still putting out critically acclaimed efforts.
Why they won't get in: He has yet to receive a nomination and there is no reason to think that a Jazz man will get one now.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums: Takin’ Off (1962)
Empyrean Isles (1964)
Maiden Voyage (1965)
Thrust (1974)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Watermelon Man (From Takin’ Off, 1962)
Cantaloupe Island (From Empyrean Isles, 1964)
Fat Mama (From Fat Albert Rotunda, 1969)
Butterfly (From Thrust, 1974)
Rockit (From Future Shock, 1983)