One of the most renowned jazz musicians of our era and pioneer of the electronic keyboard, Herbie Hancock has stood apart from every other jazz musician, even his mentor Miles Davis.

This Chicago native got his start as a child piano prodigy and at 20 began working with Donald Byrd. Playing the right notes, Blue Note signed this aspiring jazz musician in 1961 and he recorded his debut album, Takin' Off in 1963. Like something from a movie, shortly thereafter famous jazz artist Miles Davis asked Hancock to join his quintet, and from there Hancock could spread his wings. In the five years he spent with Davis, Hancock proved to audiences and jazz musicians everywhere that he worked to his own beat. He continued to create new and different ways to make music, retaining in his former piano skills.

From there, Hancock led a successful solo career, creating hit albums like Maiden Voyage, Empryean Isles and Speak like a Child with Blue Note. He continued to work with Davis' group even after he had left, recording a few singles for the recordings In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew. While experimenting with the new electronic sound of jazz, Hancock created The Headhunters, a successful crossover group that saw the first jazz album ever to go platinum.

He continued to create a new path for electronic and classic jazz, touring and producing. His first success with producing came in 1980 when he produced trumpeter's Wynton Marsalis's work. He continued to see success not only in the music industry, with several MTV awards and a few Grammy's under his belt, but also an Oscar for the score he wrote for the film "Round Midngiht," where he also starred in. He continues to perform and awe audiences with his one of a kind sound.