It's Jazz Musician Herbie Hancock's Birthday
Jazz musician Herbie Hancock turns 71 years old today and he does not look a day over 50. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Herbie was playing classical music from a very early age. Herbie was so good at the piano that by the time he turned 11, he was playing music from Mozart alongside the Chicago Symphony.
As Herbie grew older, he developed an appreciation for jazz music and mastered playing this type of music relying on his talent for playing by what he heard rather than having a jazz teacher. Later on in his career Herbie had the opportunity to work with known musicians Donald Byrd and Coleman Hawkins. While working with them he also continued his education at the Roosevelt University before attending Grinnell College, where he received a Doctor of Fine Arts degree.
Herbie's first record was Taking Off under the Blue Note Label and that album spawned his hit song called "Watermelon Man". The song was effective enough to impress jazz legend Miles Davis who later invited Herbie to play with his band.
Other popular Herbie Hancock releases include "Maiden Voyage", "Chameleon" and "I Thought It was You". He also did a track called "Rockit", a track that is a result of Herbie's experimentation with synths sounds rather than traditional instruments. By doing this, most of Herbie's songs crossed over on charts with other genres. He has also won several awards including a few Grammy Awards.
Today Herbie is still making good music as a bandleader and composer and is also an active member of the Buddhism faith.
Happy Birthday to:
Actress Claire Danes - 32
Talk show host David Letterman - 64
Actor Andy Garcia - 55
Actress Shannen Doherty - 40
Singer and actor David Cassidy - 61
Actress Jordana Spiro - 34
"House" actress Jennifer Morrison - 32
"Married...with Children" actor - 65
Country singer Vince Gill - 54
Everclear singer/guitarist Art Alexakis - 49
Indigo Girls Amy Ray - 47
"The Wonder Years" actor Dan Lauria - 64
"A Perfect Getaway" actress Marley Shelton - 37
Actor and singer Riley Smith - 33
Actor Charles Napier - 75
"Criminal Minds" actor Nicholas Brendon - 39
Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman - 33