Synopses & Reviews
The long-awaited memoir by one of the most influential and beloved musicians of our time.
In Herbie Hancock the legendary jazz musician and composer reflects on a life and a thriving career that has spanned seven decades. A true innovator, Hancock has had an enormous influence on both acoustic and electric jazz, R&B and hip-hop, with his ongoing exploration of different musical genres, winning fourteen Grammy awards along the way.
From his beginnings as a child prodigy to his work in Miles Davis's second great quintet; from his innovations as the leader of his own groundbreaking sextet to his collaborations with everyone from Wayne Shorter to Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder; Herbie Hancock reveals the method behind Hancock's undeniable musical genius.
Hancock shares his musical influences, colorful behind-the-scenes stories, his long and happy marriage, and how Buddhism inspires him creatively and personally. Honest, enlightening, and as electrifyingly vital as the man who wrote it, Herbie Hancock promises to be an invaluable contribution to jazz literature and a must-read for fans and music lovers.
Review
"A warm, inspiring book by a man who seems to have little ego despite a career spent near the peak of his art. Recommended reading for jazz aficionados."
Kirkus
Review
"He has remained true to his art and his (Buddhist) poise during turbulent times, and his description of his upbringing and encounters with often turbulent individuals (not least of them Davis) provides a unique slant on America's musical scene."
Booklist
Review
"Brilliant...reveals the method behind this remarkable jazz performer...a testament to a man who faced in life what seemed impossible and made it possible."
Library Journal
Review
"Herbie Hancock has led a fascinating life. And the story of that life makes a fascinating book."
Peter Keepnews, The New York Times Book Review (Editor's Choice)
Review
"Few jazz biographies are perfect, though Hancock's Possibilities come closer than some."
Kevin Whitehead, Fresh Air
Review
"[Possibilities is] very effective at its paramount task: getting the reader to dig into the catalog of this restless jazz genius with newly edified ears."
The Boston Globe
Review
"Hancock, a Buddhist, writes about his spiritual journey in Possibilities but isn't preachy about his its effect on his life, relationships, music and philosophy. His stories of famous jazz artists are done with reverence and a sense of reporting, for the record, many artists who didn't achieve as much fame as others but should be given their equal artistic due."
New York Journal of Books
About the Author
Jazz legend Herbie Hancock began playing piano at the age of seven. He would go on to play with Miles Davis before forming his own bands and working with musicians such as Sting, Dave Matthews, Paul Simon, Lang Lang, Christina Aguilera, and Carlos Santana. Hancock also won an Oscar for the score of Round Midnight. In 2011 he was named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and he was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013. He lives in Los Angeles.