Rockit - Herbie Hancock
"Rockit" is a groundbreaking instrumental track by jazz legend Herbie Hancock, released in 1983. The song is a fusion of jazz, funk, electronic and hip-hop elements, and is considered one of the pioneering tracks in the development of electronic music. The track features a catchy and infectious beat created with a combination of synthesizers, drum machines, and scratching techniques. The song's main melody is played on a synthesizer, and is accompanied by funky basslines and rhythmic drum patterns. The use of electronic instruments and effects gives "Rockit" a futuristic and cutting-edge sound that was ahead of its time. One of the most notable aspects of the track is its groundbreaking music video, directed by Godley & Creme. The video features a robot that performs robotic dance moves to the music, creating a visually striking and memorable image that perfectly complements the song's innovative sound. "Rockit" was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance. The track also received critical acclaim for its innovative use of technology and its influence on the development of electronic music. Overall, "Rockit" is a timeless and influential track that showcases Herbie Hancock's innovative approach to music and his willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.
Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock is a renowned American pianist, keyboardist, composer, and bandleader who has made a significant impact on the world of jazz and popular music. Born on April 12, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Hancock showed prodigious talent at a young age and was recognized as a musical prodigy. Hancock's early musical education began with classical piano training, but he quickly became interested in jazz and began playing in local clubs while still in high school. He then attended Grinnell College in Iowa before transferring to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. It was during his time in New York that he began to establish himself as a key figure in the jazz scene, playing with musicians such as Donald Byrd and Miles Davis. Hancock's collaboration with Miles Davis would prove to be a turning point in his career. He joined Davis's quintet in the early 1960s and played on several groundbreaking albums, including "Miles Smiles" and "In a Silent Way." Hancock's innovative approach to the piano, which incorporated elements of modal jazz and avant-garde improvisation, helped to redefine the sound of jazz music. In the 1970s, Hancock began to experiment with electronic instruments and fusion music, blending jazz with funk, rock, and other genres. His album "Head Hunters," released in 1973, was a commercial and critical success and is considered a landmark in the fusion genre. The album's hit single, "Chameleon," became a jazz-funk classic and showcased Hancock's ability to blend complex harmonies with infectious grooves. Throughout his career, Hancock has continued to push the boundaries of jazz and popular music, collaborating with artists such as Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, and Sting. He has won numerous awards, including 14 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for his film score for "Round Midnight." In 2013, Hancock was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue. Hancock's impact on music extends beyond his own recordings. As a bandleader, composer, and educator, he has inspired countless musicians and helped to shape the direction of modern jazz. His willingness to embrace new technologies and musical styles has made him a pioneer in the field of jazz fusion and a true innovator in the world of music. In recognition of his contributions to music, Herbie Hancock was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He continues to perform and record music to this day, proving that his creative spirit and musical genius are as strong as ever.