- Converted to Soka Gakkai Buddhism (1972).
- He plays jazz piano, keyboards, synthesizer and is also a composer.
- Has received ten Grammy Awards since 1983.
- Made his stage debut with the Chicago Symphany Orchestra at the age of 11.
- Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame (1995).
- Recipient of a Jazz Masters Award from the USA's National Endowment for the Arts (2004).
- He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7057 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on September 8, 1994.
- Is named as one inspiration for the Massive Attack album "Blue Lines".
- Collaborated with Sting, Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, Damien Rice and Annie Lennox for his album "Possibilities" (2005).
- Hancock's jazz standard "Watermelon Man" (1962) (from debut album "Takin' Off") provided the breakthrough release of his career.
- Has one daughter, Jessica Hancock.
- Die Fantastischen Vier sampled "Hang Up In Your Hang Ups" for their song "Nenn ihn Präsident" on their album "4 gewinnt".
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content