Herbie Hancock on Miles Davis, AI, and Why the Piano Moves Him to Tears
Jazz legend Herbie Hancock, 84, recently shared his thoughts on his career, technology, and the emotional power of music in an interview with the BBC. Known for his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis and his innovative use of technology in music, Hancock remains as curious and creative as ever.
Hancock, who hasn’t released an album in 15 years, admits he sometimes gets distracted by YouTube, exploring topics like new music software and health tips. Despite this, his passion for music remains strong. He recalls his time playing with Miles Davis in the 1960s, calling it both intimidating and inspiring. Davis, he says, pushed him to be his best and taught him valuable lessons, like the importance of having a diverse audience.
Hancock’s career spans over six decades, from writing jazz classics like Watermelon Man to embracing synthesizers in the 1970s and winning a Grammy for Album of the Year in 2008. He’s also a pioneer in using technology, from early synthesizers to AI. Hancock believes AI can help humanity become more ethical and environmentally responsible, and he even treats AI tools like ChatGPT with kindness, saying “thank you” and receiving polite responses in return.
The piano, which Hancock has played for nearly 80 years, still moves him deeply. He shared that solving musical problems during practice can bring him to tears, a testament to his lifelong love for the instrument.
Hancock was recently honored with the Polar Music Prize, joining legends like Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Reflecting on his career, he offered advice to young musicians: while he doesn’t always enjoy practicing, he sees it as a necessary step to overcoming challenges and growing as an artist.
Credit to the BBC for this insightful interview. Herbie Hancock’s story is a reminder of the power of curiosity, creativity, and perseverance in both music and life.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgkm2jmy61go