Herbie Hancock on AI, addiction, Buddhism, Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis

To mark the 85th birthday of the most famous improvising musician on the platform, Herbie Hancock looks back over his life and career at length – from his first encounters with Miles Davis in the 60s, to 70s crossover success with “Chameleon” and the surprise 80s hit “Rockit”, to his battle with crack addiction in the 90s.

Hancock also opens up about the long-gestating new album – reported to feature collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Flying Lotus and Snoop Dogg – and admits no such album exists!

Looking back, Herbie praises fellow travellers Joni Mitchell, Carlos Santana and his late best friend Wayne Shorter. The poignant part is this interview took place a few days after what would have been Wayne’s 91st birthday, in late August 2024 – the saddest truth is that was of course before the recent US election, and listening back to Herbie’s heartfelt belief in a better tomorrow is as bittersweet as it is inspiring.