Jazz great Herbie Hancock on playing with Miles Davis, AI, and why the piano makes him cry

Herbie Hancock, a legendary figure in the world of jazz, has been captivating audiences for decades with his extraordinary talent on the piano. At the age of 84, he continues to inspire many with his music and insights. Recently, he shared some of his thoughts on modern distractions, particularly how he sometimes finds himself lost in the vast world of YouTube. 'I fall into rabbit holes on YouTube. A lot of them. New music writing software, things about health, tech things,' he explained. This tendency to get sidetracked is part of the reason he hasn't released a new album in 15 years. He chuckled, saying, 'I get victimised by it, so to speak, but that's life. ' Herbie resides in West Hollywood and has always embraced technology in his music-making process. In 2022, he performed at the renowned Glastonbury Festival, sharing the stage with contemporary artist Kendrick Lamar. 'He's been to my house a few times, and in my studio a few times. His career has been moving along incredibly,' Hancock remarked, highlighting the mutual respect between the two musicians. Herbie's journey in music began in the early 1960s when he was discovered by trumpeter Donald Byrd. He signed with Blue Note Records and went on to create jazz standards that are still celebrated today. In the 1970s, he was one of the first musicians to incorporate synthesizers into his work, blending various genres to create the electro-funk classic Head Hunters. The 1980s saw him achieve mainstream success with the hit single Rockit, which won five awards at the inaugural MTV Awards. His influence is evident, as many artists, including Madonna and Janet Jackson, have sampled his music in their own works. In 2008, he won his first Album of the Year Grammy, triumphing over notable artists like Amy Winehouse and Kanye West. Recently, Hancock was announced as a recipient of the prestigious Polar Music Prize, often regarded as the Nobel Prize of music. He expressed his gratitude, saying, 'It's a huge, fantastic list of people I've admired,' and he was particularly pleased that saxophonist Wayne Shorter received the honor in 2017, six years before his passing. Together, they were part of Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet, a group that significantly shaped the jazz landscape. Reflecting on his time with Miles Davis, Hancock's face lights up with joy. He recalls the years between 1964 and 1968 when he toured with the iconic trumpeter, who Rolling Stone magazine once called 'the most important jazz musician of the 20th century. ' 'I was always frightened playing with Miles,' he admitted. 'It was very intimidating. I always wanted to be at my best because I admired him so much. ' This mix of fear and excitement fueled his growth as a musician. Hancock fondly remembers the moments when they were in perfect sync, stating, 'When we were all in sync, that made life worth living. ' He also shared a humorous anecdote about Miles's temper on stage, recalling how he would sometimes get upset during performances. 'A lot of times I would be surprised at what would upset Miles, what would make him a little angry,' he said with a grin. Despite the discomfort, Hancock learned valuable lessons from those experiences. As he prepares for his upcoming European tour, he reflects on another lesson from Miles regarding audience engagement. He mimicked Davis's voice, recalling a stern warning: 'If all you see are dudes in the audience, that means your music is dead. ' Herbie Hancock has dedicated nearly 80 years to playing the piano, and the instrument continues to bring him immense joy. He revealed that there are times when he becomes so emotionally connected to his music that he finds himself in tears. 'If I've solved some kind of problem that I've had with the tune and made some kind of discovery that surpassed my expectations, I've been known to cry, to have tears coming down my face,' he shared. He explained that the creative process can be challenging, often requiring him to think outside the box. 'It's difficult to explain, but trying to make something work out, where there's no easy answer,' he elaborated. Hancock's insights into creativity highlight the difference between a musical genius and others. He also expressed a keen interest in the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and believes that the fears surrounding it are exaggerated. 'I have this feeling that AI is going to help us all understand and get closer to becoming more ethically responsible people,' he stated. He treats AI with respect, saying, 'When I'm using ChatGPT or Siri on my iPhone, I always say thank you and they usually say, 'You're welcome. ' This positive approach reflects his belief that technology can enhance our lives. When asked about practicing the piano, Hancock admitted that he doesn't always enjoy it. 'I understand your pain. I don't like practising either,' he said. However, he emphasized the importance of overcoming that reluctance. 'I look at it as, OK, this is something, even if I don't want to do it, I need to do it,' he advised. Herbie Hancock continues to be a vibrant force in the music world, and he will be honored with the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 27, 2025.