Definitive hard bop album from 1965 with modal jazz elements, sought-after Blue Note original pressings.
Artist page · 04/07/2026
Herbie Hancock
About
Herbie Hancock, Four decades shaping jazz fusion and funk from Chicago onwards.
Over 40 LPs blending jazz, funk, fusion; original pressings tracked live in Europe and the US.
Herbie Hancock is a distinguished American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer active since the 1960s. Known for his versatility, Hancock blends elements from jazz, funk, soul, and rock, pioneering jazz fusion and jazz-funk styles. His catalog features over 40 vinyl records across multiple genres like bebop, free jazz, and jazz rock.
Vinycles.com tracks notable vinyl editions like 1972's 'Crossings' and 1971's 'Mwandishi', showcasing his evolution within the jazz fusion movement. Collectors seek original Blue Note label pressings such as the 1965 'Maiden Voyage' and the 1964 'Empyrean Isles'. His catalog's diversity includes audiophile reissues pressed in 180g black or colored vinyl, highlighting historical sessions with ensembles that often include Miles Davis and others.
Discography
Herbie Hancock — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
CID · 1987
Columbia · 1986
Columbia · 1985
Columbia · 1984
Columbia · 1983
Columbia · 1982
Columbia · 1982
MPS Records · 1981
Columbia · 1981
Columbia · 1980
Columbia · 1980
CBS/Sony · 1979
Columbia · 1979
CBS/Sony · 1979
CBS/Sony · 1979
Columbia · 1978
Columbia · 1978
Columbia · 1977
Columbia · 1976
Columbia · 1975
CBS/Sony · 1975
CTI Records · 1974
Columbia · 1974
CTI Records · 1974
CBS/Sony · 1974
Columbia · 1974
Columbia · 1973
Columbia · 1973
Warner Bros. Records · 1972
Warner Bros. Records · 1971
Blue Note · 1970
TCB Records · 1970
Warner Bros. Records · 1969
Blue Note · 1968
MGM Records · 1966
Blue Note · 1965
Blue Note · 1964
Blue Note · 1964
Blue Note · 1963
Blue Note · 1962Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Herbie Hancock's career.


The essentials
The 3 Herbie Hancock albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
A pivotal jazz fusion album recorded in 1972, showing Hancock's move into post bop and funk.
Experimental fusion and spiritual jazz album, recorded in 1971 with a distinct sonic exploration.
Go further
Artists similar to Herbie Hancock
Artists who share part of Herbie Hancock's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
The “Why this rarity” column comes from our upstream sourcing work: for each album, we explain what makes this pressing sought after by collectors (limited run, specific matrix, withdrawn edition…).
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Herbie Hancock
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"Herbie redefined the role of rhythm in jazz, bringing keyboard innovations that shaped generations."— JazzCritic
Recording of 'Crossings' in 1972
The album 'Crossings' was recorded and released in 1972, blending post bop, fusion, and jazz-funk styles on Warner Bros. It features a long 24:50-minute track 'Sleeping Giant'.
Original German pressing of 'Mwandishi'
The 1971 German pressing of 'Mwandishi' on Warner Bros. Records remains a prized LP for collectors, notable for its fusion and spiritual jazz influence.
'Watermelon Man' popularity
'Watermelon Man' has over 2.4 million plays, making it one of Hancock's most listened to compositions and a staple on jazz vinyl collections.
Joining the Miles Davis Quintet
In the 1960s, Hancock joined the influential Miles Davis quintet, helping redefine jazz rhythms and keyboard textures.
Records by Herbie Hancock
See all
FAQ
FAQ: Herbie Hancock on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
What are the best vinyl albums by Herbie Hancock?
Key vinyl albums include 'Maiden Voyage' (1965), 'Crossings' (1972), and 'Mwandishi' (1971), available in various pressings and reissues.
How much do original Herbie Hancock LPs cost?
Prices vary widely; original Mono US pressing of 'Maiden Voyage' can reach between 78 and 260 euros on the secondary market.
Which Herbie Hancock album is notable for jazz fusion?
'Crossings' (1972) showcases his exploration of jazz fusion with post bop and funk elements.
Are there audiophile vinyl editions of Herbie Hancock records?
Yes, several albums including 'Crossings' and 'Fat Albert Rotunda' have 180g audiophile vinyl editions with gatefold sleeves and colored vinyl options.
Where can I find original US pressings of 'Maiden Voyage'?
Original US mono pressings of 'Maiden Voyage' (Blue Note BLP 4195) occasionally appear in vinyl shops and online, often priced between 173 and 261 euros.
Is Herbie Hancock's music available on vinyl in France?
Yes, many editions of his albums such as 'Takin' Off' are available in French markets including audiophile reissues on labels like VINYL PASSION.
How does Herbie Hancock's style evolve across his vinyl releases?
Starting from hard bop with 'My Point Of View', Hancock expanded into jazz fusion, funk, and electronic jazz through the 1970s and 1980s.
What makes the 'Empyrean Isles' album special for collectors?
Its 1964 Blue Note mono pressing features modal jazz with tracks like 'Cantaloupe Island' and commands high prices among collectors.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.








