Artist page · 04/07/2026

Herbie Hancock

ChicagoBorn in 1940Bebop20 vinyl albums
Born April 12, 1940 in Chicago, Herbie Hancock is a pioneering US jazz pianist and composer. His work spans bebop, jazz fusion, funk, and modal jazz, marking major advances in the genre through the 1960s and beyond.
20Albums on Vinyles.com
3548Discogs releases
1.6MLast.fm listeners

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.

Harvest TimeCID · 1987
1987
Harvest Time
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Round Midnight - Original Motion Picture SoundtrackColumbia · 1986
1986
Round Midnight - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Village LifeColumbia · 1985
1985
Village Life
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Sound-SystemColumbia · 1984
1984
Sound-System
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Future ShockColumbia · 1983
1983
Future Shock
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Lite Me UpColumbia · 1982
1982
Lite Me Up
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
QuartetColumbia · 1982
1982
Quartet
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
By All MeansMPS Records · 1981
1981
By All Means
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Magic WindowsColumbia · 1981
1981
Magic Windows
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
MonsterColumbia · 1980
1980
Monster
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Mr. HandsColumbia · 1980
1980
Mr. Hands
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The PianoCBS/Sony · 1979
1979
The Piano
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Feets Don't Fail Me NowColumbia · 1979
1979
Feets Don't Fail Me Now
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Directstep = ダイレクトステップCBS/Sony · 1979
1979
Directstep = ダイレクトステップ
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Butterfly = バタフライCBS/Sony · 1979
1979
Butterfly = バタフライ
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
An Evening With Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea In Concert 1978Columbia · 1978
1978
An Evening With Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea In Concert 1978
Vinyl, LP, Album
Live
SunlightColumbia · 1978
1978
Sunlight
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
V.S.O.P.Columbia · 1977
1977
V.S.O.P.
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
SecretsColumbia · 1976
1976
Secrets
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Man-ChildColumbia · 1975
1975
Man-Child
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
FloodCBS/Sony · 1975
1975
Flood
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
In Concert Volume TwoCTI Records · 1974
1974
In Concert Volume Two
Vinyl, LP, Album
Live
ThrustColumbia · 1974
1974
Thrust
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
In Concert Volume OneCTI Records · 1974
1974
In Concert Volume One
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Live
Dedication = デディケーションCBS/Sony · 1974
1974
Dedication = デディケーション
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Death Wish (Original Soundtrack Recording)Columbia · 1974
1974
Death Wish (Original Soundtrack Recording)
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
SextantColumbia · 1973
1973
Sextant
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Head HuntersColumbia · 1973
1973
Head Hunters
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
CrossingsWarner Bros. Records · 1972
1972
Crossings
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
MwandishiWarner Bros. Records · 1971
1971
Mwandishi
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
The PrisonerBlue Note · 1970
1970
The Prisoner
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Jammin' With Herbie HancockTCB Records · 1970
1970
Jammin' With Herbie Hancock
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Fat Albert RotundaWarner Bros. Records · 1969
1969
Fat Albert Rotunda
Vinyl, LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo
Studio
Speak Like A ChildBlue Note · 1968
1968
Speak Like A Child
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Blow-Up (The Original Sound Track Album)MGM Records · 1966
1966
Blow-Up (The Original Sound Track Album)
Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Studio
Maiden VoyageBlue Note · 1965
1965
Maiden Voyage
Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Studio
Empyrean IslesBlue Note · 1964
1964
Empyrean Isles
Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Studio
Inventions And DimensionsBlue Note · 1964
1964
Inventions And Dimensions
Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Studio
My Point Of ViewBlue Note · 1963
1963
My Point Of View
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Takin' OffBlue Note · 1962
1962
Takin' Off
Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Herbie Hancock's career.

01
Watermelon Man
·
02
Chameleon
·
03
Cantaloupe Island
Cantaloupe Island
Empyrean Isles · 1964
04
Rockit
·
05
Maiden Voyage
Maiden Voyage
Maiden Voyage · 1965
06
Sly
·
07
Vein Melter
·
08
Cantaloupe Island - Remastered 1999/Rudy Van Gelder Edition
·

The essentials

The 3 Herbie Hancock albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1965
LP, Album, Mono
Maiden Voyage

Definitive hard bop album from 1965 with modal jazz elements, sought-after Blue Note original pressings.

5 tracksMono formatBlue Note labelOriginal US pressing available
#2 · 1972
LP, Album
Crossings

A pivotal jazz fusion album recorded in 1972, showing Hancock's move into post bop and funk.

3 tracksGatefold sleeveWarner Bros. labelOriginal German pressing from 1972
#3 · 1971
LP, Album, Stereo
Mwandishi

Experimental fusion and spiritual jazz album, recorded in 1971 with a distinct sonic exploration.

3 tracksStereo editionWarner Bros. labelOriginal German pressing

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.

Crossings
Master release · LP · 1972
Market position i
39,72 €
Min price 15 €Max price 87 €
Average price 39,72 €
Only 17 copies for sale on Discogs
1 360 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Mwandishi
Master release · LP · 1971
Market position i
35,00 €
Min price 20 €Max price 80 €
Average price 35,00 €
Only 7 copies for sale on Discogs
1 778 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Fat Albert Rotunda
Master release · LP · 1969
Market position i
39,90 €
Min price 16 €Max price 59 €
Average price 39,90 €
Only 14 copies for sale on Discogs
1 581 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Maiden Voyage
Master release · LP · 1965
Market position i
173,99 €
Min price 78 €Max price 261 €
Average price 173,99 €
Only 7 copies for sale on Discogs
2 085 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Empyrean Isles
Master release · LP · 1964
Market position i
826,50 €
Min price 218 €Max price 1305 €
Average price 826,50 €
Only 10 copies for sale on Discogs
2 245 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
My Point Of View
Master release · LP · 1963
Market position i
228,38 €
Min price 26 €Max price 450 €
Average price 228,38 €
Only 17 copies for sale on Discogs
760 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)

Notable pressings & editions

i

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…).

AlbumWhy this rarityEdition Country · Year Matrix Market tension Value
CrossingsLP, Album
Warner Bros. Records US · 1972 BS 2617, WS 2617 🔥 Standard edition
1 360 want · 2 047 have · ratio 0,7
15,00 €
CrossingsLP, Album
Warner Bros. Records Germany · 1972 WB 46 164, BS 2617 Original pressing
1 360 want · 2 047 have · ratio 0,7
22,90 €
MwandishiLP, Album
Warner Bros. Records New Zealand · 1971 WBS 1898 🔥 Standard edition
1 778 want · 2 536 have · ratio 0,7
MwandishiLP, Album
Warner Bros. Records Germany · 1971 46 077 Original pressing
1 778 want · 2 536 have · ratio 0,7
35,00 €
Fat Albert RotundaLP, Album, Stereo
Warner Bros. - Seven Arts Records New Zealand · 1969 WBS 1834 🔥 Standard edition
1 581 want · 1 283 have · ratio 1,2
Fat Albert RotundaLP, Album
Warner Bros. - Seven Arts Records Germany · 1969 WS 1834 Original pressing
1 581 want · 1 283 have · ratio 1,2
59,00 €
Maiden VoyageLP, Album, Mono
Blue Note US · 1965 BLP 4195 🔥 Standard edition
2 085 want · 675 have · ratio 3,1
Maiden VoyageLP, Album, Mono
Original US mono pressing, want/have ratio 3.1:1, 2 copies currently for sale.Blue Note US · 1965 BLP 4195 Original pressing
2 085 want · 675 have · ratio 3,1
173,99 €

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
01Recording

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'.

1972United States
02Original Pressing

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.

1971Germany
03Hit Tracks

'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.

1962United States
04Jazz Evolution

Joining the Miles Davis Quintet

In the 1960s, Hancock joined the influential Miles Davis quintet, helping redefine jazz rhythms and keyboard textures.

1960sUnited States

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

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 04/07/2026