One of the most celebrated artists in American history, the brilliant and always innovative Herbie Hancock returns to Hill Auditorium in a limited tour that promises to bring his signature mix of freewheeling, thought-provoking, and mind-expanding jazz and funk. A true icon of modern music, Hancock has transcended limitations and genres while maintaining his unmistakable voice, and there are few artists in the music industry who have had more influence on acoustic and electronic jazz and R&B.

Born in Chicago in 1940, Hancock was a piano prodigy who performed a Mozart piano concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 11, years before he began playing jazz. After Detroit trumpeter Donald Byrd recognized his talents as a 20-year-old, he signed with Blue Note Records as a solo artist; his 1963 album produced the hit “Watermelon Man,” which marked him as an instant success story. A history-shaping tenure with the Miles Davis Quintet followed, and he would later herald the birth of jazz fusion. In short, he has been an integral part of every popular musical movement in the 50+ years since, leaving an indelible imprint wherever he lands. This performance marks Hancock’s fourth UMS concert appearance since 2000 and his first since April 2015.