Herbie Hancock is the greatest jazz musician in the world. To celebrate his 80th birthday this weekend we have put together a specially curated playlist that provides proof for such a big statement and underlines, if still only scratching the surface, the deeply influential pianist, composer and bandleader's hugely significant achievements down the years. For decades his music has changed our lives for the better through his waves of innovation (particularly in jazz-funk) and inspiration exploring both the joy and profundity inherent in his work – and continues to do so.

Herbie Hancock, photo: Kwaku Alston

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