Herbie Hancock > Chameleon
Composed by Herbie Hancock,
Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson and Harvey Mason

It’s a funny thing about “jazz hits.” Sure, there are records that make the top of the jazz charts. But whenever a jazz recording makes even the far reaches of the Hot 100, jazzbos cry “sell out” and proclaim the track a pop “hit.” A case in point is today’s feature, which peaked at #52 and will be forever thought of as Herbie Hancock’s popular music breakthrough.

Herbie’s had a completely unparalleled career, even by his larger than life mentor. At least five of his compositions are jazz and pop “standards” (think about Watermelon Man or Rockit or the Fat Albert LP). Through it all he’s been hailed constantly as an exemplary pianist, composer, and innovative bandleader. And today, at 68 years old, Herbie’s still making hit albums.

Oh, and doesn’t Chameleon completely groove?

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