Herbie Hancock Rides In on Miles Davis' Wave -- Picture Book

Each week, in Picture Book, we present an iconic photo from rock 'n' roll's past or present, accompanied with insightful commentary. Whether it's a famous picture or an unearthed rarity, these striking images will serve to illustrate the visual side of music.

Herbie Hancock, California, Oct. 21, 1976

Herbie Hancock poses on a California beach with a Rhodes electric piano. It was Miles Davis who suggested Hancock play the Rhodes electric piano after Hancock joined Davis' band in 1963. Although Davis helped shape Hancock's musical direction, Hancock in turn influenced the evolution of Davis' music, encouraging the speed and structural and rhythmic freedom that would help define a new wave of jazz.

The Miles Davis Quintet, considered one of the greatest ensembles in the history of jazz, split up in 1968. But four months before this photo was taken, the quintet -- with Freddie Hubbard replacing Davis -- reunited as V.S.O.P. at the Newport Jazz Festival in New York. Seven years later, Hancock -- by then an influential solo act -- crossed over into the MTV generation with his instrumental hit 'Rockit.'