- Born
- Died
- Bobby Hutcherson is an American jazz vibraphone and marimba player. "Little B's Poem", from the 1966 Blue Note album Components, is one of his best-known compositions.
Bobby Hutcherson was born in Los Angeles, California. Hutcherson was exposed to jazz by his brother Teddy, who listened to Art Blakey records in the family home. His older sister Peggy was a singer in Gerald Wilson's orchestra. Hutcherson went on to record on a number of Gerald Wilson's Pacific Jazz recordings as well as play in his orchestra. Still in his teens, Hutcherson began his professional career in the late 1950s working with tenor saxophonist Curtis Amy and trumpeter Carmell Jones.
Hutcherson won the "Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition" award in the 1964 Down Beat readers' poll.
Spanning the years 1963 to 1977, Hutcherson had one of the longest recording careers with Blue Note, second only to Horace Silver's.
Hutcherson's intermittent acting career included an appearance as the bandleader in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), and as Ace in 'Round Midnight (1986).- IMDb mini biography by: Bazza the Beast
- SpousesRosemary Zuniga(1972 - August 15, 2016) (his death, 1 child)Beth Buford (divorced, 1 child)
- He was inspired to take up the vibraphone when he heard the sound of Milt Jackson's music wafting from a record shop in Pasadena. He bought the album, "Miles Davis All Stars, Vol. 2," and wore it out.
- He was a vibraphonist. During his 55-year career, he performed and recorded with many of the greatest jazz artists of his time, including tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins and pianist Herbie Hancock.
- His father was a master mason and his mother was a hairdresser. His sister Peggy was a singer who was a Ray Charles Raylette. His older brother Teddy was a bricklaying jazz fan who listened to records with saxophonist Dexter Gordon.
- Has two sons, Barry and Teddy, and two grandchildren.
- The way Milt [Jackson] played made me feel like I had money in my pocket. It was so satisfying. The sound was warm and round. I'd heard Lionel Hampton and Red Norvo before, but Milt really spoke to me. He played those long lines, and it was very soulful, very talking-to-you. I thought I could duplicate that. It took me a long time to realize that those are Milt's cookies, leave 'em alone.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content