Jazz Great Bobby Hutcherson Dies At 75 — Hear His Hip Hop Legacy

Acclaimed jazz vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson passed away Monday at the age of 75 at his home in Montara, California, reports The New York Times. A spokesman for the family told the publication that the musician had been dealing with emphysema.

Gaining prominence in the ’60s, Hutcherson is credited with helping to popularize the use of vibraphone in jazz, and is considered one of the instrument’s foremost players. He worked with Blue Note Records throughout his career.

“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of #BobbyHutcherson, the greatest vibraphonist in Blue Note history,” the jazz label wrote in a post on Instagram. Hutcherson released 24 of his more than 40 albums as a bandleader under the imprint before parting ways in 1977, and appeared on Eric Dolphy’s classic Out To Lunch! album for the label in 1964. He returned to Blue Note in 2014 to release the Grammy-nominated Enjoy The View, his final album.

Hutcherson’s music was an influence on Hip Hop and has been sampled on songs by The Game, Ice Cube and Madlib.