The Minimoog synthesizer found a new technical horizon in the 1970s when Jan Hammer integrated the instrument into live jazz-fusion performances. Born in Prague in 1948, the musician established a career as a composer and producer by navigating shifts in music technology and international jazz circuits, eventually becoming a defining voice in 1980s television scoring.
Early Training and Departure from Prague
Raised in a musical household in Czechoslovakia, Hammer began formal piano instruction at age six. He attended the Prague Academy of Musical Arts, studying counterpoint, harmony, and composition. His trajectory changed in August 1968, when the Warsaw Pact invasion prompted him to relocate to Munich. Shortly after, he secured a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, leading to his eventual acquisition of United States citizenship.
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After a period touring with Sarah Vaughan and recording with Elvin Jones, Hammer joined the original Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1971. The group, which included guitarist John McLaughlin and drummer Billy Cobham, performed approximately 530 shows before disbanding in 1973. During this period, Hammer became recognized for his pioneering live use of Moog synthesizers and his contribution to the landmark 1973 solo album Spectrum by Billy Cobham.
Soundtracks and Technical Innovation
Hammer moved his operations to his own Red Gate Studio in upstate New York, which served as his primary recording location for decades. His work in the 1980s included collaborations with Jeff Beck on the album Flash, which earned him a 1985 Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. His transition into television scoring reached a peak with Miami Vice, for which he composed music for 90 episodes. The Miami Vice Soundtrack reached the top of the Billboard charts in 1985 and was certified quadruple-platinum.
Professional Honors and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Hammer worked with musicians including Mick Jagger, Carlos Santana, Neal Schon, and Al Di Meola. His contributions to the field were recognized by Keyboard Magazine, which named him Best Studio Synthesist for two consecutive years following his seven-year tenure as the magazine's Best Lead Synthesist. He holds two Grammy Awards for his compositions related to the Miami Vice Theme.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Prague
- Primary Instrument: Piano, Synthesizer
- Education: Berklee College of Music
- Notable Band: Mahavishnu Orchestra
- Grammy Awards: 2
- Citizenship: United States, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia
Questions readers ask
Which major television series featured his music?
He composed the score for 90 episodes of Miami Vice and 20 episodes of the series Chancer.
What is his connection to the Minimoog synthesizer?
He was an early pioneer in using the Minimoog for live performances during his time with the Mahavishnu Orchestra.
Achievements
- Grammy Awards
- Instruments: piano, drum kit and keyboard instrument
- Genres: jazz, jazz fusion and synth-pop
