Herbie Hancock - The Prisoner (1969, 1995, Blue... Apr 2026

: A tribute to Dr. King’s most famous speech, featuring a modal structure and airy melodies.

: Composed by Buster Williams, representing the duality of "fire" (violence/oppression) and "water" (the calming presence of Dr. King). Herbie Hancock - The Prisoner (1969, 1995, Blue...

: A reflection on the atmosphere of the civil rights struggle. : A tribute to Dr

At the time of its release, Hancock remarked that he felt closer to his "real self" through this music than on any previous recording. Musical Direction and Personnel Musical Direction and Personnel : Hubert Laws (flute),

: Hubert Laws (flute), Jerome Richardson (bass clarinet/flute), Tony Studd and Jack Jeffers (bass trombone), Romeo Penque (bass clarinet). Track Listing

The album is a poignant social concept piece dedicated to the memory of , who was assassinated just a year prior to the recording. Hancock used the metaphor of "the prisoner" to express the long-standing social and psychological imprisonment of Black people in America.