BIOGRAPHY
Bobby Hutcherson, born January 27, 1941 in Los Angeles, California, was an American jazz vibraphonist and marimbist, best known for his composition, "Little B's Poem", from his Components album.
After studying piano as a young child, Bobby Hutcherson took a liking to the vibraphone as a teenager after hearing a Milt Jackson record. He worked until he had enough money to buy his own set of vibes and began studying with Dave Pike. He first gigs were playing for local dances in a group led by his friend, bassist Herbie Lewis. After finishing high school, Hutcherson started working with Curtis Amy and Charles Lloyd. In 1960, he joined an ensemble co-led by Al Grey and Billy Mitchell. A year later the group was booked at New York's legendary Birdland club. With the increased exposure and popularity over his four-mallet playing, Hutcherson ended up staying on the East Coast. He was invited to jam with some of the best up-and-coming musicians in New York City, the likes including Grant Green, Hank Mobley, Herbie Hancock, Jackie McLean, Grachan Moncur III, Archie Shepp, Andrew Hill, and Eric Dolphy. Hutcherson soon became an in-demand sideman at numerous recording sessions, largely for the Blue Note label.
Bobby Hutcherson died on August 15, 2016 at his home in Montara, California; he was 75 years old.
