John Henry Hammond II (December 15, 1910 – July 10, 1987) was a record producer, musician and music critic from the 1930s to the early 1980s. In his service as a talent scout, Hammond became one of the most influential figures in 20th century popular music.
Although he did not "discover" as many artists as is generally claimed, Hammond was instrumental in sparking or furthering numerous musical careers, including those of Benny Goodman, Charlie C...
more
John Henry Hammond II (December 15, 1910 – July 10, 1987) was a record producer, musician and music critic from the 1930s to the early 1980s. In his service as a talent scout, Hammond became one of the most influential figures in 20th century popular music.
Although he did not "discover" as many artists as is generally claimed, Hammond was instrumental in sparking or furthering numerous musical careers, including those of Benny Goodman, Charlie Christian, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, Big Joe Turner, Pete Seeger, Babatunde Olatunji, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Bob Dylan, Freddie Green, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Arthur Russell, Asha Puthli and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Hammond was christened John Henry Hammond, Jr., the youngest child and only son of James Henry Hammond. The father attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Yale, graduating with a law degree from Columbia. He was the son of Civil War General John Henry Hammond and Sophia Vernon Wolfe. James was a brother...
less
