Robert Glasper

Biography

Robert Glasper, born April 5, 1978, in Houston, Texas, is a Grammy-winning pianist, composer, producer, and arranger whose work bridges the worlds of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and neo soul. Raised by his mother, Kim Yvette Glasper, a professional blues and jazz singer, Glasper was immersed in music from an early age, performing in church and absorbing a wide array of influences[3][4][5]. He later attended the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, where he developed his craft and forged key relationships, notably with neo-soul artist Bilal[4][8].

Glasper's career took off with his debut album 'Mood' (2002), but it was his genre-defying approach—melding jazz improvisation with the rhythms and sensibilities of hip-hop and R&B—that set him apart[3][2]. His 2012 album 'Black Radio' was a critical and commercial breakthrough, winning the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and establishing Glasper as a leading figure in contemporary Black music[5][3]. He has since released multiple acclaimed albums, including 'Black Radio 2', 'Covered', and 'Black Radio III', and has collaborated with a diverse roster of artists across genres, from Kendrick Lamar and Common to Norah Jones and Erykah Badu[2][5].

Glasper's musical style is characterized by its fluid blending of genres, technical virtuosity, and a deep respect for the Black musical tradition. He has been recognized not only for his innovative recordings but also for his work as a composer for film and television, and as an Artist in Residence at major venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall[5]. His influence extends to a new generation of musicians who see him as a bridge between jazz's storied past and its vibrant, genre-blurring future.

Fun Facts

• Glasper won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for 'A Letter to the Free' from Ava DuVernay's documentary '13th'[5].
• He was the musical director for Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) early in his career[6].
• Glasper is an official Steinway Artist, a prestigious designation among pianists[2].
• He has served as Artist in Residence at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Blue Note Jazz Club[5].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Kim Yvette Glasper - His mother, a professional blues and jazz singer, was his earliest and most formative musical influence. (Childhood performances, early musical education) [1978–1996]
• Herbie Hancock - Stylistic influence; Glasper cites Hancock's genre-crossing approach as foundational to his own musical philosophy. (Influence evident throughout Glasper's discography) [Ongoing]
• Miles Davis - Stylistic influence; Davis's innovation and embrace of fusion inspired Glasper's boundary-pushing ethos. (Glasper produced and performed on the 'Miles Ahead' soundtrack) [2015 (soundtrack), ongoing influence]

Key Collaborators

• Bilal - Longtime friend and collaborator since New School days; key vocalist on many Glasper projects. ('Black Radio' series, 'Double-Booked', live performances) [2000s–present]
• Common - Frequent collaborator in both recording and live settings; co-created the group August Greene. ('Black Radio', 'August Greene', 'A Letter to the Free') [2010s–present]
• Kendrick Lamar - Played keyboards on Lamar's landmark album. ('To Pimp a Butterfly' (2015), 'These Walls') [2015]
• Robert Glasper Experiment - His own band, central to his genre-blending sound. ('Black Radio' series, 'Double-Booked') [2009–present]
• Terrace Martin - Collaborator in R+R=Now collective and other projects. (R+R=Now, 'Black Radio III') [2018–present]
• Lalah Hathaway - Frequent featured vocalist. ('Black Radio', 'Black Radio 2') [2012–present]

Artists Influenced

• Taylor McFerrin - Cites Glasper as a major influence in blending jazz and electronic music. ('Early Riser') [2010s]
• Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah - Inspired by Glasper's approach to genre fusion and improvisation. ('Stretch Music') [2010s]
• Samora Pinderhughes - Mentored and inspired by Glasper's integration of social themes and genre-blending. ('The Transformations Suite') [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. From My Heart And My Soul (feat. Tarriona Tank Ball & Phoelix) (Dinner Party: Dessert)
2. Freeze Tag (feat. Phoelix) (Dinner Party)
3. Melt Session #1 [Feat. Robert Glasper] (Melt My Eyez See Your Future)
4. Afro Blue (Black Radio)
5. Sleepless Nights (feat. Phoelix) (Dinner Party)
6. From My Heart and My Soul (feat. Phoelix) (Dinner Party)
7. Over [Feat. Yebba] (Black Radio III)
8. CALL ME INSTEAD (feat. Youngboy Never Broke Again & Robert Glasper) (THE FIRST TIME)
9. Love You Bad (feat. Malaya & Phoelix) (Dinner Party: Dessert)
10. Still Wonder (Marigold)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia