Biography
Vincent Herring, born November 19, 1964, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, is a renowned American jazz saxophonist, flautist, composer, and educator. After his parents divorced, Herring moved with his mother to California, where he began playing the saxophone at age 11, studying privately and performing in school bands. His early promise led to a music scholarship at California State University, Chico at age 16, followed by a stint as lead alto saxophonist in the United States Military Academy band, Jazz Knights, at West Point.
In 1982, Herring relocated to New York City to further his studies at Long Island University, quickly immersing himself in the vibrant jazz scene. He first toured with the Lionel Hampton Big Band before forging a nine-year partnership with Nat Adderley, recording nine albums and touring globally. Herring's career flourished as he collaborated with jazz legends such as Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Art Blakey, and Louis Hayes, notably co-founding the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band. His energetic, soulful, and multi-noted playing style—strongly influenced by Cannonball Adderley—has made him a fixture on the international jazz circuit.
As a bandleader, Herring has released over 20 albums and performed on more than 250 recordings as a sideman. He leads several ensembles, including Something Else, The Battle with Eric Alexander, and Jazz The Story, and is deeply involved in jazz education, mentoring young musicians and conducting clinics worldwide. Herring's legacy is marked by his dynamic artistry, versatility, and commitment to both performance and teaching, making him a key figure in contemporary hard bop and post-bop jazz.
Fun Facts
- Vincent Herring has played on more than 250 albums as a sideman, in addition to over 20 as a leader.
- He served as lead alto saxophonist in the United States Military Academy band, Jazz Knights, for one year.
- Herring has performed as a special guest soloist with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center and with Jon Faddis and The Carnegie Hall Big Band.
- He leads a unique project called Jazz The Story, which interprets 100 years of jazz history with an all-star orchestra.
Associated Acts
- Mingus Big Band
- Vincent Herring's The Story of Jazz Orchestra
- Jimmy Cobb’s So What Band - alto saxophone
- United Hammond Jazz Quartet
- The Heavy Hitters
- Something Else!
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley - Stylistic influence; Herring's sound and approach are strongly influenced by Adderley's energetic and soulful alto saxophone style. (Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band projects) [1980s–present]
Key Collaborators
- Nat Adderley - Long-term musical partnership; recorded and toured together for nearly a decade. (Nine albums as sideman and co-leader) [1980s–1997]
- Louis Hayes - Co-founder of the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band, honoring Adderley's music. (Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band albums and tours) [1997–present]
- Cedar Walton - Performed and recorded together for over 20 years. (Various albums and live performances) [1980s–2010s]
- Eric Alexander - Frequent collaborator in bands such as The Battle and Jazz The Story. (The Battle, Jazz The Story projects) [2000s–present]
- Lionel Hampton - Early touring experience with Hampton's big band. (Lionel Hampton Big Band tours) [Early 1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Numerous jazz students and emerging musicians - Herring is a dedicated educator, teaching at jazz clinics, workshops, and through university programs. (Jazz education clinics, masterclasses, university teaching) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Preaching to the Choir | 2021-04-30 | Album |
| The Uptown Shuffle | 2013 | Album |
| Soul Jazz | 2024-06-14 | Album |
| Secret Love | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Hard Times | 2017-11-03 | Album |
| Bird at 100 | 2019-11-29 | Album |
| The Battle (Recorded Live at Smoke, 2005) | 2005-08-16 | Album |
| Jobim for Lovers | 1999-01-01 | Album |
| Folklore: Live at the Village Vanguard | 1994-05-13 | Album |
| Night and Day | 2015-11-27 | Album |
| Perfume e Caricias | 2010-07-26 | Album |
| The Days of Wine and Roses | 1994-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- In a Sentimental Mood (Preaching to the Choir)
- Tenderly (The Uptown Shuffle)
- O Come, All Ye Faithful
- Bolivia
- I'd Never Change a Thing About You (That Feelin')
- My Romance
- Have You Met Miss Jones? (Secret Love)
- Strasbourg/St. Denis (Soul Jazz)
- Silverdust (Heavy Hitters)
- Shadows (That's What's Up)
External Links
Tags: #hard-bop, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
vincent herring has been played 13 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 2026 | 06:56 | Soft Impressionsfrom Split Decision | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Jan 2, 2026 | 17:55 | Pharoah's Dancefrom Split Decision | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 18:17 | Tenderlyfrom The Uptown Shuffle | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Nov 28, 2025 | 17:26 | Mo's Themefrom Split Decision | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Nov 28, 2025 | 07:56 | Strollin'from Split Decision | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Nov 21, 2025 | 16:04 | Pharoah's Dancefrom Split Decision | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Nov 19, 2025 | 16:19 | metropolis bluesfrom american experience | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Nov 14, 2025 | 16:02 | Soft Impressionsfrom Split Decision | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Oct 31, 2025 | 08:47 | A Peck A Secfrom Split Decision | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 16:02 | Strollin'from Split Decision | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell |